Category Manager – Direct Materials | Strategic Sourcing, SAP, Manufacturing | Denver, CO (Hybrid)

Category Manager – Direct Materials

📍 Location: Denver, Colorado (Hybrid – 3 days onsite / 2 days remote)
💼 Employment Type: Full-Time
🎓 Education: Bachelor’s Degree required
📈 Experience Level: Mid-Senior
🕒 Experience Required: 5–7+ years
✈️ Travel: Occasional
🌎 Visa Sponsorship: Not available
🚚 Relocation Assistance: Not available

Role Overview

We are seeking a Category Manager – Direct Materials to lead strategic sourcing initiatives across a multi-site manufacturing environment.

This role is responsible for optimising cost, quality, and supply continuity, while driving supplier performance and supporting innovation through strong cross-functional collaboration with R&D, Product, and Operations teams.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing & Cost Optimisation

• Develop and execute data-driven category strategies for direct/raw materials

• Build and maintain should-cost models to support negotiations and pricing decisions

• Deliver year-over-year cost savings through:

• Strategic negotiations

• Competitive sourcing events

• Supplier rationalisation

• Value engineering initiatives

• Track and report performance using KPIs, scorecards, and executive updates

Supplier & Contract Management

• Manage supplier relationships to ensure:

• Quality performance

• Cost competitiveness

• Supply reliability

• Lead supplier development initiatives to improve capability and alignment

• Own contract lifecycle management, including compliance and renewals

• Manage $20M+ spend categories

Project & Cross-Functional Leadership

• Lead cross-functional teams across:

• R&D

• Product Management

• Operations

• Finance

• Quality

• Support:

• New supplier qualification

• New product introductions (NPI)

• Material evaluation and innovation initiatives

• Act as the primary commercial interface across multiple facilities

Risk Management & Supply Continuity

• Proactively identify and mitigate supply chain risks

• Develop and implement contingency plans

• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for supply disruptions

• Ensure uninterrupted supply of critical materials

Process Improvement

• Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency

• Streamline sourcing and supply chain operations

• Drive adoption of best practices across the organisation

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required

• 5+ years of experience in supply chain or sourcing, including:

• At least 3 years sourcing within a large/complex organisation

• Proven experience sourcing direct/raw materials in manufacturing environments

• Experience managing $20M+ spend categories

• Strong contract negotiation and supplier management experience

Technical Skills

• Expertise in should-cost modelling and cost analysis

• Strong understanding of commodity/category management principles

• Experience with e-sourcing tools

• Proficiency with:

• SAP or similar ERP systems

• Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook

Preferred Qualifications

• CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management) certification

• Experience supporting new product development or R&D initiatives

• Background in multi-site manufacturing environments

Key Competencies

• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities

• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams

• Proactive, collaborative mindset with focus on continuous improvement

• Ability to present insights to senior and non-technical stakeholders

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will:

• Have direct experience sourcing raw/direct materials within manufacturing

• Be comfortable managing large spend categories and complex supplier networks

• Demonstrate strong commercial acumen and negotiation capability

• Thrive in a cross-functional, fast-paced environment

• Have a track record of delivering cost savings and supplier performance improvements

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package

• Health and wellbeing coverage

• Paid time off

• Additional employee benefits

Screening Question

• Do you have experience sourcing raw or direct materials for manufacturing plants?

Manufacturing Operations Manager | $106K–$150K | Consumer Products | Sanford, ME

Manufacturing Operations Manager

Location: Sanford, Maine
Job ID: 167229
Employment Type: Full-Time

💵 Compensation:

• Base Salary: $106,000 – $150,000/year

• Bonus Eligible: No

• Commission: No

• Overtime Eligible: No

🎁 Benefits:

• Full benefits package (medical, dental, vision, 401k, etc.)

• Relocation assistance available for the ideal candidate

• Paid time off (PTO) and holidays

• Career development and advancement support

• Opportunities for continuous improvement training (Lean, Six Sigma, etc.)

Lead. Innovate. Transform.

Are you a manufacturing leader ready to take the next step in your career? This exciting opportunity offers the chance to drive operational excellence, lead high-performing teams, and influence end-to-end production strategies at a dynamic consumer products facility in Sanford, Maine.

You’ll oversee production, warehouse, and finishing operations while fostering a safety-first, quality-driven, and continuous improvement culture. Bring your passion for innovation, people leadership, and efficiency—and make a measurable impact on global supply chain performance.

What You’ll Be Responsible For

🔧 Operations Leadership

• Oversee daily operations across production, making, finishing, and warehouse areas

• Lead supervisory teams and technicians to meet KPIs around quality, safety, and efficiency

• Drive a culture of accountability, performance, and collaboration

• Partner cross-functionally with Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, and EH&S to maximize productivity

• Champion Factory Performance & Reliability (FP&R) standards including People Capability, Visual Workplace, and Continuous Improvement

• Act as a visible, hands-on leader during audits, SOP reviews, and daily operations

• Build contingency plans to ensure business continuity during disruptions

💰 Financial Oversight

• Co-own plant financial performance with site leadership

• Drive savings initiatives through labor cost optimization and FTG (Fund-the-Growth) programs

• Analyze variances in materials, labor, and output to improve financial forecasting

• Optimize inventory, capital expenditures, and operating expenses to improve cash flow

• Monitor and revise site KPIs to align with evolving business goals

👥 People & Culture

• Execute labor strategies that promote employee relations, retention, and engagement

• Build and mentor a high-performing workforce, empowering both salaried and hourly teams

• Develop internal talent pipelines while fostering a culture of recognition and inclusion

✅ Quality, Compliance & Process Excellence

• Ensure all production activities align with GMP, FDA, and safety standards

• Own decisions regarding out-of-spec raw materials, WIP, and finished goods

• Guarantee team proficiency with SOPs for lot tracking, release procedures, code dating, and traceability

• Lead implementation of corrective/preventive actions for non-conformances

• Ensure validated cleaning, sanitization, and changeover procedures are followed

• Facilitate successful technology transfers for new products and processes

⚙️ Process & Equipment Optimization

• Set annual site goals for process capability; monitor and report on monthly progress

• Ensure process control tolerances, calibration routines, and SOP accuracy

• Identify and resolve equipment constraints in partnership with technical teams

• Oversee preventive maintenance and ensure team training on cleaning and batch procedures

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or related discipline (required)

• 8+ years of progressive leadership in manufacturing operations

• Strong background in GMP, FDA/regulated environments, and ISO/OSHA standards

• Solid understanding of Quality systems and manufacturing audits

• Advanced proficiency with digital tools (e.g., Google Suite, Data Studio)

• Experience leading cross-functional teams and navigating matrixed environments

Preferred Qualifications

• SAP, WMS, and plant floor systems experience

• Certified or experienced in Lean Six Sigma or continuous improvement methodology

• Proven ability to manage ambiguity and multiple initiatives simultaneously

• Strong communicator with excellent coaching and feedback capabilities

• Project management skills with experience leading complex initiatives

Additional Details

• Seniority Level: Mid-Senior

• Management Experience: Not required, but leadership experience essential

• Travel: Occasional

• Visa Sponsorship: Not available

• Security Clearance: Not required

• Relocation Assistance: Yes, for the ideal candidate

Take Charge of Change

This role is built for a strategic, hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced, quality-first environment. If you're ready to elevate your impact, drive performance, and shape the future of manufacturing—this is your opportunity.

Senior Supply Chain Manager | Medical Devices | $150K–$160K | Sumter, SC

Job Title: Senior Supply Chain Manager
Location: Sumter, South Carolina (Onsite – Manufacturing Facility)
Industry: Medical Technology / Medical Devices
Employment Type: Full-Time
Seniority Level: Mid-Senior
Travel: Up to 25%
Visa Sponsorship: Not Available
Security Clearance: Not Required
Relocation Assistance: Possible for the right candidate
Compensation: $150,000–$160,000 base salary + full benefits
Bonus Eligible: No
Interview Travel Reimbursed: Yes

Overview:

This role is a strategic and hands-on leadership opportunity within a leading global medical technology manufacturer. The Senior Supply Chain Manager will lead the end-to-end supply chain operations for a high-volume manufacturing plant, overseeing planning, purchasing, sterilization, product flow, shipping, and master data governance. This individual will play a critical role in ensuring supply continuity, operational efficiency, inventory optimization, and cross-functional collaboration with corporate, regional, and site-based stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

Purchasing & Supplier Management

• Lead procurement of raw materials, components, MRO supplies, and capital equipment.

• Direct issuance of purchase orders and lead resolution of non-conforming materials with supplier quality teams.

• Collaborate with One Company Procurement (OCP) for corporate sourcing compliance and improvements.

Planning & Scheduling

• Align with global supply chain teams to balance plant efficiency with customer demand.

• Evaluate master production schedules and global demand for molded components.

• Drive production plan adjustments and support mitigation strategies for material shortages.

Master Data Management

• Oversee materials control documentation, ISO/QSR/SOX compliance, and ERP data governance.

• Lead process improvement initiatives in SAP and Apriso systems.

Sterilization Operations

• Oversee the operation and optimization of the on-site Gamma sterilizer – the plant’s bottleneck process.

• Liaise with microbiology, corporate sterilization, and assurance teams for SOP alignment and continuous improvement.

Shipping & Logistics

• Ensure talent and processes are in place to support outbound product flow to distribution centers and partner plants.

Leadership of Supply Chain Teams

• Directly manage 3 supply chain managers overseeing inbound, outbound, and planning functions.

• Represent the plant in divisional Integrated Reconciliation Meetings and strategic planning forums.

• Lead strategic initiatives including manufacturing transfers, make vs. buy analysis, and business continuity planning.

Reporting & Strategic Collaboration

• Prepare and analyze capacity reports, forecast alignment, and budget planning documents.

• Coordinate with finance, CI leadership, and marketing to ensure aligned business performance.

• Coach and develop a team of exempt supply chain professionals in line with corporate strategies.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain or a related field

• 10+ years of experience in supply chain management within a manufacturing environment

• Strong background in planning, procurement, supplier performance management, and logistics

• Proficiency in SAP and Apriso systems

• Demonstrated success in leading teams and managing cross-functional projects

Preferred Qualifications:

• 15+ years of total experience in manufacturing or supply chain operations

• Prior experience managing supply chain disruptions (e.g., raw material delays, port congestion)

• Background in strategic supplier negotiations, cost reduction, and demand forecasting

• Familiarity with ISO, QSR, and SOX compliance requirements

• Continuous Improvement (CI) and transformation experience, including digitalization

Work Environment:

• This is an on-site leadership role based in a non-smoking, regulated manufacturing environment.

• Steel toe, non-slip footwear is required in production areas.

• Jewelry, false eyelashes, press-on nails, and visible dermals are prohibited in production zones for safety and compliance.

Why Join?

• Be part of a high-performing, collaborative team that supports career growth and development

• Play a key role in ensuring medical products reach global customers safely and efficiently

• Join a company with a strong reputation for ethical operations, innovation, and global impact

• Contribute to critical healthcare solutions and operational excellence at a global scale