Associate Category Manager

Pay Range $66,600.00-$91,600.00 Annual This is the base salary pay range that an applicant can expect to make upon hire. Pay within this range will vary based upon relevant experience, skills, and education among other factors. In addition, this position is eligible for an incentive bonus. Job Summary The Associate Category Manager supports the execution of category strategies to drive cost competitiveness, ensure supply continuity, and strengthen supplier performance across direct materials, indirect spend, and trading goods. This role is designed for a developing procurement professional who contributes to measurable outcomes—such as cost savings, supplier performance improvements, and operational efficiency—while building foundational skills in sourcing, negotiation, and cross‑functional collaboration. Key Performance Outcomes Cost Savings & Category Support Contribute to achieving annual cost reduction targets through sourcing initiatives and supplier collaboration Support development and execution of category strategies aligned with business objectives Identify and help implement cost‑saving opportunities, process improvements, and efficiency gains Supplier Performance & Relationship Management Manage supplier relationships to ensure quality, delivery, and cost expectations are consistently met Monitor supplier performance and ensure contract compliance across all assigned vendors Participate in supplier workshops to identify and capture annual savings and performance improvements Sourcing Execution & Project Delivery Support cross‑functional projects focused on new supplier qualification, alternate materials, and cost reduction initiatives Help drive sourcing activities that ensure uninterrupted and sustainable supply across manufacturing operations Lead and deliver smaller projects or workstreams, collaborating with internal stakeholders Data Analysis & Performance Tracking Develop and maintain monthly scorecards and performance metrics to track savings, supplier performance, and category health Use data and analytics to support decision‑making and identify improvement opportunities Provide insights and recommendations to leadership based on analysis of spend and supplier performance Commercial & Contract Support Assist in the development and implementation of contracts that support cost competitiveness and risk management Apply foundational negotiation skills to support favorable commercial outcomes Ensure contracts align with sourcing strategies and business needs Professional Growth & Leadership Development Demonstrate and develop JM Leadership Attributes through daily work and interactions Build foundational expertise in strategic sourcing, supplier management, and category planning Actively seek feedback, mentorship, and opportunities to expand scope and responsibility Core Responsibilities Assist in developing and executing sourcing and category strategies Support cost reduction initiatives and track savings performance Manage supplier relationships and ensure contract compliance Participate in supplier engagements and workshops to drive improvements Support cross‑functional initiatives including new product development and process improvements Maintain performance metrics, reporting, and scorecards Ensure consistent supply of materials and services to operations Qualifications Bachelor's degree required 2+ years of sourcing, procurement, or supply chain related experience CPSM certification (or progress toward certification) preferred Foundational knowledge of commodity management and sourcing practices Basic negotiation and contract management skills Understanding of financial analysis and cost drivers Familiarity with e‑sourcing tools and ERP systems (SAP preferred) Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook) Strong communication skills with the ability to present ideas and recommendations clearly Ability to influence stakeholders and collaborate across teams Benefits Health benefits: comprehensive medical plans, dental plan, vision plan, wellness program, and critical illness insurance Retirement plan: 401(k) with company match Paid time off: vacation, sick leave, and parental leave for eligible employees Insurance: basic life, short‑term and long‑term disability, employee assistance program, business travel accident coverage, supplemental life, accidental death and dismemberment Financial accounts: health spending account, traditional flexible spending account, and dependent care spending account Tuition reimbursement program for undergraduate and certain graduate programs Physical Requirements Incumbent must be physically able to perform essential job functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. Equal Opportunity Employer We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We maintain a drug‑free workplace and perform pre‑employment substance abuse testing. #J-18808-Ljbffr