Senior Category Manager Materials & Components

Lyten is leading an industrial revolution through Lyten 3D Graphene™, a breakthrough supermaterial unlocking a new generation of products — from lithium–sulfur batteries and energy storage systems to concrete admixtures, lightweight composites, and next-generation sensors that are revolutionizing industries. Together, these innovations are making a massive global improvement and driving real-world impact across energy, mobility, construction, and defense.

At Lyten, we believe the most meaningful careers begin with purpose — and with people who want to make a difference. We’re not just developing advanced supermaterials — we’re about to change the world as we know it, reshaping how energy is stored, how products are built, and how progress is made.

We’re entering an exciting growth phase, scaling production across the U.S. and Europe and expanding our team of engineers, scientists, and innovators.

Apply now to join our team and be part of something bigger than yourself — where collaboration, creativity, and purpose come together to build the technologies that will define the next century.

At Lyten, we're building technologies that will fundamentally transform energy storage and electrification. As we scale our operations and strengthen our supply chain capabilities, we are looking for an experienced Senior Category Manager to take ownership of critical sourcing categories and help shape the future of our business. 

This is an opportunity for a strategic and hands-on procurement professional who enjoys navigating complex supplier landscapes, driving commercial excellence, and building long-term partnerships that support innovation and growth. 

Your Mission 

As Senior Category Manager, you will lead the development and execution of category strategies across key direct material and component categories, including areas such as Mechanical Parts, Chemicals, Active Materials, and other strategic sourcing areas. 

You will own the entire sourcing lifecycle, from defining category strategies and selecting suppliers to negotiating contracts, managing supplier performance, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. Working cross-functionally with teams across R&D, Sustainability, Quality, Program Management, and Legal, you will play a critical role in securing the supply chain needed to support Lyten's ambitions. 

What You'll Do 

Strategic Category Management 

• Develop and implement sourcing and category strategies aligned with Lyten's business objectives. 

• Continuously assess market dynamics, technology developments, and supply risks to create competitive advantage. 

• Build and optimize supplier panels that support business growth, innovation, quality, and sustainability goals. 

• Identify and implement risk mitigation strategies across the supply base. 

Supplier Selection & Contract Negotiation 

• Lead supplier scouting, qualification, and selection activities. 

• Manage RFQ processes and conduct commercial evaluations. 

• Negotiate long-term agreements that deliver optimal Quality, Cost, Delivery, and Sustainability (QCDS) performance. 

• Present sourcing recommendations to decision-making forums and support implementation within ERP systems. 

Supplier Performance & Relationship Management 

• Establish strong partnerships with strategic suppliers globally. 

• Monitor and drive supplier performance across quality, cost, delivery, sustainability, and innovation metrics. 

• Lead supplier development initiatives and corrective actions where needed. 

• Support the development of local and regional supplier networks. 

Cross-Functional Leadership 

• Partner closely with R&D, Quality, Sustainability, Program Management, Strategy, and Legal teams throughout project lifecycles. 

• Ensure sourcing activities align with program milestones and business objectives. 

• Lead process improvement initiatives and contribute to the development of Lyten's material sourcing framework. 

Who You Are 

You are an experienced procurement professional who combines strategic thinking with a willingness to roll up your sleeves and make things happen. You are comfortable operating in a dynamic environment where priorities evolve, and you can move seamlessly between executive-level discussions and operational execution. 

Qualifications 

• MBA, MSc, or equivalent degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related field. 

• Approximately 8+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, category management, or procurement within automotive, battery manufacturing, industrial technology, or another highly technical manufacturing environment. 

• Strong experience sourcing direct materials, components, or manufacturing-related commodities. 

• Proven track record of supplier negotiations and contract management. 

• Experience working in a global, cross-functional environment. 

Skills & Competencies 

• Excellent negotiation and stakeholder management skills. 

• Strong commercial acumen and analytical capabilities. 

• Experience with cost modelling and direct material purchasing. 

• Ability to identify risks and develop practical mitigation strategies. 

• Strong problem-solving and project management skills. 

• Fluent in English, both written and spoken. Additional European or Asian languages are an advantage. 

What Will Make You Successful 

• You are energized by building something new and making a tangible impact. 

• You can independently drive complex initiatives from concept through implementation. 

• You build trust quickly and collaborate effectively across cultures and functions. 

• You thrive in a fast-paced environment where adaptability is essential. 

• You are passionate about sustainability, innovation, and Lyten's mission. 

• You balance strategic vision with hands-on execution. 

Why Work at Lyten

At Lyten, you’ll be part of a team that’s redefining what’s possible in energy, materials, and manufacturing. We’re not just imagining the future — we’re building it today with breakthrough technologies that are changing how products are made and how industries innovate.

Our people are the heart of that mission. From world-class scientists and engineers to creative problem-solvers in operations, manufacturing, and commercialization, every member of the Lyten team plays a role in turning bold ideas into real-world impact. We believe that the best work happens when you’re doing great things in the world — with people you like. Collaboration, curiosity, and a shared sense of purpose drive everything we do.

What You’ll Find at Lyten

• A mission that matters: Contribute directly to solving complex challenges in energy, mobility, and materials innovation.

• Cutting-edge innovation: Work on technologies at the intersection of materials science, energy storage, and advanced manufacturing that strengthen energy security and local supply chains.

• Extraordinary people: Join a team of talented, friendly, and down-to-earth innovators who support, challenge, and inspire one another every day.

• Teamwork and culture: Experience a workplace built on trust, respect, and shared success — where collaboration fuels breakthroughs and everyone’s ideas are heard.

• Global impact: Help scale new materials and energy solutions that reinforce industrial resilience across the U.S. and Europe.

• Career growth: Be part of a fast-moving company entering a commercial growth phase, with opportunities to lead, learn, and make your mark.

• Purpose-driven values: Thrive in an environment that celebrates ingenuity, optimism, and meaningful progress — together.

Lyten offers the opportunity to do the most important work of your career — helping build the technologies that will power the next century of innovation.

Join us, and help transform industries, communities, and the planet with friends who share your drive to make a difference.