James Hardie Building Products Inc. is the North American leader in fiber cement home siding and exterior design solutions. Hardie® products offer long lasting beauty and endless design possibilities with trusted protection and low maintenance. The company pioneered modern fiber cement building products and continues to invest in innovation to transform the industry. James Hardie is a high-performance organization, with an unwavering commitment to Zero Harm. The company proudly employs a diverse workforce of over 3,000 employees across operations in North America.

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Hybrid from our Chicago, IL office

The Category Manager has ownership of ~$100 - 200MM+ USD of assigned spend and is responsible for ensuring James Hardie receives the optimal balance of cost, quality, and service for assigned procurement categories. This position will report to the Sr. Procurement Manager. The Category Manager possesses strong decision-making ability to address day-to-day operational challenges and address deviation from results with defined action plans and collaboration. Decision making initiative is expected to be independent in a high accountability team environment. The Category Manager is required to make key decisions that will have both immediate and long-term impact. Innovative solutions are required to identify continuous improvement opportunities. Additionally, a high degree of interaction with a diverse range of stakeholders is required to ensure continuous alignment. 

What You’ll Do:

Lead and facilitate the strategic sourcing process for assigned categories: market and industry analysis, supplier identification and research, category, and supplier segmentation, conducting sourcing events, analysis, negotiation, contracting and implementation
Ensure uninterrupted supply to James Hardie manufacturing facilities through development and implementation of supply continuity plans
Identify and monitor cost drivers and pricing trends, communicating to the organization, and taking action as appropriate
Achieve cost savings targets through project identification and execution
Operate cross-functionally to ensure organizational alignment for sourcing strategies and projects
Achieve in-depth understanding of assigned categories: key technical attributes, manufacturing process, product where used
Compliance to James Hardie procurement policy and procedures

The position responsibilities outlined above are in no way to be construed as all encompassing. Other duties, responsibilities, and qualifications may be required and/or assigned as necessary.

What You’ll Bring:

Bachelor's degree required. Degree must be from an accredited institution.
Minimum of 6 years’ experience in Procurement
Manufacturing experience preferred
High results-orientation
Strong communication skills
Ability to effectively negotiate and influence business decisions and change.
Strong analytical, planning and execution skills.
Can be direct as well as diplomatic.
Ability to multitask and manage projects at varying levels of complexity
Can effectively articulate various perspectives and impacts to business stakeholders.
Can work through tough agreements and settle disputes effectively.
Anticipates and adjusts for problems and obstacles.
Effective at establishing trust and building business relationships while operating with respect.
Organizational Agility – ability to complete projects through formal and informal channels.
Priority Setting – Spends their time and the time of others on what’s most important. Eliminates roadblocks and creates focus.
Strong understanding of Excel
Demonstrated ability to function as a strong team player.
Demonstrated ability to act independently upon information and make decisions that achieve optimal results.

What You’ll Receive:

As of the date of this posting, a good faith estimate of the current pay scale for this position is $89,400K to $111,800K. Placement in the range depends on several factors such as experience, skills, geography and internal equity and may change over time. This position qualifies for benefits and you will be eligible to participate in a bonus plan.

At James Hardie, we recognize that our success depends on our people. We've worked hard to build a generous and competitive benefits program that demonstrates our commitment to our employees.

Comprehensive low-cost co-pay Health Insurance; medical, dental, prescription, and vision insurance benefits for every 30+ hour full-time employee. Insurance starts on day one!
Life insurance
Short-term and long-term disability insurance
401(k) Retirement plan that will match 100% of employees saved dollars up to the first 6% of your salary
11 paid holidays per year
Paid vacation
(Paid sick leave)
Wellness Program, Employee Assistance Program, Parental Leave
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Community Involvement & Sustainable Solutions
Click here to learn more about our benefits

James Hardie will comply with any applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits, including, but not limited to providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, in accordance with its plans and policies.

Applications are being accepted on an ongoing basis.

Apply now and come “home” to Hardie!

James Hardie Building Products Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, veteran's status, marital status, pregnancy, disability, or any other basis protected by law.

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Category Manager