Global Category Manager, Plastics

At Rite-Hite, your work makes an impact. As the global leader in loading dock and door equipment, we design and deliver solutions that keep our customers safe, secure, and productive. Here, you'll find innovation, stability, and the chance to grow your career as part of a team that's always looking ahead.

Job Summary:

The Global Category Manager (GCM) plays a pivotal role within our Procurement organization, overseeing global category management for Plastics Manufacturing, covering injection molded materials, resins, foam, fabrics, and other polymer based products across all Product Business Units within the Global Products Organization. As a procurement Subject Matter Expert (SME), the GCM will lead sourcing and category strategies, manage supplier relationships, and drive performance across a complex, global supply base.

Job Responsibilities:

• Manage a global annual spend of $50M-$100M, with a strategic focus on cost optimization, quality enhancement, and supply chain resilience. Lead end-to-end sourcing activities including RFI, RFQ, and RFP processes for plastics manufacturing commodities, including injection molded materials, resins, foam, and fabrics. Serve as the primary business interface with Plastics Manufacturers, overseeing supplier relationship management, continuity of supply, risk mitigation, commercial negotiations, and seamless execution from New Product Introduction (NPI) through Mass Production (MP).

• Collaborate effectively with key stakeholders (engineering, operations, quality, etc.) to understand category requirements, ensure supplier qualification, and maintain high quality standards.

• Partner with business unit Procurement and Engineering teams to facilitate smooth supplier transitions. Support NPI teams by leveraging preferred supplier programs.

• Develop and execute a comprehensive category strategy aligned with business needs and procurement best practices.

• Drive cost reductions through price negotiations and continuous improvement initiatives including Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) improvements through VA/VE, should-cost modeling, and design-to-cost initiatives.

• Negotiate favorable payment terms with suppliers to improve cash flow and optimize working capital. Explore Supply Chain Financing: Investigate and implement supply chain financing solutions (e.g., supplier financing programs) to improve cash flow and enhance supplier relationships.

• Implement effective supplier segmentation and expand the Preferred Supplier Program based on business requirements.

• Manage the entire contract lifecycle, ensuring compliance and continuity of supply.

• Conduct thorough RFx processes to select and negotiate contracts with optimal terms and conditions.

• Actively identify and mitigate potential risks associated with suppliers, including financial, capacity, quality, and compliance issues.

• Oversee Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) activities and conduct regular supplier reviews to ensure performance meets program objectives (Quality, Cost, Delivery).

• Meet or exceed key performance indicators (KPIs) related to cost, quality, and supplier performance.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Supply Chain, Business, or Operations; master's degree preferred.

• Minimum 8 years of procurement/sourcing experience in large-scale, complex, or global categories-preferably in plastics and/or chemicals manufacturing.

• Strong knowledge of foam and fabrics products, market dynamics, and industry trends. Proficiency in data analysis and relevant procurement tools.

• Proven ability to assess, negotiate, and manage suppliers effectively. Strong collaboration, facilitation, and conflict resolution skills in a matrixed environment.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Ideal if You Are:

• A strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Results-oriented and thrive in achieving ambitious goals.

• An effective communicator and collaborator with excellent interpersonal skills. Proactive, self-motivated, and capable of working independently and in teams.

• Passionate about continuous improvement and innovation. This role offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity to contribute to the success of a global leader in building technologies.

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel.

• Experience with ERP systems (e.g., Oracle, JD Edwards) preferred.

• Willing to travel up to 25% domestically and internationally.

• Spanish language skills are a plus.

What We Offer

At Rite-Hite, we take care of our people - because when you're supported, you can do your best work. Our benefits are designed to support your health, your future and your life outside of work:

• Health & Well-being: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus life and disability insurance. A robust well-being program with an opportunity to receive an extra day off and more.

• Financial Security: A strong retirement savings program with 401(k), company match, and profit sharing.

• Time for You: Paid holidays, vacation time, and personal/sick days each year.

Join us and build a career where you're supported - at work and beyond.

Rite-Hite is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law. In accordance with VEVRAA, we are committed to providing equal employment opportunities for protected veterans. We are also committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace for the safety of our employees and customers.