Category Manager (South Elgin)

Job Title: Category Manager

Location: South Elgin, IL

Salary: $95,000-$125,000 + Bonus

LHH Recruitment Solutions is currently seeking a Category Manager to join our client's organization in the South Elgin, IL area. This Category Manager will lead strategic sourcing initiatives across domestic packaging categories. This role partners closely with procurement and supply chain stakeholders to drive cost savings, strengthen supplier performance, and support reliable supply across multiple U.S. regions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies across domestic packaging and related categories in partnership with sourcing and procurement teams.
• Build, manage, and maintain strong supplier relationships while holding vendors accountable to performance expectations.
• Lead and develop a team of sourcing professionals, promoting continuous improvement and best practices.
• Identify and implement process improvements based on spend analysis, market trends, category intelligence, and business needs.
• Establish and deliver annual cost‑savings and performance goals aligned with procurement leadership.
• Support RFP development, supplier negotiations, and contract management activities.
• Monitor market indices and supply trends to inform sourcing and purchasing decisions.
• Ensure accurate item setup, pricing, supplier assignments, and minimum order requirements across a large SKU portfolio.

Key Qualifications:

• 6+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, category management, or procurement.
• 2+ years of experience leading or directly supervising a team preferred.
• Experience within packaging or a related manufacturing or distribution environment preferred.
• Strong understanding of supply chain, distribution, transportation, and inventory management principles.
• Proven ability to analyze spend data, market dynamics, and supplier performance to drive results.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and the Microsoft Office suite.
• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, business, finance, or a related field preferred (or equivalent industry experience).

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental and Vision
• 3 Weeks PTO(negotiable) & Paid sick leave where applicable by state law
• 401(k)
• HSA and FSA
• Life and AD&D
• STD and LTD
• Norton LifeLock

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

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The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

• The California Fair Chance Act

• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance

• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers

• San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance