Category Manager – Direct Materials

Category Manager – Direct Materials

Manufacturing | Supply Chain Strategy

Denver, CO (Hybrid: 3 days onsite / 2 remote)

$100K–$120K Base + Full Benefits

Own the Strategy Behind What Gets Built

We're partnering with a leading, innovation-driven manufacturing organization seeking a Category Manager – Direct Materials to drive sourcing strategy, supplier performance, and cost optimization across a multi-site operation.

This is not a transactional purchasing role.

This is a high-impact, strategic seat where you will

• Influence millions in spend

• Partner directly with R&D, Product, and Operations

• Shape the supply chain strategy of a growing enterprise

What You'll Own

Strategic Sourcing & Cost Leadership

• Develop and execute data-driven sourcing strategies across direct materials categories

• Build and leverage should-cost models to guide negotiations and long-term savings

• Deliver measurable year-over-year cost reductions through:

• Competitive sourcing

• Supplier negotiations

• Value engineering

Supplier & Contract Management

• Own supplier relationships across performance, quality, and cost

• Lead supplier development initiatives to elevate capability and reliability

• Manage contracts end-to-end, ensuring compliance and performance

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Partner with

• R&D and Product Teams on new materials and innovation

• Operations and Quality on execution and performance

• Act as the commercial voice of supply chain strategy across the business

Risk Management & Supply Continuity

• Proactively identify supply risks and implement mitigation strategies

• Lead root-cause analysis and corrective actions for disruptions

• Ensure uninterrupted supply across multiple facilities

What You Bring

Must-Have

• 5–7+ years in supply chain / sourcing within manufacturing

• Proven experience sourcing direct/raw materials (non-negotiable)

• Experience managing $20M+ in spend

• Strong contract negotiation and supplier management experience

• Hands-on experience with should-cost modeling / cost analysis

• ERP experience (SAP or similar)

What Gets You Interviewed FAST

• Background in multi-site manufacturing environments

• Experience partnering with R&D / product teams

• CPSM certification (or similar)

• Track record of cost savings + supplier optimization

Why This Role Stands Out

• High visibility + strategic influence

• Direct ownership of significant spend categories

• True partnership with innovation teams (R&D / Product)

• Opportunity to drive process improvement + supply chain transformation

• Hybrid flexibility in a strong Denver-based operation

Why Work With Us (Your Differentiator)

We are not a resume-forwarding firm.

We are a strategic talent partner known for

• Precision matching — we only bring you roles that align

• Speed + transparency — no black box recruiting

• Direct client access — your experience is represented accurately

• Long-term partnership — we support your career, not just this role

Our candidates consistently say

This was the most efficient and aligned process I've experienced.

If you're ready to take ownership of strategic sourcing at scale and drive real business impact—we should connect.

#CategoryManager #SupplyChain #StrategicSourcing #DirectMaterials

#Procurement #ManufacturingJobs #DenverJobs #Sourcing

#CostOptimization #SupplierManagement #Operations