Category Manager, Indirect Purchasing

Legal Entity: Woodbridge Foam Corporation  

Requisition ID: 3942

Pay Range: 

About Woodbridge

We are innovators using advanced technology to manufacture next generation products.  We are pioneers in foam technology science and provide our products to customers in multiple industries.  We are a global team of over 7,000 teammates strong who are laser focused on quality, collaboration, and a commitment to sustainability.  We are proud to give back to the communities in which we live and work through our Woodbridge Cares programs that serves communities around the world through volunteerism and philanthropy.  We are a people centric organization that has been awarded numerous recognitions for our commitment to manufacturing excellence and innovation.  Join us and be part of a team that is shaping the future of foam technology. 

Woodbridge Culture

Woodbridge takes immense pride in its robust corporate (think people first, innovation, lets get to it, manufacturing focused) culture, which serves our customers, Teammates, and the world. We're thrilled to share that in 2024, Woodbridge has been awarded Deloitte’s Best Managed designation for eight consecutive years. This accolade is not just an award; it’s a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation, inspiring you to be a part of our journey!

What's in it for you?

• Competitive Compensation & Benefits Plan
• Defined Contribution Plan with additional company match – Automatic company contribution to a top quartile retirement savings plan with more incentives to match
• Flexible Working Hours
• Employee Assistance Program with free access to health and wellness coaches
• Continuous Learning Culture – We believe in Upskilling & Internal Promotions!

Role Purpose:

The Category Manager, Indirect Purchasing, is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies across key non-production spend categories assigned. This role ensures cost competitiveness, supply continuity, contract compliance, and supplier performance in a multi‑plant manufacturing environment.

Major Responsibilities and Activities:

• Develop and execute commodity strategies for key indirect spending categories in North America region.
• Build and maintain category roadmaps, supplier segmentation, and total cost of ownership (TCO) models.
• Lead high‑value, multi‑year negotiations.
• Select, onboard, and manage suppliers ensuring cost, quality and service.
• Conduct market analysis, benchmarking, and supplier research to identify cost‑reduction and value‑creation opportunities.
• Lead competitive bidding, RFQs/RFPs, and negotiation processes.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Maintenance, and Operations to define specifications and optimize service levels.
• Drive supplier consolidation and long‑term partnership strategies
• Analyze spend data to identify trends, risks, and optimization opportunities.
• Deliver annual cost‑savings targets.
• Lead training for internal stakeholders on procurement processes and systems, and engage with the various plants and BU heads to ensure and facilitate alignment and adoption.
• Lead category-wide initiatives, capital programs, and multi‑site rollouts
• Establish KPIs and scorecards for supplier evaluation.
• Support digitalization of procurement tools, dashboards, and reporting systems.
• Strengthen procurement governance and progressively reduce maverick spend. Earn trust and alignment across cross‑functional teams and plants.
• Develop supplier relationships & strategic partnerships. Remain curious and benchmark supplier innovation ideas.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain, Business, Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of procurement experience, with a focus on indirect categories.
• Experience in manufacturing, automotive, or multi‑site operations preferred.
• Experience managing indirect categories such as MRO, logistics, facilities, or services.
• Strong analytical and financial acumen.
• Expertise in contract negotiation and risk management.
• Advanced Excel Skills. Technologically savvy.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders across regional teams.
• Strong communication, leadership, and relationship‑building abilities.
• Strategic thinker with hands‑on execution capability

Woodbridge is committed to fostering a diverse workplace. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider applicants without regard to race, colour, ancestry, creed, place of origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, family status, disability, or any other protected status. If you have any accommodation requirements, please let us know, and we will do our best to meet your needs in accordance with applicable local legislation.