Category Manager

Job Description

Job Description

CATEGORY MANAGER

Location: Hybrid, Alpharetta, GA (Corporate Headquarters)
Reports To: Manager, Indirect Procurement & Category Management

Position Overview

This is not an entry level position. The Category Manager is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies that deliver value across Arclin's indirect spend portfolio. This role leads strategic sourcing initiatives, supplier negotiations, contract management, and category planning while partnering closely with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, Finance, Project Management, and site leadership teams.

Success in this role is measured by the ability to reduce costs, mitigate supply risk, improve supplier performance, and support operational excellence across a multi-site manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies across spend categories including MRO, facilities, industrial services, capital equipment, professional services, and related categories.
• Lead RFIs, RFQs, RFPs, supplier selection processes, and commercial negotiations.
• Identify and deliver cost savings, cost avoidance, process improvements, and supplier performance enhancements.
• Build strong supplier partnerships while managing supplier performance, risk, and compliance.
• Utilize spend analytics, market intelligence, and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) principles to support sourcing decisions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to support manufacturing operations, capital projects, and enterprise procurement initiatives.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and drive adoption of procurement best practices and systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Finance, or a related field preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, category management, supply chain, or related commercial functions.
• Proven success leading sourcing initiatives, supplier negotiations, and contract development.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience supporting manufacturing, industrial, or capital project environments.
• Experience with ERP systems such as SAP S/4HANA or JD Edwards and proficiency with Excel, Power BI, and procurement analytics tools preferred.
• Ability to travel as needed to manufacturing facilities and supplier locations.

You can find Arclin everywhere. Our technologies make homes and transportation safer, help crops flourish, keep water clean, protect first responders and members of the military, and preserve the purity of essential pharmaceuticals. These vital, everyday products can't fail, and we’re here to give the world an extra layer of performance and peace of mind.

With ~4,000 team members across more than 30 global manufacturing facilities, we operate with the scale to make a global impact and the agility to solve complex challenges at the molecular level. Rooted in scientific discovery and innovation, Arclin’s materials redefine performance across industries - from Firepoint®’s patented intumescent technology that helps stall flames and save lives to the iconic Kevlar® and Nomex® brands trusted to protect those who serve, strengthen aerospace and industrial systems, and perform where reliability and safety are top of mind.

As we expand our mission‑critical materials portfolio and shape the next era of performance technologies, we’re looking for people who want to grow, lead, and solve the challenges others can’t. Together, we’ll advance the innovations that keep the world moving. Because at Arclin, our people are truly Vital Beyond Measure.