Job Specifications
Job Title: Category Manager (Plastics)
Location: Lakewood, CO (Onsite preferred; remote candidates considered)
Hours/Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00AM-5:00PM MST
Compensation: $125,200–$156,500 annual salary + 10% bonus
Type: Direct Hire
Overview
A global medical technology leader is seeking a Category Manager (Plastics) to drive strategic sourcing, category development, and supplier management for highly visible direct materials supporting a global manufacturing network. This role plays a key part in supporting life-saving products used in blood collection and separation therapies. If you thrive in strategic supply chain leadership and want to make an impact on patient-critical devices, this is an exciting opportunity.
Responsibilities
Develop and execute global and regional category strategies for critical plastics materials
Prepare RFx events, evaluate proposals, and lead cross-functional supplier selections
Negotiate pricing, capacity, commercial terms, and legal/business conditions
Maintain expert insight into category trends, cost drivers, global pricing, supply/demand, and market dynamics
Drive alternate sourcing, supplier consolidation, and localization to improve cost and lead times
Lead material cost-savings initiatives and margin improvement efforts
Improve category performance by reducing lead times and MOQs, optimizing payment terms, enhancing incoming quality, and increasing inventory turns
Build business cases and ROI models; present cost-saving recommendations for approval
Negotiate terms involving VMI, safety stock, delivery and inventory strategies, and price reductions
Lead global/regional negotiation strategies to meet targets for price, service, quality, and inventory performance
Partner with Operations, R&D, Quality Engineering, and customer-facing teams to align supplier strategies with product and customer needs
Requirements
Minimum 6 years in a similar sourcing/category management role at a global manufacturing company
Experience in the medical device industry – preferred
Experience managing and optimizing supply chains in a manufacturing environment
Experience with ERP systems (SAP preferred) and Power BI
Strong negotiation, analytical, and strategic sourcing skills
Ability to develop long-term category strategies across complex global supply networks
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering, or related field; Master’s degree preferred
Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including:
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) with company match
Paid time off and paid holidays
Tuition reimbursement
Life and disability insurance
Employee wellness programs
Additional voluntary benefit programs
#M3
Ref: #558-Scientific
About the Company
At Joule, we believe our world is filled with possibilities - where character, integrity, and commitment drive our purpose. For over 30 years, Joule has been a trusted partner to industry-leading clinical, scientific, and healthcare organizations by providing innovative workforce solutions and delivering top talent. Operating at the forefront of the life sciences arena, Joule's relentless approach enables our clients to rapidly and effectively execute critical initiatives and major projects. Joule is a System One division.
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