Indirect Category Manager

Divergent is a technology company that has architected, invented, built, and commercialized an end-to-end factory system called the Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPS) that comprehensively uses machine learning to optimally engineer, additively manufacture, and flexibly assemble complex integrated vehicle structures and subsystems. Products created using DAPS are superior in performance, lower in cost, rapidly customizable to meet mission and customer-specific requirements, faster to market, and scalable on demand to high volume production. Divergent is a qualified Tier 1 supplier to global automotive OEMs, and Divergent is now expanding to support mission critical needs in the Aerospace and Defense sector. Join us to be a part of this transformative journey, where your impact will shape the future of technology and production. Purpose We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Global Supply Manager (Indirect Procurement) to manage sourcing and procurement activities across Divergent 3D and Czinger Vehicles. This individual will be responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring cost-effective, high-quality, and timely procurement of indirect goods and services that enable our business operations. This role supports a broad range of categories and internal stakeholders, including Information Technology, Software, Travel, HR, Finance, Engineering Services, Facilities, and Construction . The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, high-growth environment, and is equally comfortable driving strategy and managing day-to-day execution. This individual will play a critical role in building a scalable procurement function that supports the company’s rapid growth and global expansion. The successful candidate will be both a strategic thought partner to functional leaders and a hands-on operator capable of driving sourcing initiatives, optimizing spend, and developing supplier partnerships that align with Divergent’s long-term objectives. The Role Strategic Procurement Leadership Develop and execute a comprehensive sourcing strategy for indirect categories that balances cost, quality, agility, and innovation. Collaborate with functional leaders (IT, HR, Finance, Engineering, Facilities) to align procurement strategies with business objectives and annual operating plans. Establish and continuously refine category roadmaps, supplier segmentation models, and total cost of ownership (TCO) frameworks. Build a deep understanding of the technology, market dynamics, and emerging trends across each supported category. Category Management & Sourcing Execution Lead end-to-end sourcing processes including market analysis, RFIs/RFPs/RFQs, supplier evaluation, bid analysis, contract negotiation, and award recommendations. Manage key strategic categories such as: Information Technology & Software – SaaS, enterprise software, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, and IT consulting. Corporate Services – HR, payroll, recruiting, learning and development, employee benefits, and travel. Finance & Professional Services – audit, legal, insurance, tax advisory, and corporate communications. Engineering Services – contract design, analysis, and simulation partners supporting Divergent and Czinger engineering teams. Facilities & Construction – sourcing for office, lab, and production site construction and maintenance, including capital equipment installation and MRO. Analyze supplier performance and market conditions to identify opportunities for cost reduction, risk mitigation, and value creation. Supplier Relationship Management Develop and maintain strong supplier partnerships that drive innovation, quality, and delivery performance. Implement supplier governance structures, including business reviews, performance scorecards, and continuous improvement initiatives. Manage supplier risk, compliance, and contractual performance in collaboration with Legal, Finance, and EHS teams. Cross-Functional Partnership Partner with Legal and Finance to negotiate, draft, and manage supplier contracts (MSAs, SOWs, SLAs, NDAs). Work closely with internal stakeholders to understand operational needs, communicate sourcing strategies, and ensure seamless execution of procurement activities. Support leadership in developing spend visibility, forecasting, and budgeting tools for indirect categories. Act as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on procurement strategy, cost management, and supplier innovation. Process Optimization & Systems Implementation Drive procurement process improvements to increase efficiency, compliance, and scalability as the organization grows. Develop and maintain category dashboards, spend analyses, and KPI reports. Support or lead the implementation of procurement systems and tools (e.g., Coupa, SAP, Ariba, NetSuite). Establish standard operating procedures (SOPs) for indirect procurement across Divergent and Czinger business units. Basic Qualifications Ability to lawfully access information and technology that is subject to US export controls Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, Engineering, or related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred. 7+ years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or supply chain management with an emphasis on indirect categories . Proven track record managing complex sourcing initiatives across multiple business functions and international suppliers. Experience in high-growth, technology-driven, or manufacturing environments preferred. Demonstrated expertise in contract negotiation, cost modeling, and supplier relationship management. Strong familiarity with IT and software procurement , including SaaS agreements and cloud licensing models, is strongly preferred. Exceptional analytical, negotiation, and communication skills. Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, ambiguous, and dynamic environment. Strategic thinker with hands‑on execution capability. Strong stakeholder management and cross‑functional collaboration skills. Working knowledge of procurement tools and ERP systems (e.g., Coupa, SAP, Ariba, NetSuite). Passion for technology, innovation, and sustainability. Key Performance Metrics Achievement of annual cost reduction and value creation targets. Category strategy execution and supplier performance metrics. Procurement process efficiency and cycle time reduction. Internal stakeholder satisfaction and alignment. Compliance with corporate policies, budgets, and timelines. Compensation At Divergent, our pay range is based on the level of the job. For this role, we will consider candidates at levels S05 - S07 as evaluated through our interview process. SCH S05: $104,040 - $143,055 SCH S06: $120,190 - $165,240 SCH S07: $138,805 - 190,868 Pay Range: $104,040 - $190,868 USD What We Offer Holistic Compensation Package : Enjoy a world-class compensation package that includes a competitive salary, equity plan, and discretionary results‑based incentive bonus opportunities, ensuring you’re truly valued for your contributions. Wellness and Time Off : Embrace a healthy lifestyle with paid vacation, sick time, and company holidays, including a year‑end shutdown to recharge. We support growing families with paid parental leave, recognizing the importance of bonding time. Comprehensive Health and Wellness : Prioritize your well‑being with our comprehensive health and wellness benefits, offering both HMO and Premium PPO options. Additionally, benefit from company‑sponsored life insurance and short and long‑term disability coverage for peace of mind. Investment in Growth : We’re committed to your professional development. Take advantage of reimbursement opportunities for learning and development initiatives, empowering you to continuously expand your skill set and reach peak performance. Collaborative and High-Performing Environment : Join our collaborative, dynamic, and high‑performing team within a fast‑paced, mission‑driven company. Together, we’re disrupting the traditional manufacturing industry, fostering innovation, and integrating people and technology to reduce our footprint. Equal Employment Opportunity Divergent is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected characteristic. Divergent provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with Disabilities and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act. E-Verify Poster E-Verify: Right to Work Our company participates in E-Verify. E-Verify is a program that electronically confirms a candidate’s eligibility to work in the United States after completing the Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9). The information provided on the Form I-9 is compared to the records contained in the Social Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) databases. This helps employers verify the identity and employment eligibility of newly hired employees. Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance (FCIHO) Pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance (FCIHO), we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. No agencies, no solicitations, and no calls please. #J-18808-Ljbffr