Sr. Category Manager, Indirect Site Purchasing

Saint-Gobain - Malvern, PA

Full-time - Mid Level

Malvern, PA

Miscellaneous Manufacturing

About the position

The Sr. Category Manager owns and manages the North American purchasing strategy for assigned categories that fall within the scope of the Indirect Purchasing team, leading site purchasing optimization Strategy and Project prioritization. In this capacity, the Sr. Category Manager is responsible for all aspects of category management for these strategic and complex purchase categories across all business units in North America. Additionally, this position is responsible for leading other Category Managers and providing guidance to positively impact their professional development as future Saint-Gobain leaders. The role involves validating and ensuring execution of the Indirect Purchasing strategy to optimize site purchases at Saint-Gobain in North America, with an estimated $650MM+ spend responsibility across Indirect site purchasing categories. The strategy will align with corporate initiatives, properly translating these goals into tangible actions and deliverables that incorporate business unit specific requirements approved by Purchasing leaders across North America. The Sr. Category Manager will establish and lead cross-functional teams to develop, advocate, and implement best-in-class purchasing category strategies to achieve short and long-term objectives, working closely with related internal departments such as Purchasing Operations, EHS, Finance, Legal, and Real Estate to ensure success. In addition, the Sr. Category Manager will maintain an understanding of industry purchasing best practices, sustainability and technology trends, and continually educate team members and business partners. They will proactively develop and manage strategy with Site Purchase suppliers to identify large-scale improvements across multiple sites, ensuring that success is measured by feedback from the factory floor. The position also requires developing, leading, and maintaining sourcing activities that deliver the category strategy objectives, including supplier negotiations and contract management, to optimize the value proposition and drive savings associated with various categories of indirect spend for North American businesses.

Responsibilities

• Own and manage the North American purchasing strategy for assigned categories within the Indirect Purchasing team.
• Lead site purchasing optimization strategy and project prioritization.
• Establish and lead cross-functional teams to develop and implement purchasing category strategies.
• Maintain an understanding of industry purchasing best practices and technology trends.
• Develop and manage strategy with Site Purchase suppliers for large-scale improvements.
• Develop, lead, and maintain sourcing activities to deliver category strategy objectives.
• Act as a link between Site Purchases Optimization Strategy and Global Purchasing Teams.
• Lead contractual discussions with vendors and ensure successful transitions from sourcing to implementation.
• Develop, maintain, and validate KPI reports to track program performance.
• Oversee quarterly reviews related to MRO strategy and preferred suppliers.
• Guide Category Managers in preparation for yearly reviews with Management Committee members.
• Manage and mentor a high-performing team supporting optimized purchasing categories.
• Drive regional project engagement through on-site travel and supplier relationship management.
• Align newly acquired businesses into the CertainTeed/Saint-Gobain Purchasing function.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Purchasing, Logistics, Business, or similar field required; Master's degree preferred.
• 8+ years of relevant experience in a manufacturing company/environment preferred.
• 5+ years' experience in purchasing, sourcing, and procurement with a focus on indirect goods and services highly preferred.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Interest in developing a high-performing team and managing employee growth.
• Deep understanding of category management, strategic sourcing, and total cost methodologies.
• Ability to manage multiple high-visibility projects with demonstrated project management skills.
• Strong business management skills and ability to make data-driven decisions.
• Strong Microsoft Office suite skills and analytical skills.
• Strong written & verbal communication skills, as well as effective presentation skills.

Nice-to-haves

• PMP, SPSM, CPSM, CPOM, or other Purchasing/Procurement certification(s) preferred.

Benefits

• Excellent healthcare options: Medical, vision, prescription & dental
• Parental leave, paid time-off and Employee Assistance Program
• Competitive 401(k), Company-funded Retirement Accumulation Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program (PEG)
• Tuition Reimbursement for continuing education
• Pet Insurance options and prescription discount program for pets
• Employee Recognition Programs
• Exclusive online discount marketplace (PerkSpot)
• Wellness program rewarding healthy lifestyle choices.