Level 4 Category Manager

🚀 Immediate Apply – 100% Remote Category Ownership Role. To apply directly, please send resume to sanmalik@astoncarter . com as this is an URGENT need.

If you are a hands-on Category Manager who truly owns supplier relationships and drives measurable results, we want to hear from you.

We are prioritizing candidates who:

• Have 8+ years in sourcing/procurement with 3+ years of direct category ownership (must have owned a category or sub-category end-to-end)
• Actively manage suppliers across the full lifecycle: selection, onboarding, and ongoing performance management
• Run supplier scorecards, business reviews, and performance tracking—not just vendor interaction
• Have a proven track record of negotiation and delivering cost savings
• Bring strong analytical skills, including advanced Excel, to drive data-based decisions

If this sounds like you, please apply IMMEDIATELY.

Job Description

The Level 4 Category Manager owns and executes the sourcing strategy for a defined category within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This hands-on, execution-focused role manages supplier relationships, leads negotiations, drives cost savings, and ensures consistent supply performance while closely partnering with engineering, operations, and procurement teams.

The position offers full end-to-end ownership of a specific category, with significant opportunities to grow into a more strategic role as the organization continues to scale.

Responsibilities

• Own and execute the sourcing strategy for a specific category or sub-category, ensuring alignment with overall business and supply chain objectives
• Manage the full lifecycle of suppliers, including selection, onboarding, and ongoing performance management
• Lead negotiations for pricing, commercial terms, and supplier agreements to achieve cost savings and favorable conditions
• Drive cost savings and cost optimization initiatives, taking direct ownership of cost reduction targets and outcomes
• Partner closely with engineering and operations teams to support sourcing decisions and evaluate technical requirements
• Monitor and manage supplier performance using scorecards, KPIs, and regular business reviews
• Actively manage supplier relationships to ensure consistent performance and accountability
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks such as capacity constraints, single-source exposure, and continuity risks
• Analyze data, cost drivers, and total cost of ownership (TCO) to inform sourcing strategies
• Execute sourcing initiatives end-to-end, ensuring timely and effective delivery of results
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to maintain alignment on priorities and timelines
• Contribute to continuous improvement of sourcing processes and tools

Basic Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in sourcing, procurement, or supply chain
• 3+ years of direct category ownership with end-to-end responsibility (required)
• Proven experience in hands-on supplier management and performance oversight
• Demonstrated success in negotiation and delivering measurable cost savings
• Experience in a manufacturing, hardware, or industrial environment
• Strong cross-functional collaboration experience with engineering, operations, or supply chain teams
• Solid understanding of cost drivers and total cost of ownership (TCO)
• Strong analytical skills, including advanced Excel and data analysis
• Ability to engage with technical topics and effectively partner with engineering

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in semiconductor, capital equipment, or advanced manufacturing
• Exposure to global sourcing and international suppliers
• Experience managing complex or technical components
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
• Ability to understand basic drawings and technical requirements
• Motivation to grow into a more strategic category management role

Work Environment

• ✅ 100% Remote role
• High-growth organization supporting expanding AI-related demand
• Heavy cross-functional collaboration using digital tools
• Strong opportunity for career advancement and increased strategic ownership
• High-impact role with meaningful responsibility over supplier performance and category success

This is a Permanent position based out of Somerset, NJ.

The pay range for this position is $98000.00 - $124000.00/yr.

We can send candidates the benefits guide they shared with us

This is a fully remote position.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 25, 2026.

About Aston Carter

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® double diamond 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 astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com 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.