Category Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Category Manager – Alpharetta, GA

Arclin is currently looking for a Category Manager to join our procurement team at our Alpharetta, GA headquarters. Reporting into a Sr. Director of Procurement , this position is responsible for execution of established procurement strategies to support our organization with procuring high-quality, cost-effective raw materials and services.

This role is a hybrid-position , requiring presence in the Alpharetta Corporate Headquarters 2-3 days per week.

Category Manager Job Responsibilities :

· Develop and execute a comprehensive procurement strategy for direct raw material commodities, managing a total spend of $80M+ to achieve cost, quality, and delivery objectives.

· Identify and drive opportunities for supplier consolidation and national standardization, leveraging volume to secure the lowest total cost of ownership while maintaining standards for safety, quality, sustainability, reliability, and responsiveness.

· Mitigate supply chain risk by ensuring multi-source strategies and establishing contingency suppliers for indirect and critical spend categories.

· Lead complex negotiations and contract drafting with suppliers, covering terms and conditions, pricing mechanisms, escalation/reduction clauses, warranties, performance expectations, rebates, vendor-managed inventory, and other key commercial terms.

· Monitor and resolve supplier performance issues related to quality, delivery, and pricing, ensuring continuous improvement and alignment with business goals.

· Manage the RFQ/RFP process end-to-end — from supplier qualification and evaluation to bid analysis and final recommendation — to ensure competitive sourcing and strategic supplier selection.

· Collaborate cross-functionally with operations, finance, and engineering teams to align procurement initiatives with business objectives and long-term supply strategies.

· Lead strategic commercial negotiations with key industry leaders.

· Track and report cost savings, performance metrics, and sourcing pipeline progress to senior leadership

· Domestic travel of approximately 10-15% may be required to support supplier visits, plant operations, and business initiatives.

Category Manager Job Qualifications:

· B.S. in Supply Chain Management, Business, Accounting, or equivalent degree required

· 5+ years of Procurement or equivalent experience

· Solid knowledge of purchasing profession and the chemical industry. Strong knowledge of contract design. Understanding of marketplace relating to goods and services purchased. General understanding of business issues and financial principles.

· Strong bias for action and demonstrated track record of creating and delivering value.

· Competitive spirit with tenaciousness for driving results.

· Proficient negotiation skillset (Honest, fact based, partnership oriented)

· Experience in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word, etc.)

· Experience/exposure to ERP/MRP systems is a plus (SAP S/4HANA and/or JD Edwards preferred)

· Ability to plan and prioritize a wide variety of activities

· Project management skills

· Demonstrated stakeholder alignment

· Strong communication skills (verbally and written)

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.