Category Manager

Position Title: Category Manager

Location: Richmond, VA

Position Status: Direct Hire

Position Description:

We are seeking an experienced Category Manager to lead strategic sourcing and category management initiatives for a global manufacturing organization. This role is responsible for developing sourcing strategies, negotiating supplier agreements, and ensuring a reliable, cost-effective supply of raw materials, goods, and services that support manufacturing and business operations.

The ideal candidate brings a strong background in strategic procurement, category management, supplier relationship management, and contract negotiations, along with experience managing large procurement portfolios. This is an excellent opportunity for a procurement professional who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and enjoys partnering with cross-functional teams to drive value, mitigate risk, and improve supply chain performance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute strategic sourcing strategies for assigned categories to optimize cost, quality, and supply continuity.
• Manage supplier relationships, negotiate pricing, commercial terms, and long-term agreements while ensuring contract compliance.
• Oversee procurement portfolios with annual spend exceeding $50 million.
• Analyze raw material markets, pricing trends, supply risks, and market dynamics to support informed sourcing decisions.
• Build and maintain supplier forecasts, pricing models, and long-range sourcing plans aligned with business objectives.
• Identify and qualify new suppliers, technologies, and sourcing opportunities that improve competitiveness and supply resilience.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Operations, R&D, Engineering, and Supply Chain teams to support production requirements and business initiatives.
• Monitor supplier performance, quality, and service levels while driving issue resolution and continuous improvement.
• Support annual operating plans, long-range planning initiatives, and strategic procurement objectives.
• Maintain accurate procurement and supplier data within SAP and other procurement systems.
• Develop risk mitigation strategies to ensure uninterrupted supply of critical materials and services.

Required Skills/Education:

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Chemistry, Economics, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in Category Management, Strategic Sourcing, or Procurement.
• Proven experience leading supplier negotiations and contract management initiatives.
• Strong background in supplier relationship management and strategic sourcing.
• Experience managing large procurement portfolios with annual spend of $50M or more preferred.
• Knowledge of procurement best practices, contract administration, and sourcing methodologies.
• Strong understanding of raw material markets, cost drivers, forecasting, and market analysis.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience working cross-functionally with manufacturing, engineering, operations, and business teams.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Proficiency with SAP or comparable ERP systems and Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree or MBA.
• Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), CIPS, or similar procurement certification.
• Experience within the chemical, petroleum, lubricant additive, industrial manufacturing, or specialty materials industries.
• Demonstrated knowledge of commodity markets, value chains, and supply chain economics.
• Experience developing long-term sourcing strategies for global or multi-site manufacturing operations.

Ideal Candidate:

• Strategic thinker with strong business acumen and commercial awareness.
• Skilled negotiator capable of building long-term supplier partnerships.
• Self-motivated professional who can influence stakeholders across multiple business functions.
• Collaborative leader who promotes continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Comfortable balancing strategic initiatives with day-to-day procurement priorities.

About Seneca Resources

At Seneca Resources, we are more than just a staffing and consulting firm-we are a trusted career partner. With offices across the U.S. and clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to government organizations, we provide opportunities that help professionals grow their careers while making an impact.

When you work with Seneca, you're choosing a company that invests in your success, celebrates your achievements, and connects you to meaningful work with leading organizations nationwide. We take the time to understand your goals and match you with roles that align with your skills and career path. Our consultants and contractors enjoy competitive pay, comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) retirement plans, and the support of a dedicated team who will advocate for you every step of the way.

Seneca Resources is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.