Category Manager

Classification:

Salary

Job Description:

Are you looking for a new challenge? Passionate about innovation? Want to work for a company that values integrity, teamwork and loyalty?

At LATICRETE International we are driven to be a top ten construction chemical company that still values family, diversity, collaboration and invention. We’ve been in business for over 65 years, family owned/operated for three generations and are available in 100 countries. In 2017, The Hartford Business Journal named us one of Connecticut’s Top Family Owned Companies!

We don't just make innovative, industry-leading products. We strive to connect with, engage with and improve the lives of our employees, our customers, our partners, and the global communities in which we operate.

We are seeking passionate and ambitious employees who want to make a difference not just within our organization, but within their communities and the world. If that sounds like you, then what are you waiting for? Join the family and expand your horizons!

Just some of our benefits:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 401k
• Tuition reimbursement
• 13 paid holidays in addition to paid vacation and sick time
• Flexible spending
• Life Insurance, AD&D and Supplemental Insurance
• 1 week paid plant shutdown between the Christmas and New Year's Day holidays
  
  
  

Position Summary

This position is responsible for leading sourcing strategies for private-label (PFR- Purchase for Resale) and contract-manufactured chemical products in the USA and international business units within the construction industry. This role requires aligning sourcing strategies with product development, managing contract manufacturers, negotiating agreements, optimizing costs, and ensuring product quality and supply reliability. The ideal candidate has a strong background in contract manufacturing, supplier management, and market intelligence within the construction chemicals sector.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities -

Additional duties and responsibilities may be assigned as necessary.

Manage for private-label (PFR- Purchase for Resale) Vendors (40%):

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies in partnership with Product Management, Marketing, and Operations to improve cost efficiency, product features, quality, and supply reliability. Support PFR product portfolio growth to capture more market share.
• Lead contract negotiations, pricing discussions, and cost-saving initiatives with suppliers.
• Identify, evaluate, and onboard new PFR vendors to expand supplier capabilities and optimize the supply base.
• Ensure regulatory compliance, product specification adherence, and company standards in private-label sourcing.
• Analyze market trends, competitor landscape, and supply risks to optimize sourcing strategies for each PFR category.
  
  
  

Manage Chemical Contract Manufacturers (40%):

• Work closely with R&D to identify and engage the best contract manufacturers for formulation implementation, ensuring they meet quality standards at competitive pricing. Maintain a streamlined and stable supply chain.
• Benchmark current contract manufacturers based on process capabilities, cost competitiveness, and service levels, and develop a consolidation plan to streamline the supply base.
• Negotiate optimal pricing structures for contract-manufactured products, leveraging industry knowledge and volume to continuously drive down raw material and processing costs to maintain cost competitiveness.
• Identify and explore new contract manufacturers to align with future R&D product development needs.
• Assist international business units in implementing formulations at overseas contract manufacturers, ensuring consistency in quality and cost efficiency.
  
  
  

General Sourcing & Supply Management (20%):

• Build and maintain strategic supplier relationships, ensuring performance improvements and risk mitigation.
• Drive cost-reduction initiatives through competitive sourcing, supplier consolidation, and alternative sourcing solutions.
• Track and report savings, department KPIs, and category performance to measure impact.
• Support cross-functional teams in product development, supply planning, and operational efficiency improvements.
• Conduct spend analysis, cost modeling, and quotation comparisons to support data-driven decision-making.
  
  
  

Required Skills & Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or a related field, required.
• 5 years of experience in sourcing, procurement, or category management within private-label, chemical contract manufacturing products preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  
  
  

Specialized Skills and Experience:

• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills, including global supplier experience.
• Knowledge of chemical formulations, production processes, and regulatory compliance in the construction industry.
• Create and manage RFIs and RFQs to support sourcing and negotiation processes.
• Experience in contract negotiations and risk mitigation strategies.
• Excellent communication, project management, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Able to work independently with minimal oversight.
• Able to manage multiple assignments and projects simultaneously with shifting priorities, deadlines and focus.
• Must be adaptable and flexible.
  
  
  

Travel Requirement:

• Must be able to travel 25- 30%.
  
  
  

Physical Requirements:

• Must pass pre-employment physical.
• Lift: Must be able to lift and/or carry a minimum of 50 pounds.
• Push/Pull: Must be able to push/pull 25 pounds.
• Stand: Must be able to stand 50% of the day.
• Sitting: Must be able to sit 50% of the day.
  
  
  

Position can be Remote – but will be required to come to Bethany, CT as part of the expected 25-30% travel.