Category Manager

Title: Domestic Category Manager

Department: Supply Chain

Location: Onsite(Elgin)

Job Description

LHH is partnering with a growing organization to hire a Domestic Category Manager. This position will be responsible for leading strategic sourcing initiatives, managing supplier relationships, driving cost savings, and overseeing domestic packaging categories. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in procurement and sourcing, experience within the corrugated packaging industry, and a proven ability to lead teams while driving operational excellence.

Job Responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Management

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies across domestic packaging categories.

• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships while ensuring accountability and performance.

• Analyze market conditions, supplier capabilities, and cost trends to support purchasing decisions.

• Manage supplier negotiations, contracts, and performance initiatives.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead and develop a team of sourcing professionals.

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.

• Partner with internal stakeholders to align sourcing strategies with organizational goals.

Analysis & Process Improvement

• Analyze spend data, market intelligence, and category performance metrics.

• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance procurement efficiency.

• Establish and achieve annual savings objectives.

• Monitor supplier assignments, pricing, item setup accuracy, and inventory-related data across a large product portfolio.

Basic Qualifications

• 8+ years of sourcing, procurement, or category management experience.

• Experience developing and executing sourcing strategies.

• Experience managing supplier relationships and vendor negotiations.

• 2+ years of leadership experience managing direct reports preferred.

• Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.

• Advanced Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office skills.

• Knowledge of supply chain, distribution, transportation, and inventory management processes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Corrugated packaging industry experience.

• Established network within the corrugated supplier community.

• Experience leading procurement, sourcing, or category management teams.

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, or a related field preferred.

If you're a procurement and sourcing leader looking for an opportunity to make a significant impact within a growing organization, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today!

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

• The California Fair Chance Act

• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance

• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers

• San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers