Category Manager

AMVAC, an American Vanguard Company is seeking a proactive and analytical Category Manager to manage a portfolio of tail-spend chemicals across our global operations, with a total managed spend of approximately $8 million. This role will be responsible for optimizing sourcing strategies, driving supplier evaluations, and leading the material approval process for new and existing raw materials. The ideal candidate excels at cross-functional collaboration, regulatory compliance, and bringing structure to fragmented spend categories.

AMVAC®, an American Vanguard Company has successfully served the results-driven global markets through development, manufacturing and marketing products for agricultural and commercial use.

Key Responsibilities:

Category Strategy & Management

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for tail-spend chemicals, focusing on cost optimization, risk mitigation, and supply continuity.
• Perform market intelligence, supplier analysis, and benchmarking to inform procurement decisions.
• Ensure alignment of sourcing strategies with R&D, operations, and quality teams.

Material Approval & Vendor Evaluation Leadership

• Champion the material approval process for new and alternative raw materials, coordinating with technical and regulatory stakeholders.
• Lead vendor qualification and evaluation efforts, ensuring alignment with compliance, quality, and supply chain best practices.

Sourcing, Negotiation & Supplier Management

• Execute RFx events, negotiate contracts, and ensure favorable terms for tail-spend chemical suppliers.
• Monitor supplier performance, manage KPIs, and initiate corrective actions where needed.
• Develop strong relationships with niche and regional suppliers to support innovation and supply security.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Continuous Improvement

• Partner with cross-functional teams to support new product introductions, raw material changes, and supply chain initiatives.
• Drive improvements in data visibility, supplier rationalization, and category transparency.
• Promote use of digital procurement tools and analytics to enhance decision-making and reporting.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Chemistry, Engineering, Business, or 15 years in related chemical procurement
• 5+ years of experience in chemical procurement, strategic sourcing, or category management
• Proven expertise in managing tail-spend or low-volume / high-variation portfolios
• Strong knowledge of material approval workflows, vendor assessments, and regulatory standards
• Effective communicator with strong stakeholder engagement and analytical capabilities
• Proficiency in ERP systems and sourcing platforms

Benefits:

• Health insurance including Medical (PPO), Dental, Vision with low out-of-pocket costs
• Life Insurance (company paid); Disability
• Health Savings Account (HSA) / Flexible Spending Account (FSA) available
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with employer matching
• Employee Stock Purchasing Plan (ESPP) with employee discount (NYSE: AVD)
• Vacation / Holiday pay

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status