Category Manager

About the role

Role Overview Manage assigned categories of spend and strategic supplier relationships while developing and executing sourcing strategies that support Oil-Dri's business objectives. Lead strategic sourcing, contract negotiations, cost reduction, supplier performance, supply continuity, risk management, and continuous improvement initiatives. The Category Manager serves as the Procurement subject matter expert for assigned categories and partners with Operations, Planning, Quality, Engineering, Finance, and other functions to optimize cost, quality, service, supply assurance, and total cost of ownership. This position is based at an active mine site and requires daily onsite presence. Work conditions may include uneven terrain, climbing ladders, navigating steps, and exposure to varying weather conditions such as heat, rain, or mud. Monday - Friday onsite required. Key Responsibilities • Responsible for sourcing and management of annual spend of $40MM+ • Responsible for assigned strategic categories and key supplier relationships • Leads cross-functional initiatives and projects without direct authority • No direct reports Category Strategy & Strategic Sourcing • Develop and execute category strategies and sourcing plans aligned with company objectives. • Conduct market, supplier, spend, and competitive analysis to identify sourcing opportunities and risks. • Lead strategic sourcing activities including RFI/RFQ/RFP development, supplier evaluation, negotiations, selection, implementation, and ongoing management. • Identify opportunities for supplier consolidation, standardization, specification optimization, and competitive sourcing. Cost & Value Management • Develop and achieve annual cost reduction, cost avoidance, and productivity objectives. • Analyze supplier pricing, cost structures, market conditions, raw material trends, freight, payment terms, and other cost drivers. • Develop cost models and competitive benchmarks where appropriate. • Track and report savings and cost avoidance in partnership with Finance. Supplier Relationship & Performance Management • Own strategic supplier relationships for assigned categories and serve as the primary Procurement contact. • Establish and monitor supplier KPIs including cost, quality, delivery, service, capacity, and responsiveness. • Lead supplier business reviews and performance improvement initiatives. • Develop strong strategic supplier relationships that encourage continuous improvement, innovation, and value creation. • Lead supplier corrective actions and escalation activities when performance does not meet expectations. Supply Assurance & Risk Management • Identify and proactively manage supplier and category risks that could impact Oil-Dri operations. • Develop contingency plans for critical and single-source materials and services. • Identify opportunities for alternate suppliers, dual sourcing, and supply base optimization. • Monitor market, geopolitical, transportation, regulatory, capacity, and raw material risks. Contract & Commercial Management • Negotiate and manage contracts, pricing agreements, rebates, payment terms, freight terms, volume commitments, and other commercial arrangements. • Ensure pricing and contractual information is accurately maintained in applicable procurement and ERP systems. • Monitor supplier compliance with contractual requirements and identify opportunities to improve commercial terms. Continuous Improvement & Reporting • Partner with Planning and Operations to optimize inventory levels, lead times, minimum order quantities, safety stock, and supplier capacity. • Identify opportunities to reduce working capital and supply chain costs while maintaining service and supply reliability. • Maintain current knowledge of assigned commodity markets, supplier capabilities, and industry trends. • Ensure sourcing activities comply with Oil-Dri policies, approval requirements, contracts, and internal controls. • Promote ethical sourcing practices and maintain high standards of integrity and professionalism. Qualifications Education & Experience: • 5–10 years of progressive experience in Procurement, Strategic Sourcing, Supply Chain, Material Planning, Operations, or a related field. • Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, Engineering, or related field preferred, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience. Certification(s): • CPSM, CPIM, CSCP, or equivalent certification preferred; willingness to obtain certification encouraged. Skills & Abilities: • Strategic sourcing and category management • Supplier relationship and performance management • Contract negotiation and commercial management • Total Cost of Ownership and cost analysis • Spend analysis and market intelligence • Supply risk and business continuity • Financial acumen and analytical skills • Project management and cross-functional leadership • Strong negotiation, communication, and presentation skills • Ability to influence without direct authority • Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint • Experience with ERP/procurement systems preferred Key Performance Indicators Performance will be measured through achievement of established objectives, including: • Cost savings and cost avoidance • Total Cost of Ownership improvements • Supplier quality and on-time delivery • Supply continuity and risk mitigation • Contract and pricing compliance • Supplier performance improvement • Inventory and working capital improvements • Strategic sourcing project completion • Stakeholder and supplier relationships Travel: • Approximately 10–15%, with additional travel as needed for supplier visits, plant visits, negotiations, business reviews, and strategic sourcing initiatives. Compensation & Benefits • Competitive pay + annual bonus • 401(k) with 6% company match • Paid parental leave, generous PTO, & paid holidays • Work-life balance • Career growth with exposure to senior leadership. • Annual merit increase opportunity • Fitness & Gym Reimbursement • Employer Contribution - Health, Dental About Us Oil-Dri Corporation of America is a leading manufacturer and supplier of specialty sorbent products for consumer and business-to-business markets that has been voted as a Top 100 workplaces in the Chicago Tribune. Oil-Dri’s products are sold in the pet care, animal health, fluids purification, agricultural, sports field, industrial and automotive markets. Oil-Dri controls millions of tons of specialty mineral reserves, including calcium bentonite, attapulgite, and diatomaceous shale. The company’s mines and manufacturing facilities are located in Georgia, Mississippi, Illinois, and California. Oil-Dri is a family-controlled and operated organization that emphasizes honesty, integrity, and accountability. The company is dedicated to fulfilling its mission to Create Value From Sorbent Minerals. Oil-Dri is committed to providing equal opportunity for all teammates and qualified candidates without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, mental or physical disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Accordingly, all employment decisions and personnel actions or programs such as hiring, promotion, discipline, compensation, benefits, transfers, reductions in workforce, and training, etc. will be consistent with the principle of equal employment opportunity.