Category Manager

Talent Acquisition Professional | Strategic Sourcing Job Summary The Category Manager is responsible for managing complex categories of spend while analyzing market trends, development of the procurement strategy, and driving the implementation of the category strategy through the procurement team to provide the most cost-effective procurement of assigned categories. Unlike traditional procurement roles that focus primarily on cost savings or transactional purchasing, category managers are tasked with a more holistic approach. They become experts in specific categories of spend, understanding everything from market dynamics to internal stakeholder needs, all to ensure procurement drives real, strategic value for the organization. Responsibilities Category Strategy Development Create and implement category strategies that maximize value and ensure continuity of supply. Continuously improve procurement processes within your assigned category. Negotiate and administer supply agreements and contracts in conjunction with the Contract & Supplier Risk Manager Build effective relationships with suppliers. Negotiate favorable terms, pricing, and contracts. Work with vendors to resolve any performance issues, including delivery, quality, or customer service. Oversight and ensure compliance to supply agreements and contracts. Identify and address risks related to supplier reliability, quality, and financial stability. Develop contingency plans for business continuity. Market Analysis and Trends Analyze market trends, customer purchasing habits, and competitor products. Make data-driven decisions to optimize procurement. Inventory Management Set inventory level strategies to meet manufacturing demands. Consider lead times and suggest optimal stock levels. Budget Management Set goals within budget constraints. Track expenses and key performance metrics. Other duties as assigned Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in business administration or equivalent education/work experience; MBA or related advanced degree a plus Minimum 8 years of procurement or supply chain experience (preferably within manufacturing industries) Minimum 5 years of experience in negotiations including RFI, RFP, RFQ and contract development Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) or similar qualification a plus Strong Negotiating, Benchmarking, Market Analysis, Competitive Intelligence, and Procurement Projects Management skills Strong interpersonal skills: ability to communicate and engage at all organizational levels, ability to cultivate and sustain high quality professional relationships Ability to work individually or as part of a team environment Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office and ERP systems in a global environment is required, preferably with SAP A willingness to travel domestically as much as 20% of the time Eligible for hybrid work (the hybrid work schedule is provisional and may be modified, based on business needs) Competitive Salary with a general salary range of $111,744.00 to $139,680.00 or higher depending on education and experience. Relocation assistance eligible. Benefits Comprehensive benefits to include: Medical Vision 401(k) with employer match Retirement Account Fertility Services Adoption Assistance Paid Vacation Paid Holidays Tuition Reimbursement Life Insurance Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Flexible spending accounts Wellness Program with medical premium incentives Interested / Qualified candidates, please apply online No phone calls or third-party recruiters, please Employment ready applicants only Company Information National Gypsum Company, headquartered in Charlotte, NC, is the exclusive service provider of reliable, high-performance building products marketed under the Gold Bond, ProForm and PermaBASE brands. The National Gypsum name – through its Gold Bond, ProForm and PermaBASE product lines – has been synonymous with high-quality, innovative products, and exceptional customer service since 1925. For decades, we have saved our customers time and money by providing the industry’s best, most reliable building products, resources and services. We are Building Products for a Better Future one project at a time. National Gypsum Company operates as a family of companies working together toward a common goal with collaboration and open communication. Our corporate entities include: NG Corporate, LLC; National Gypsum Services Company; Gold Bond Building Products, LLC; Gold Bond Canada, LLC; ProForm Finishing Products, LLC; PermaBASE Building Products, LLC; and Unifix Inc. Hiring Entity: NATIONAL GYPSUM SERVICES COMPANY The above information on this description has been designated to indicate the general nature and level of work. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of an associate assigned to this position. The company enforces a tobacco-free policy at all its locations. All National Gypsum Company and corporate affiliate companies, including: NG Corporate, LLC, National Gypsum Services Company, Gold Bond Building Products, LLC, Gold Bond Canada, LLC, ProForm Finishing Products, LLC, PermaBASE Building Products, LLC and Unifix Inc, are Equal Opportunity Employers. Please visit to view all of our exciting employment opportunities. Employment contingent upon successful completion of background investigation. Pre-employment drug screening is required. All companies participate in E-Verify. E-Verify is an internet-based system that compares information from an employee’s Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment eligibility. #J-18808-Ljbffr