Category Management Lead

We are looking for a visionary procurement leader to drive category strategy, lead a high-performing North American team, and optimize our sourcing approach for long-term success. This position is based in our Milton, ON location.

Ready to help build a better future for generations to come?

At ROCKWOOL, we are shaping the future of procurement through innovation, strategic leadership, and sustainability. We are committed to excellence in every aspect of our operations.

Your future team:

You will become part of the North American Procurement Team and will be reporting to the Procurement Director. The team consists of 16 members currently including the team members from category management, purchasing, procurement project lead.

What you will be doing:

The Category Management Lead will play a key role in driving strategic category management across our procurement function. This role will directly manage the Procurement Managers, providing strategic oversight, mentorship, and leadership to ensure alignment with overall procurement goals. The CM Lead will also manage the Binder and Additives categories, given their critical impact on production and regulatory requirements. We are looking for a candidate with a project management-oriented mindset and a process-oriented vision to ensure smooth execution and continuous improvement in procurement activities. The Category Management Lead will act as a leader in enhancing procurement practices, fostering team development, and ensuring alignment with company goals. This role requires frequent travel to factories and vendors, with an estimated 25-50% time spent away from the office. Therefore, we need someone willing and able to work in Canada and the U.S. and comfortable with long-distance driving.

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute procurement strategies that optimize cost, mitigate risks, and drive value creation.
• Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing procurement team across North America.
• Category Ownership: Manage critical Binder & Additives categories, ensuring alignment with production and regulatory requirements.
• Regulatory & Compliance Oversight: Ensure all sourcing activities comply with legal, environmental, and industry regulations.
• Process Optimization: Implement best-in-class procurement practices, driving efficiency and continuous improvement.
• Executive Collaboration: Partner with senior leadership, legal, and cross-functional teams to align procurement with business objectives.
• Market Intelligence: Leverage industry insights to optimize supplier partnerships and stay ahead of market trends.

What you bring:

• 8 –10 plus years of senior leadership experience in procurement, category management, and/or strategic sourcing.
• Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams across North America.
• Track record of driving procurement transformation and business impact.
• Deep understanding of compliance in procurement, especially for heavily regulated materials (e.g., chemicals).
• Strong analytical skills to optimize spend, supplier performance, and category strategy.
• Ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders across functions.
• This role involves 25-50% travel to factories and vendors within North America.

What we offer:

At ROCKWOOL, our culture is one of teamwork, respect, and support. We offer a competitive salary, rewarding career and a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to:

• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive benefits package including Health, Dental, Vision, and more
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays
• Retirement Pension Matching Program
• Life and Disability Programs
• Educational Assistance
• Top up plans for maternity and paternity leave
• Fitness Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Who we are:

We are the world leader in stone wool solutions. Founded in 1937 in Denmark, we transform volcanic rock into safe, sustainable products that help people and communities thrive. We are a global company with more than 12,000 employees, located in 40+ countries with 51 manufacturing facilities… all focused on one common purpose – to release the natural power of stone to enrich modern living.

Sustainability is central to our business strategy. ROCKWOOL was one of the first companies to commit to actively contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) framework and are actively committed to 11 SDGs, including SDG 14, Life Below Water. Through our partnership with the One Ocean Foundation and in connection with our sponsorship of the Denmark SailGP team, we will help raise awareness around ocean health challenges in an effort to accelerate solutions to protect it.

Work Environment & Conditions:

• Our offices are thoughtfully designed to foster collaboration, creativity, and opportunities for social engagement, allowing employees to find balance and bring their best selves to work.
• ROCKWOOL believes in giving back to the communities where we operate. Our offices worldwide engage in philanthropic initiatives, community involvement, and sustainability efforts that contribute to improving society and the environment. We encourage our employees to get involved and make a positive impact in the communities we serve.

Diverse and Inclusive Culture:

We want all our people to feel valued, respected, included and heard. We employ 79 different nationalities worldwide and are committed to providing equal opportunities to all employees, promote diversity, and work against all forms of discrimination among ROCKWOOL employees.

At ROCKWOOL, you will experience a friendly team environment. Our culture is very important to us. In fact, we refer to our culture as “The ROCKWOOL Way”. This is the foundation in which we operate and is based upon our values of ambition, responsibility, integrity and efficiency.

ROCKWOOL is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified candidates without regard to race,color, national origin, religion, gender, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.