Level 4 Category Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Level 4 Category Manager

Job Description

The Level 4 Category Manager owns and executes the sourcing strategy for a defined category within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. You will manage supplier relationships end to end, drive cost savings and cost optimization, and ensure consistent supply performance while partnering closely with engineering, operations, and procurement teams. This is a hands-on, execution-focused role with strong ownership of category performance, where you will lead negotiations, manage supplier performance, and deliver measurable sourcing improvements in a rapidly growing organization tied to AI-driven demand.

Responsibilities

• Own and execute the sourcing strategy for a specific category or sub-category from end to end.
• Manage supplier selection, onboarding, and ongoing performance management for assigned suppliers.
• Lead negotiations for pricing, commercial terms, and supplier agreements to deliver cost savings and value.
• Drive cost savings and cost optimization initiatives across the category, including total cost of ownership improvements.
• Partner with engineering, operations, and supply chain teams to support sourcing decisions and category initiatives.
• Monitor and manage supplier performance using scorecards, KPIs, and regular business reviews.
• Run supplier relationships, including regular reviews, performance discussions, and continuous improvement activities.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks such as capacity constraints and single-source dependencies.
• Analyze data and cost drivers to support sourcing strategies, decisions, and prioritization of initiatives.
• Develop and execute sourcing initiatives from start to finish, ensuring on-time delivery of results.
• Ensure effective management of the category supplier base, including rationalization and performance improvement.
• Proactively identify and address supply risks to maintain continuity of supply and support business growth.
• Collaborate consistently with cross-functional stakeholders to align on requirements, timelines, and outcomes.
• Support the management of complex or technical components, working closely with technical teams to understand needs.

Essential Skills

• At least 8 years of experience in sourcing, procurement, or supply chain roles.
• At least 3 years of experience owning a category or sub-category; direct category ownership is required.
• Proven experience in supplier management and performance oversight, including hands-on supplier relationship management.
• Demonstrated experience negotiating contracts and delivering measurable cost savings.
• Experience working in a manufacturing, hardware, or industrial environment.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration experience with engineering, operations, or supply chain teams.
• Understanding of cost drivers and total cost of ownership (TCO) concepts.
• Understanding of supply chain risks and approaches to risk mitigation.
• Strong analytical skills, including advanced Excel capabilities and cost breakdown analysis.
• Hands-on experience with supplier selection, onboarding, and performance management.
• Experience running supplier scorecards, regular reviews, and structured performance management processes.
• Ability to understand what is being sourced and ask the right questions when working with technical components.
• Comfort working with engineering teams and technical stakeholders.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in semiconductor, capital equipment, or advanced manufacturing environments.
• Exposure to global sourcing and working with international suppliers.
• Experience managing complex or highly technical components.
• Strong communication skills and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Ability to interpret drawings at a high level and understand how they relate to sourcing decisions.
• Desire to grow into a more strategic category leadership role over time while maintaining hands-on ownership.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a high-growth, rapidly scaling environment with significant demand.
• Track record of delivering measurable cost savings, sourcing improvements, and supply risk mitigation.

Work Environment

This role operates in a hybrid work environment, offering flexibility in location while supporting a fast-paced manufacturing and hardware-focused business. You will collaborate virtually with engineering, operations, and supply chain teams across multiple locations. The organization is experiencing significant growth, driven by strong demand from AI-related customers and a large volume of open roles, creating substantial opportunities for career development and increased responsibility. Work is highly dynamic and execution-focused, with a strong emphasis on data-driven decision-making, supplier performance management, and continuous improvement. Dress code expectations align with a professional remote work setting, allowing you to work comfortably while maintaining a professional presence in virtual meetings.

This is a Permanent position based out of Somerset, NJ.

The pay range for this position is $98000.00 - $160000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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This is a fully onsite position in Somerset,NJ.

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 12, 2026.

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.