Category Manager - Paint, Chemicals & Adhesives

About the role

J.B. Poindexter & Co., Inc. (JBPCO) is a privately held, diversified manufacturing company forecasting over $2.5 B in annual revenues and employing over 8,000 team members across six operating subsidiaries and 60 locations. The company produces commercial truck bodies, step‑vans, utility trucks, ambulances, electric and alternative‑fuel vehicles, and expandable foam plastic packaging. The position develops and executes global sourcing strategies for Chemicals, Glass, Plastics, Paint, Adhesives, and/or assigned items, planning and implementing activities for timely, cost‑effective procurement, planning, and on‑time delivery while balancing acquisition cost and working‑capital considerations.

Responsibilities

• Lead supplier sourcing, evaluation and selection, negotiation, performance monitoring, relationship management, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with Finance, Engineering, and Sales & Marketing to develop and maintain technology and/or category strategies.
• Develop and maintain strong global supplier relationships, including site visits and engagement at all organizational levels.
• Track and report on category strategies, monitor spend, business allocation, capability‑gap analysis, and facilitate cross‑functional review and evaluation.
• Develop category strategies to mitigate supply‑chain risk overall and for specific new‑product programs.
• Provide benchmarking studies and market analysis.
• Negotiate purchases and long‑term agreements for components and raw materials.
• Organize and lead regular strategic supplier business reviews.
• Facilitate internal and external category analysis in support of strategic sourcing processes.
• Manage sourcing and negotiations, implement agreements, integrate key suppliers, monitor performance, and oversee ongoing supplier and contract management for assigned commodities.
• Assist in developing and enhancing processes, systems, and reporting capabilities to drive efficiencies in regional procurement services.
• Improve processes and leverage technology to reduce costs, identify best practices, and measure performance.
• Provide direction and prioritization to re‑engineering team efforts.
• Identify competitive benchmarks and implement approved process changes to achieve first‑quintile performance.
• Contribute to Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) reduction initiatives.
• Assist in improving systems and work processes.
• Provide and update commodities movement and drivers for the monthly JBPCO commodities dashboard.
• Generate and present supplier performance metrics, manage corrective actions, and drive continuous‑improvement initiatives such as VA‑VE and lead‑time reduction programs.
• Perform or evaluate root‑cause problem resolution for supplier‑related issues and ensure integrity of corrective actions.
• Organize and execute regular supplier site evaluations and audits.

Qualifications

• 5–8+ years of experience in a Supply Chain or Procurement role related to Chemicals.
• Bachelor’s degree from a four‑year college or university.
• Purchasing experience in a manufacturing/engineered‑product environment.
• Experience interfacing with manufacturing engineering and program‑management teams.
• Proven experience executing global supply‑chain initiatives and strategic planning.
• Experience in global procurement and sourcing.
• C.P.M., CPSM, or CPIM certification preferred.
• Ability to travel domestically 25–50%.
• Ability to manage long lead‑time product deliveries in support of production.
• Working knowledge of assembly and manufacturing processes.
• Thorough knowledge of Purchasing Law and the Uniform Commercial Code.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and negotiating skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Project.
• Thorough understanding of the financial impact of decisions.
• Previous ERP/MRP experience.