The Senior Category Manager is a key leadership role within Tarkett North America’s Corporate Sourcing organization, specifically for MRO (Maintenance Repair Operations).
This position is responsible for developing and executing commercially competitive category management and sourcing strategies across Tarkett’s North American operations.
The position is expected to deliver high-impact initiatives that improve operational efficiency, drive significant structural cost savings, and support Tarkett’s strategic objectives.
The Senior Category Manager partners closely with internal stakeholders, suppliers, and customers to enhance value delivery through data-driven strategies, innovation, and risk mitigation.
This individual will lead each category through the full TDC/TCO sourcing process—from planning and strategy through sourcing, contracting, and performance management.
Develop and execute category strategies that optimize cost, quality, risk, and sustainability performance across multiple material categories.
Lead the full category lifecycle using the 7-Step Sourcing process—from business case development through strategy execution and ongoing supplier management.
Drive total cost of ownership (TCO) improvements, applying market intelligence, cost modeling, and competitive benchmarking.
Lead cross-functional stakeholder teams to align sourcing strategies with business goals and secure organizational buy-in.
Negotiate complex supply agreements that secure long-term value and mitigate supply risk.
Develop and manage category KPIs (cost, quality, service, productivity) and supplier scorecards to ensure measurable value delivery.
Conduct supplier business reviews to drive continuous improvement and ensure performance against contractual commitments.
Identify and implement innovative sourcing solutions that enable sustainability, value engineering (VA/VE), and risk reduction.
Analyze market and cost driver dynamics to anticipate changes in raw material economics and capacity, developing mitigation strategies as needed.
Measure and report category performance, establishing baseline benchmarks and tracking savings, lead time, and delivery improvements.
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Finance, Engineering, or related field (MBA preferred).
Minimum 5 years of experience in Sourcing, Production, R&D, or Engineering, ideally within a leadership or strategic capacity.
Strong understanding of TCO and strategic sourcing methodologies.
Ability to travel up to 25%.
Proven success leading cross-functional teams within a multi-plant or enterprise environment.
Expertise in category management, from strategy development to execution (“cradle-to-grave”).
Strong business acumen with the ability to develop fact-based business cases and influence senior stakeholders.
Demonstrated experience in market analysis, cost modeling, and supplier negotiations.
Knowledge of supply markets, cost drivers, and technology trends affecting direct materials.
Advanced project management skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives concurrently.
Skilled in the creation, negotiation, and administration of supplier contracts.
Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to influence at all levels.
Results-oriented, analytical, and capable of driving measurable outcomes.
What We Offer
A commitment that Safety is #1
Competitive benefits, pay, and retirement plan options!
Career growth, stability, and flexible work arrangements.
Responsible Manufacturing – Protecting Our Planet for the Future
We utilize renewable energy and a closed loop recycled water process.
We are committed to reducing greenhouse emissions and water consumption.
We are the only flooring company recognized by the Asthma and Allergy foundation.
Who we are:
With a history of 140 years, Tarkett is a worldwide leader in innovative flooring and sport surface solutions with 12,000 employees and 34 industrial sites. Offering a wide range of products including vinyl, linoleum, rubber, carpet, wood, laminate, artificial turf, and athletic tracks. The Group serves customers in more than 100 countries across the globe.
Committed to change the game with circular economy and to reducing its carbon footprint, the Group has implemented an eco-innovation strategy based on Cradle to Cradle® principles, fully aligned with its Tarkett Human-Conscious Design® approach.
www.tarkett-group.com
Tarkett is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity in backgrounds and in experiences and promote an inclusive workplace where all employees can perform at their best.
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What We Do
With a history of more than 140 years, Tarkett is a worldwide leader in innovative and sustainable flooring and sports surface solutions, generating net sales of € 3.4 billion in 2022. The Group employs 12,000 employees and has 25 R&D centers, 8 recycling centers and 34 production sites. Tarkett creates and manufactures solutions for hospitals, schools, housing, hotels, offices, stores and sports fields, serving customers in over 100 countries. To build “The Way to Better Floors,” the Group is committed to circular economy and sustainability, in line with its Tarkett Human‐Conscious Design® approach. Tarkett is listed on the Euronext regulated market (compartment B, ISIN: FR0004188670, ticker: TKTT) www.tarkett‐group.com
