Category Manager

Company Overview

The Crump Group Inc. is a family-owned and operated premium pet treat manufacturer. Started in 2006, we have successfully established 3 market leading brands (Caledon Farms, Crumps Naturals and Dog Delights) distributed throughout Canada and the United States. We officially started production in our North Carolina facility in August 2023, we continue to ramp up production in this facility and we are planning an $85M expansion.

Position: Category Manager – Packaging & Raw Materials

We are seeking a Category Manager to lead the strategic sourcing and procurement efforts across raw materials, packaging, and related services. This role plays a critical part in ensuring cost efficiency, supply reliability, and alignment with business goals.

The ideal candidate will bring a blend of strategic thinking, supplier management expertise, and operational agility. You will be responsible for driving category strategy, fostering supplier partnerships, leading negotiations, and identifying opportunities for cost optimization and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Sourcing & Analytical Thinking

• Develop and execute short- and long-term category strategies that align with company objectives.
• Conduct market analysis, risk assessments, and competitive benchmarking.
• Identify, evaluate, and onboard suppliers based on quality, cost, reliability, and sustainability.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, production, and QA to support innovation and supply chain efficiency.
• Develops actionable roadmaps for short- and long-term category growth.
• Performs SWOT analyses to inform strategic direction and mitigate risks.
• Leverages spend analytics to optimize sourcing and measure performance.
• Tracks progress against KPIs and strategic goals for accountability and improvement.

2. Vendor Management

• Build and maintain strong, performance-based relationships with key suppliers.
• Monitor supplier KPIs, initiate corrective actions, and implement improvement plans.
• Conduct supplier evaluations, audits, and business reviews to ensure ongoing compliance and performance.
• Lead supplier development initiatives to build capabilities and drive innovation.

3. Contracting & Negotiation

• Lead negotiations to secure favorable terms, pricing, and service agreements.
• Draft and manage supplier contracts in accordance with company policy and legal standards.
• Address and resolve disputes or performance issues with professionalism and urgency.

4. Cost Management & Optimization

• Analyze category spend and identify cost-saving opportunities through data-driven insights.
• Lead procurement cost-reduction initiatives in collaboration with Finance.
• Drive continuous improvement through lean procurement practices and operational efficiency.

5. Commercial & Market Acumen

• Deep understanding of packaging cost structures, market drivers, and supplier economics.
• Continuously monitors industry trends and adjusts category strategy accordingly.
• Identifies untapped value opportunities through data analysis and market intelligence.

6. Supplier & Stakeholder Management

• Strong negotiator able to influence supplier behavior and secure competitive terms.
• Collaborates across departments to align category initiatives with business needs.
• Drives supplier-enabled innovation through category development projects.

7. Executional Excellence

• Highly detail-oriented and structured in managing contracts, specs, and supplier data.
• Adapts to supply chain challenges with resilience and resourcefulness.
• Brings a sustainability-first approach to materials selection and supplier engagement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain, Engineering, or a related field.
• MBA or professional certification (CPSM, CIPS, PMP) is considered an asset.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in category management, procurement, or strategic sourcing-preferably in food, pet treat, or manufacturing sectors.
• Proficiency in tools such as Excel, PowerPoint, and Power BI. Experience with Sage is a strong asset.
• Strong understanding of supply chain processes, supplier dynamics, and cost structures.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Must be available to work on-site at the Mississauga (Drew Road) facility.

The Crump Group is committed to equity in employment and diversity. The Crump Group will provide an inclusive and barrier free recruitment process to applicants with accessibility needs in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require a disability-related accommodation during this process, please inform The Crump’s Group of your requirements.

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