The posting
IPEX is one of North America’s leading providers of advanced plastic piping systems. Our mission is to shape a better tomorrow by connecting people with water and energy.
We currently have an exciting opportunity as a Category Manager – Indirect. This is a hybrid role based at our office in Oakville, Ontario and reports to the Director, Strategic Sourcing.
Do not miss the opportunity to join a diverse group of people-centric professionals, thought leaders, and rapid thinkers—entrepreneurs in spirit and status quo‑fighters.
Job Summary
As the Category Manager – Indirect, you will lead the development and execution of the sourcing strategy for components, finished goods, and resale products across North America. Working closely with Operations, Sales, Marketing, and other cross-functional teams, you will play a critical role in aligning regional sourcing initiatives with broader global procurement objectives while delivering value to the business.
In this role, you will identify and cultivate strategic supplier partnerships, negotiate commercial agreements, and drive initiatives that generate cost savings, improve cash flow, and strengthen supply chain performance. Leveraging your expertise in category management and market intelligence, you will make informed sourcing decisions that support business objectives and ensure a reliable, competitive supply base.
Principal Responsibilities
- Develop and execute category sourcing strategies for components, finished goods, and resale products, leading supplier selection, sourcing activities, contract negotiations, and supplier relationship management to optimize total cost of ownership.
- Serve as the procurement lead for assigned categories by establishing implementation plans, driving compliance to sourcing strategies, identifying alternate and dual-source opportunities, and achieving cost savings and working capital objectives.
- Analyze market conditions, industry trends, supplier performance, pricing dynamics, and supply risks to provide recommendations that support business objectives and long-term category strategies.
- Build strong partnerships with Operations, Sales, Marketing, Product Management, Planning, and other stakeholders by communicating category performance, facilitating strategic reviews, and aligning procurement initiatives with business priorities.
- Support innovation and new product development initiatives through participation in stage-gate processes, sourcing new materials and components, coordinating supplier trials, and facilitating supplier qualification and approval activities.
- Maintain supplier agreements and procurement data within ERP systems while tracking savings performance, supporting business intelligence reporting, and contributing to the implementation of digital procurement initiatives.
- Lead forecasting, inventory optimization, and replenishment strategies for resale products, including MRP configuration, inventory planning, working capital management, forecasting accuracy, and product profitability analysis.
- Coordinate stocking, distribution, and storage strategies to maximize service levels, reduce supply chain risk, and optimize overall landed cost.
Qualifications and Experience:
- Completion of College or University in Supply Chain Management and/or Certified Supply Chain Management Professional (CSCMP)
- Minimum 7 years progressive procurement experience, with at least 5 years in category management, strategic sourcing or procurement leadership roles
- Demonstrated experience in contract negotiation, vendor management and delivering measurable cost savings across North America, global experience is an asset
- Proficiency with ERP systems, procurement reporting tools, and Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
- Strong communication and ability to influence across all levels of the organization
- Advanced analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make sound decisions in complex or ambiguous situations
- Ability to travel occasionally within Canada & the United States, approximately 25%
The compensation for this position is between $121,000 and $151,300 annually, based on experience, skills and qualifications.
IPEX is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities throughout the recruitment process and, upon request, will work with qualified job applicants to provide suitable accommodation in a manner that takes into account the applicant’s accessibility needs due to disability. Accommodation requests are available to candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process for IPEX jobs. To request an accommodation, please contact HR at [email protected]
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