Category Manager (Plastics)
Joulé
Lakewood, CO
JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$125,000–$156,000 Per Year
SKILLS
Analysis Skills, Bid Analysis, Biotech and Pharmaceutical, Business Administration, Business Case, Category Development, Category Management, Cost Control, Cost Modeling, Cross-Functional, Customer Relations, Data Analysis, ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), Electronics, Improvement Metrics, Inventory Turns, Leadership, Manufacturing, Medical Equipment, Negotiation Skills, Performance Management, Performance Metrics, Plastics Manufacturing, Pricing, Problem Solving Skills, Process Development, Product Pricing, Quality Engineering, Research & Development (R&D), Return on Investment (ROI), SAP ECC (fka SAP R/3 and SAP ERP), Sourcing Strategy, Strategic Planning, Supply Chain, Vendor/Supplier Planning, Vendor/Supplier Relations, Vendor/Supplier Selection, Vendor/Supplier Sourcing, Willing to Travel
LOCATION
Lakewood, CO
POSTED
1 day ago
Location: Lakewood, CO (local candidates preferred; remote candidates considered)
Hours/Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00AM–5:00PM MST
Compensation: $125,200 – $156,500 annual salary + 10% bonus
Type: Direct Hire
Overview
A global medical technology manufacturer is seeking a high-potential Category Manager – Plastics to support a supply chain transformation initiative. This is not a maintenance role – this position is designed for a strategic builder who wants to create structure, develop category strategy from the ground up, and grow into senior leadership within 1–2 years. If you are growth-oriented, proactive, and ready to take ownership in an evolving environment, this is a strong career acceleration opportunity.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute long-term category strategies for plastics supporting global manufacturing
- Lead transition from single-source to dual/multi-source supplier models
- Prepare and execute RFx events; analyze proposals and lead cross-functional supplier selections
- Plan and execute supplier negotiations covering pricing, capacity, and commercial terms
- Drive alternate sourcing, supplier consolidation, and localization initiatives
- Perform cost modeling and pricing analysis to support margin improvement
- Develop business cases and ROI models to support cost savings initiatives
- Improve category performance metrics including lead times, MOQs, inventory turns, and payment terms
- Negotiate supplier T&Cs including VMI, safety stock, inventory liability, and delivery terms
- Collaborate with Operations, R&D, Quality Engineering, and customer-facing teams to align sourcing strategy with product and customer needs
- Build structure and processes within the plastics category during the first 90 days
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree required (Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, or related field)
- 6+ years of experience in category management, strategic sourcing, or related supply chain roles within a manufacturing environment
- Experience sourcing plastics, packaging, electronics, or other transferable direct materials categories
- Strong analytical and cost modeling capabilities
- Experience with ERP systems (SAP preferred) and data analysis tools
- Demonstrated ability to build processes and develop strategy — not simply maintain existing supplier relationships
- Self-directed, proactive problem solver comfortable operating in ambiguity
- Growth mindset with desire to move into Senior Manager-level responsibilities within 1–2 years
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer
- Experience in regulated manufacturing environments (medical device, pharma, food, or similar)
- MBA or advanced degree
#M-3
#LI-MM1
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Ref: #558-Scientific
About the Company
J
Joulé
With extensive scientific, clinical, and healthcare industry experience, Joulé recruiters excel at placing talent across core specialty areas:
- Scientific staffing for hard-to-find skills
Working across every scientific discipline, Joulé places biologists, chemists, scientists, technicians and other specialists.
- Clinical lifecycle recruiting
From research to regulations, safety to statistics, Joulé helps clients manage every stage of the clinical development lifecycle.
- Equipment calibration, maintenance and validation
Laboratory and facility support comes with a total quality commitment backed by ISO 9001:2008 certification.
- National healthcare recruitment
Trust Joulé’s extensive experience in physician, advanced practice provider and executive direct placement search.
COMPANY SIZE
500 to 999 employeesINDUSTRY
Biotechnology/Pharmaceuticals
WEBSITE
https://www.jouleinc.com/