Category Manager – Aluminum

Description

At AKG, we believe great people build great products. We are looking for dependable, safety-focused team members who want to grow their skills and be part of a company that values teamwork, accountability, respect, and continuous improvement.

If you enjoy hands-on work, problem-solving, and working with precision equipment in a manufacturing environment, we encourage you to apply.  

What We Offer:

• Competitive pay based on experience 
• Shift differential opportunities 
• GREAT Medical, dental, and vision benefits the first of the      month after 30 days
• Company Paid Life insurance, STD insurance and LTD insurance
• PTO and paid holidays 
• 401(k) with amazing company match 
• Training and advancement opportunities 
• Stable manufacturing environment 
• Employee recognition programs 
• Team-oriented culture focused on safety and respect 

Current Openings in Supply Chain: 

You may see multiple postings for similar roles for Supply Chain. We are evaluating talent across two opportunities and anticipate hiring one candidate whose skills and experience are the strongest overall match. Candidates only need to apply for the position that best fits their experience.

What You’ll Do:

The Category Manager - Aluminum is responsible for the strategic and commercial management of the Aluminum category across AKG North America.

The Aluminum category includes a broad range of raw materials and components, including aluminum coil, sheet, plate, and profiles/extrusions, as well as other aluminum-based commodities such as castings, other aluminum-based purchased components, and other assigned aluminum products.

The position owns the supplier, sourcing decision, and strategy for assigned Aluminum commodities and is accountable for supplier portfolio development, sourcing, pricing, negotiations, contracts, cost improvement, capacity planning, and supply-risk management.

The Category Manager is expected to understand Aluminum markets and cost drivers, anticipate market and capacity developments, and translate business requirements into clear sourcing strategies and supplier actions. The role requires proactive leadership, independent decision-making, and full accountability for commercial outcomes.

What We’re Looking For:

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for assigned Aluminum commodities, including raw materials and aluminum-based components.
• Develop and manage a competitive, reliable, and sustainable supplier portfolio.
• Monitor Aluminum markets, pricing, capacity, and key cost drivers, including LME, Midwest Premium, conversion costs, freight, and tariffs.
• Lead RFQs, supplier evaluations, sourcing decisions, negotiations, and supplier transitions.
• Own pricing, commercial agreements, contracts, and supplier price changes, including accurate commercial conditions in SAP.
• Drive cost reduction, competitive sourcing, benchmarking, localization, and other commercial improvement opportunities.
• Identify supply, capacity, and single-source risks and develop appropriate mitigation and second-source strategies.
• Lead strategic supplier relationships, performance escalations, commercial recovery, supplier development, and phase-out decisions when required.
• Work cross-functionally with Engineering, Supplier Quality, Material Planning, Logistics, Operations, Finance, and Project Procurement.
• Maintain full strategic and commercial ownership of assigned commodities.

Requirements

 Qualifications· 

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Minimum 7 years experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, category management, or commodity management within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong experience sourcing direct materials, metals, raw materials, or other market-driven commodities.
• Direct Aluminum sourcing experience strongly preferred.
• Strong experience in supplier negotiations, RFQs, sourcing decisions, contracts, and cost reduction.
• Good understanding of Aluminum markets, cost structures, and index-based pricing mechanisms such as LME and Midwest Premium.
• Strong analytical, commercial, negotiation, and supplier-management skills. 
• Ability to independently develop sourcing recommendations and drive decisions.
• Experience with SAP or comparable ERP systems preferred.
• Experience working in a multi-site manufacturing environment preferred.

Why AKG?  At AKG, we are committed to creating a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and part of the solution. Safety is our top priority, and we believe strong teams are built through communication, accountability, and respect for others. As part of The AKG Way, we strive to create an environment where employees can grow professionally while contributing to the success of the organization.
What to Expect After Applying:

• Applications are reviewed by our HR and hiring teams.
• Qualified candidates will be contacted if chosen for interview.
• Communication will only be provided for those selected due to high volume of resumes. 

If you are looking for a stable opportunity with a company that values hard work, teamwork, and growth, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today and grow your career with AKG.AKG is an Equal Opportunity Employer.