Category Manager

Advanced Drainage Systems is a leading manufacturer of stormwater and onsite septic wastewater solutions, committed to sustainability and innovation. With a vast manufacturing and distribution network, we deliver high-quality products across multiple industries while recycling over half a billion pounds of plastic annually. At ADS, we foster a culture where diverse perspectives drive better ideas, ensuring every employee feels valued, heard, and empowered to make an impact.

The Category Manager – Recycled Materials is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies for recycled material categories, ensuring procurement excellence, continuity of supply, and alignment with organizational goals. This role requires strong leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and supplier relationship management to drive cost-effective and sustainable sourcing solutions.

Primary Job Responsibilities:

• Lead strategic procurement initiatives including market analysis, benchmarking, and risk mitigation planning.
• Negotiate commercial agreements to ensure supply continuity, improve lead times, manage pricing, and reduce risk.
• Identify and develop new and alternative sources of recycled materials.
• Analyze market trends and develop accurate cost forecasts.
• Align sourcing strategies with organizational objectives and ensure stakeholder engagement.
• Address quality issues by identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions in collaboration with recycling plants and suppliers.
• Develop and manage strategic supplier relationships, including performance metrics and improvement plans.
• Design supply chains using a Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) model.
• Maintain and update the category map for recycled material spend.

Job Skills:

• Proven ability to develop and implement sourcing strategies with measurable business impact.
• Strong negotiation skills across all organizational levels.
• Experience in executing strategic sourcing processes and managing supplier contracts.
• Demonstrated change management and organizational transformation capabilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, Power BI, and Oracle ERP systems.
• Strong multitasking and organizational skills with a customer service mindset.

Educational Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Operations, Engineering, or a related field.
• MBA or advanced degree preferred.

Preferred Experience:

• Minimum of 8 years of relevant industry experience.
• Professional accreditation in Purchasing or Supply Chain Management.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.
• Willingness to travel up to 20%.

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Health & Welfare Benefits: Medical and prescription drug plans, telemedicine (with medical plan), dental and vision plans, virtual physical therapy*, an employee assistance program (EAP)*, and voluntary accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnification programs.

 Financial Benefits: Retirement 401k program with company match, an employee stock purchase plan (voluntary), financial wellness planning*, paid parental leave*, flexible spending accounts (FSA) for child care and health care, short-term and long-term disability*, basic life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D)*, adoption financial reimbursement*, tuition reimbursement*, voluntary life insurance (for employees, spouses, and children), and voluntary identity theft and fraud protection.

*100% paid by ADS.

Growth Opportunities & Global Presence: With a global network of approximately 70 manufacturing plants and 40 distribution centers, ADS offers extensive opportunities for career growth and development in various locations around the world.

Inclusive and Creative Work Culture: ADS fosters a culture of passion, innovation, and continuous improvement, empowering employees to shape industry-leading solutions. We value diverse perspectives, recognizing that they drive better ideas, processes, and performance. Our workplace is built on respect, inclusivity, and shared responsibility, ensuring every team member feels valued and contributes to our collective success.

Innovative & Sustainability Focused: Advanced Drainage Systems is one of the largest plastic recyclers in North America, ensuring over half a billion pounds of plastic is kept out of landfills every year.

Learn More: https://www.adspipe.com/about-us

ADS supports an inclusive workplace that values diversity of thought, experience, and background. We celebrate the power of our differences to create better solutions for our customers by ensuring employees can be their authentic selves each day. ADS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, veteran status, marital status, creed, status with regard to public assistance, genetic status or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.