Category Manager

Job Title:Category Manager

Job Description

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Category Manager to lead and execute the sourcing strategy for a defined category within a dynamic manufacturing environment. The role involves managing supplier relationships, driving cost savings, and ensuring a consistent supply performance while collaborating with engineering, operations, and procurement teams. This position is hands-on and focuses on achieving category performance and outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Own and execute sourcing strategy for a specific category or sub-category.
• Manage supplier selection, onboarding, and performance management.
• Lead negotiations for pricing, terms, and supplier agreements.
• Drive cost savings and cost optimization initiatives.
• Partner with engineering and operations teams to support sourcing decisions and initiatives.
• Monitor and manage supplier performance using scorecards and KPIs.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks such as capacity and single-source sourcing.
• Analyze data and cost drivers to support sourcing strategy and decision-making.
• Execute sourcing initiatives from start to finish, ensuring delivery of results.

Essential Skills

• 8+ years of experience in sourcing, procurement, or supply chain.
• 3+ years of experience owning a category or sub-category.
• Proven experience in supplier management and performance oversight.
• Experience in negotiating contracts and delivering cost savings.
• Experience working in a manufacturing, hardware, or industrial environment.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration with engineering, operations, or supply chain teams.
• Understanding of cost drivers and total cost of ownership (TCO).
• Understanding of supply chain risks.
• Strong analytical skills, particularly in Excel, cost breakdowns, and data analysis.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in semiconductor, capital equipment, or advanced manufacturing.
• Exposure to global sourcing and international suppliers.
• Experience managing complex or technical components.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to understand drawings.

This is a Permanent position based out of Tinton Falls, NJ.

The pay range for this position is $130000.00 - $160000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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This is a Permanent position based out of Tinton Falls, NJ.

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 16, 2026.

This is a hybrid position in Tinton Falls,NJ.

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.