Category Manager, Lumber & Plywood

Our client is currently seeking a highly experienced Category Manager – Lumber & Plywood to join our procurement team. This strategic role requires a true market expert who can proactively drive purchasing decisions by anticipating trends in the lumber and plywood markets. The successful candidate will focus on developing and maintaining robust supplier relationships while effectively negotiating competitive pricing, terms, and supply conditions to support our manufacturing facilities across North America and South America.
Essential Functions:

• Analyze market data and develop accurate forecasts to anticipate trends in lumber and plywood markets.
• Select, develop, and manage a reliable supplier base capable of meeting required production volumes.
• Build and sustain a strong professional network within the wood products industry.
• Negotiate pricing, commercial terms, supply commitments, and delivery conditions with suppliers.
• Drive continuous improvement in cost, quality, delivery, and overall supplier performance.
• Resolve issues related to non-conforming goods, late deliveries, payment disputes, and other performance challenges.
• Balance long-term strategic sourcing initiatives with effective daily problem-solving.
• Conduct in-depth cost and process analyses to uncover improvement and savings opportunities.
• Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies to minimize supply chain disruptions.
• Assess supplier capabilities, support supplier audits, and ensure ongoing compliance.
• Identify and lead execution of cost-saving and efficiency initiatives.
• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders to align category strategies with regional business objectives.
• Lead and support regional/local projects, including planning, budgeting, and successful execution.
• Establish, track, and report annual KPIs for the lumber and plywood category.
• Provide regional market intelligence and deliver actionable insights to support sales and operational teams.
  Secondary Responsibilities:
• Ensure full compliance with company policies, procedures, and ethical standards.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date information on order status and supplier performance.
• Perform monthly, quarterly, and annual inventory assessments.
• Undertake other duties as assigned.