Category Manager – Supply Chain
About JCL Energy
JCL Energy is a growing electrical transformer and power solutions company committed to operational excellence, customer responsiveness, and continuous improvement. Guided by our JCLES values — Journey Driven, Customer Obsessed, Leadership at all Levels, We Bring Energy, and Safety First Always — we are seeking motivated professionals who thrive in fast-paced, solutions-oriented environments.
Position Summary
The Category Manager is responsible for developing, qualifying, and managing supplier relationships to ensure reliable, cost-effective, and high-quality supply chain performance. This role partners cross-functionally with operations, manufacturing, sales, and leadership teams to support inventory optimization, supplier performance, sourcing strategies, and customer fulfillment initiatives.
The ideal candidate brings strong supplier management experience, strategic sourcing capability, and the ability to proactively identify opportunities for operational improvement and risk mitigation.
Key Responsibilities
Supplier Development & Management
- Identify, evaluate, onboard, and develop suppliers aligned with JCL Energy standards
- Build and maintain a resilient, competitive supplier network
- Monitor supplier performance related to quality, delivery, responsiveness, and safety
- Drive supplier accountability and continuous improvement initiatives
Category & Sourcing Strategy
- Develop and execute sourcing and category strategies
- Support supplier diversification and dual sourcing initiatives
- Evaluate market conditions and supply chain risks to support business continuity
- Assist in negotiating supplier agreements and pricing structures
Inventory & Operational Support
- Support inventory optimization initiatives and supply planning strategies
- Collaborate cross-functionally to improve fulfillment timelines and customer responsiveness
- Analyze purchasing trends, supplier performance, and inventory data
- Assist with RFQ response timelines and operational supply chain needs
Reporting & Process Improvement
- Develop and maintain supplier and category performance metrics
- Support continuous improvement initiatives across supply chain operations
- Assist with process documentation and operational reporting
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field preferred, or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in procurement, sourcing, category management, or supply chain operations
- Strong negotiation and supplier relationship management skills
- Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving ability
- Experience with inventory planning, sourcing strategy, and supplier performance management
- Strong Microsoft Excel and reporting skills preferred
- Excellent communication and organizational skills
- Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced operational environment
Why Join JCL Energy?
- Growing and dynamic organization
- Opportunity to directly impact operational performance and supply chain strategy
- Collaborative team environment
- Competitive compensation and benefits
- Career growth and leadership development opportunities
Pay: $82,000.00 - $86,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k) 4% Match
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
