Director, Category Mgmt. & Strategic Accounts

Mp Materials - Fort Worth, TX

Full-time - Senior

Fort Worth, TX

Administrative and Support Services

About the position

The Director of Category Management & Strategic Accounts at MP Materials is responsible for executing category strategies for high-spend and high-risk categories while managing key customer relationships. This role focuses on minimizing risk and maximizing value through strategic sourcing initiatives and effective account management. The position requires collaboration across various departments to develop and implement category plans, ensuring a smooth post-sales process and timely revenue recognition.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of categories to optimize the supply base and deliver financial benefits from supply chain improvements.
• Identify opportunities for value creation, including cost savings and revenue enhancement.
• Oversee strategic sourcing processes from market intelligence to contract execution.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain Operations, Engineering, and Operations to develop strategic category plans and sourcing strategies.
• Drive economic analysis and cost modeling in support of strategic sourcing events.
• Develop credible business cases for category direction supported by market data.
• Understand demand/spend profiles and category risks for effective sourcing projects.
• Establish a Category Management function and develop a team as the business grows.
• Assume ownership of key customer and partner relationships, transitioning from initial interactions to ongoing management.
• Serve as the primary liaison for customers, ensuring timely revenue recognition and issue resolution.
• Develop processes to improve customer-facing operations and enhance responsiveness.
• Facilitate quarterly business reviews with key customers to identify growth opportunities.

Requirements

• Minimum 15 years of progressively responsible experience in supply chain, commercial, or business development roles in an industrial setting.
• At least 5 years of experience in Category Management and Strategic Sourcing.
• Minimum 5 years of experience working collaboratively across various business and functional areas, including C-Suite level.
• 5 years of experience in a commercial role interacting with suppliers and/or customers.
• Minimum BS/BA degree in Business or relevant field; Master's or MBA preferred.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in the rare earth or materials industry.
• Familiarity with Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) analysis and should-cost modeling.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• Health insurance
• Retirement savings plan