Senior Category Manager

What We Need

The Senior Category Manager is responsible for quality, delivery, cost efficiency and sustainability of the direct material commodity and supply throughout the product life cycle. Area of responsibility may be regional or as broad as North America, while ensuring alignment to global sourcing strategies.

• Assume overall responsibility for managing commercial relationships with suppliers within the commodity, ensuring targeted levels of cost, quality, delivery precision, and sustainability.
• Develop and execute a long‑term strategy to maximize commodity value, outlining actionable plans for achievement.
• Stay informed about market trends through detailed analysis of market drivers, cost structures, and technological advancements.
• Drive value through strategic sourcing, negotiating cost‑efficient agreements that meet supply requirements with a focus on total cost of ownership.
• Lead negotiations and manage the development and maintenance of vendor agreements.
• Foster supplier relationships to enhance performance, contract effectiveness, collaboration, and integration, resulting in improved outcomes.
• Cultivate mutually beneficial relationships with key vendors to reduce costs and optimize efficiencies.
• Ensure alignment of commodity team practices with corporate and purchasing objectives, promoting consistent methodologies and goal attainment.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to drive continuous improvement and meet service level commitments.
• Develop expertise in cost engineering and implement demand management strategies to optimize lifecycle costs.
• Manage the reverse auction process, including bid analysis, negotiation, and contract execution within budgetary guidelines.
• Provide ongoing insights to management on commodity cost trends, material availability, alternative materials, make‑vs‑buy decisions, and supplier labor conditions.
• Ensure strategic alignment of commodity strategies with product management strategies.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of market dynamics, including cost structures and technological advancements.
• Other job duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Procurement/Purchasing, Supply Chain, Finance, Business Administration or Engineering
• Minimum 5‑7 years of progressive supply chain/purchasing experience with at least 5 years of commodity management experience.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects across several business units and manufacturing locations.
• Strong knowledge of various commodity and currency markets.
• Project management & problem solving skills.
• Demonstrated supplier management skills.
• Ability to foster cross‑functional and cross‑business collaboration.
• Advanced knowledge of procurement and logistics best practices.

Brady makes products that make the world a safer and more productive place. We are a global leader in safety, identification and compliance solutions for a diverse range of workplaces. From the depths of the ocean to outer space, from the factory floor to the delivery room – we’re just about everywhere you look. Companies around the world trust Brady because of our deep expertise and knowledge across a wide range of industries and applications – powered by our world‑class manufacturing capabilities.

We have a diverse customer base in industries including electronics, telecommunications, manufacturing, electrical, construction, healthcare, aerospace and more. As of July 31, 2025, Brady employed approximately 6,400 people in our worldwide businesses. Our fiscal 2025 sales were approximately $1.51 billion. Brady stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol BRC. You can learn more about us at

A career at Brady means working for a global company that has thrived for over 100 years, and whose innovative spirit drives our future growth.

Brady offers competitive pay and great benefits, supported by a culture that encourages collaboration and innovation. We strive to foster an inclusive workplace where diverse talent can learn, grow, and succeed. And with deeply rooted values, no matter where you work at Brady, you’ll feel connected to the community through our…