Position overview:

The Category Manager will report directly to the Director of Procurement and serve as a subject matter expert for technical sourcing within SDI. This role is ideal for a candidate with a mechanical engineering degree, has done some design and product development work, and has transitioned into sourcing and procurement, leveraging technical expertise to drive informed supplier and product decisions.

The Category Manager will be focused on driving savings in the OEM category, which contains a variety of complex products that are not typically commercially available. They will manage supplier relationships tied to these categories and oversee spend ranging from $50–75 million, with accountability for achieving cost savings goals exceeding $2+ million. This role requires strong technical judgment, strategic sourcing skills, and exceptional relationship-building with internal stakeholders and key suppliers.

This would be a fully remote role based in the United States.

A typical day in the life of a Category Manager:

• Strategic Sourcing: Lead the development, implementation, and alignment of sourcing strategies for technical and industrial categories. Manage the end-to-end sourcing process, from supplier identification to negotiation and execution of supply agreements. Leverage engineering expertise to evaluate supplier capabilities and propose innovative solutions for clients.
• Category Strategy: Develop and execute sourcing strategies that optimize MRO and technically complex spend categories. Ensure strategies drive measurable improvements in customer satisfaction, compliance, and cost efficiency, while promoting best practice sourcing methodologies.
• Spend Analysis: Analyze client and enterprise spend across technical categories to identify savings opportunities, develop sourcing strategies, and implement negotiation plans that deliver both short-term and long-term financial benefits.
• Supplier Management: Manage supplier relationships with a focus on total cost of ownership, technical capability, innovation, and continuity of supply. Lead Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) meetings and develop KPIs to track supplier performance and value delivery.
• Contract Management & Negotiation: Lead contract negotiations for technical products and services. Collaborate with internal legal teams and supplier legal counsel to develop commercial terms, agreements, and contracts that align with SDI’s strategic objectives.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with internal stakeholders including Operations, Engineering, Program Managers, and Business Services to align sourcing strategies with operational and technical requirements. Ensure high-quality, timely sourcing support across all business functions.
• Continuous Improvement: Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including supplier innovation, business process re-engineering, technology adoption, and advancement of procurement best practices.

The skills you’ll contribute to our diverse team:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related technical field; advanced degrees or certifications (MBA, CPM, APCIS, Six Sigma) are a plus.
• 6–10 years of experience in technical sourcing, procurement, or supply chain management; experience in MRO, industrial, or OEM sourcing preferred.
• Strong technical knowledge of industrial products, mechanical components, and supply chain processes.
• Proven experience in strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, and contract negotiation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to leverage data to drive sourcing decisions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook); experience with e-sourcing tools, P2P systems, and reverse auctions preferred.
• Ability to operate effectively in a matrix organization and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Who are we?

At SDI, we’re proud to help essential organizations across North America compete more effectively in a challenging global marketplace – and keep our economy moving. We do this by thinking differently, questioning conventional wisdom, and constantly challenging the status quo. We’re evolving the way leading manufacturers, multi-site retailers, and higher education think about their maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) strategies – the critical supply chain of parts, materials, equipment, and consumables necessary to keep plants and facilities operating safely and productively. Every day, we help companies eliminate waste, minimize risk exposure, and stay competitive on an ever-changing world stage.

Why work for SDI?

The Philadelphia Inquirer named us a Top Workplace in 2023! Additionally, we pride ourselves on taking care of our employees. Here are some of the benefits we offer:

• Health insurance (medical, dental and vision).

• Training and development opportunities – 2023 winner of the People Accelerator award.

• Vacation, wellness days, pet bereavement days and 12 paid holidays.

• 401K with a company match.

• Tuition reimbursement.

• Student loan repayment assistance.

• Reimbursement for safety shoes.

• Discounted tickets to a variety of different vendors.

The pay range for this bonus-eligible role is $90,000 - $ 115,000 annually. Individual pay depends on various factors, such as role level, relevant experience and skills, and location. Pay ranges are reviewed and typically updated each year. Offers are made within the pay range applicable at the time.

EEO

SDI is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusion and diversity. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation for any part of the employment process, please let us know by contacting us at hr@sdi.com. SDI participates in the E-Verify program.