The Category Manager – Raw Materials is responsible for managing a critical spend category of raw materials, with direct impact on cost, supply continuity, and procurement efficiency. This role leads strategic sourcing initiatives within the region and is accountable for achieving key performance targets that enhance competitiveness and drive long-term value. Core responsibilities include ensuring strong category performance, maintaining uninterrupted supply,
and proactively identifying and mitigating supply chain risks. The role also provides leadership and support to plant-level procurement teams, guiding both tactical and operational purchasing activities related to raw materials and associated goods or services. This position partners closely with Operations, Finance, and Logistics teams and serves as a key stakeholder in executing Strategic Sourcing, Category Management, and Supplier Relationship Management initiatives. The primary objective is to reduce total cost of ownership while securing a reliable supply base to support the ongoing needs of the Duro-Last division.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):
Financial performance (cost savings)
Supply continuity and risk mitigation
Operational procurement efficiency

The Category Manager is directly responsible for sourcing designated raw materials and commodities,
ensuring cost optimization, supply assurance, and alignment with company strategy, quality standards,
and operational goals.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING:

The Category Manager – Raw Materials at Duro-Last is responsible for the strategic and operational
management of critical raw material categories to ensure uninterrupted supply, cost optimization, and
supplier performance. This role leads sourcing initiatives, manages supplier relationships, and oversees
procurement activities across plant operations, while driving category strategy aligned with business
goals.
Key Responsibilities:
 Lead sourcing strategy, supplier selection, and negotiations for raw materials.
 Monitor global commodity trends to inform risk mitigation and category strategy.
 Manage supplier performance, including quality claims and compliance with safety, environmental, and business standards.
 Oversee budgeting and cost-saving initiatives across assigned categories.
 Collaborate cross-functionally with Operations, Finance, Logistics, R&D, and Quality to gather requirements and align procurement strategies.
 Guide and support plant-level procurement teams on tactical and transactional activities. 
 Handle P2P (Procure-to-Pay) tasks, including PO management, invoice resolution, and supplier inquiries.
 Maintain accurate data in procurement systems and tools.

 Develop and mentor procurement staff to enhance performance and capability.
 Regularly assess and communicate category performance using KPIs: cost savings, supply continuity, and procurement efficiency.
This role reports directly to Duro-Last Procurement leadership and plays a key part in enabling supply chain resilience, operational excellence, and long-term value creation for the division.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

Education:
 A Bachelor’s degree in Science, Engineering, Business, or a related field is required. An advanced degree (MBA or Master’s in Supply Chain, Procurement, or related discipline) is preferred.
Professional Experience:
 A minimum of 5 years of experience in strategic procurement, supply chain, sales/marketing, or quality within a manufacturing or specialty company is required.
 Proven cross-functional experience in purchasing chemical raw materials, commercial negotiation, and business operations is essential.
 At least 1 year of direct people management experience is preferred.
Technical Skills:
 Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook) is required.
 Experience with SAP is strongly preferred; exposure to Ariba and Microsoft Dynamics AX is a plus.
 Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications is desirable.
 Familiarity with building materials or industrial manufacturing is a plus.
 Analytical and Problem-Solving Abilities:
 Demonstrated advanced planning and analytical capabilities, with experience in solving complex problems and identifying critical issues to drive timely resolution.
Leadership and Teamwork:
 Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams. Skilled in mentoring, training, and driving results through collaboration. Strong ability to build internal and external partnerships with a customer-focused mindset.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills:
 Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt quickly in a dynamic environment. Strong negotiation skills are required.
Certifications (Preferred but not required):
 ISM (Institute for Supply Management) Certification
 APICS (Association for Supply Chain Management) Certification

WHAT WE OFFER

● Competitive Compensation
● Retirement Savings
● Medical, Dental, Disability and Life Insurance Coverage

● Holistic Health & Well-Being Programs
● Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for Health and Dependent Care 

● Vision and other Voluntary Benefits and Discounts
● Paid Time Off and Holidays
● Paid Parental Leave (Maternity and Paternity) 

● Educational Assistance Program