Category Manager

The Category Manager is responsible for developing and implementing category strategies to optimize procurement processes, enhance supplier relationships, and drive cost savings. This role involves analyzing market trends, managing vendor relationships, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure the efficient sourcing of goods and services within their assigned category. (This is meant to be a guide. Duties may vary dependent upon management.)

Essential Position Functions:

• Category Strategy: Develop and execute comprehensive category strategies aligned with organizational goals, including cost reduction, quality improvement, and supplier consolidation.
• Supplier Management: Identify, assess, and manage suppliers, fostering strong partnerships to ensure a reliable supply chain. Negotiate terms, agreements, and contracts to secure favorable terms and conditions.
• Market Analysis: Continuously monitor market trends, competitive landscapes, and industry developments to identify opportunities and risks within the category.
• Cost Management: Implement cost-effective measures, negotiate pricing, and implement cost-saving initiatives while maintaining or improving product/service quality.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaborate with various departments, including marketing, sales, and operations, to align category strategies with overall business objectives.
• Performance Metrics: Define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of category initiatives, regularly reporting on progress to senior management.
• Risk Management: Identify and mitigate supply chain risks, ensuring business continuity and resilience within the category.
• Compliance: Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards in all procurement activities.
• Supplier Diversity: Promote supplier diversity initiatives and ethical sourcing practices within the category.
• Budget Management: Develop and manage budgets related to category activities, tracking expenditures and ensuring cost control.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature, complexity and level of work to be performed by employees assigned to this position, and is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and/or skills required. It does not prescribe or restrict the work that may be assigned. Furthermore, this does not establish a contract for employment and is subject to change at the discretion of the company.

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or related field (Master's degree preferred).
• 5+ years of experience in category management or related procurement roles.
• Proficiency in procurement software and tools.
• Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in a team and independently.
• Knowledge of industry-specific regulations and compliance standards.
• Certification in supply chain management (e.g., CSCP, CPSM) is a plus.
• Must have intermediate Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) skills.
• Must be able to efficiently use a Windows-based computer.
• Ability to prioritize and complete assignments accurately and in a timely manner.
• Able to effectively handle multiple priorities with a strong attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, oral and written communications skills.
• Must be able to work alone, and with a team.
• Must be able to read and communicate in English, for safe and effective performance of the job and business operations.
• Must be able to pass a drug screen and criminal background check.

Work Environment:

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to walk and stand continuously for long periods of time.
• Talk or hear, both in person and by telephone.
• Reach with hands and arms.
• Repetitive bending, twisting.
• Specific vision requirements include close vision, distance vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• Lift up to 25 lbs.

Mental Demands

• Regularly required to use written and oral communication skills.
• Will interact regularly with managers and staff.
• Must be able to work independently with little supervision.

Work Environment

• Employee works primarily in an office environment.

Mac Papers + Packaging is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other protected category.