Category Manager

Located in the heart of Central Ohio, Illuminate USA is transforming solar panel manufacturing from our cutting-edge facility in Pataskala. As a new standalone joint venture established by two global leaders in renewable energy, we’ve rapidly grown to over 1,500 associates and are now fully operational in our 1.1 million-square-foot factory. Our vision is to establish one of the largest solar panel manufacturing operations in the Western Hemisphere.

This is an exciting time to join Illuminate USA as we continue to grow and innovate. We’re not just building solar panels, we’re building a team of dedicated, passionate associates eager to make a real impact. If you’re looking to be part of a collaborative, people-focused, and forward-thinking workplace, we want to hear from you!

We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and continuous opportunities for career growth. Come join us on this journey to create a brighter, more sustainable future in the Columbus area.

Job Description:

Illuminate USA is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Category Manager to lead the direct sourcing strategy for our Bill of Materials (BOM) category. This role is a critical part of our Procurement team, responsible for developing and managing strategic supplier partnerships to ensure supply continuity, cost competitiveness, and high quality across our operations. 

The Category Manager will work closely with engineering, quality, and cross-functional teams to align sourcing strategies with business objectives, drive supplier performance, and ensure delivery targets are consistently met.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Develop and execute a comprehensive sourcing strategy for BOM categories, including market intelligence, supplier selection, total cost modeling, and pricing forecasts 

• Establish and maintain strong, performance-driven relationships with key suppliers to ensure a competitive advantage in technology and cost 

• Deliver accurate cost projections and contribute to budgeting processes 

• Collaborate with engineering, operations, and quality teams to improve supplier manufacturing processes, yields, and performance 

• Own all aspects of BOM category management, including contract negotiation and ongoing supplier relationship oversight 

• Support supplier development and ensure clear visibility of roadmaps and capabilities across the business 

• Partner cross-functionally throughout the product lifecycle—from early design to end-of-life—to ensure sourcing strategies align with business and technical needs 

• Design and manage a resilient supply chain to ensure uninterrupted component availability and address any supply risks proactively 

• May lead a small team (1–2 direct reports) 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or related field; Master’s degree in Business or Supply Chain preferred 

• 10+ years of strategic procurement experience in one or more of the following industries: Solar, Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS), Semiconductors, Energy Storage, or Contract Manufacturing 

• Proven ability to work independently in a fast-paced, matrixed environment 

• Strong background in supplier management, contract negotiations, cost analysis, and supply chain risk mitigation 

• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and cross-functional collaboration skills 

At Illuminate USA, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We proudly embrace equal opportunity for all, ensuring that all qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Your unique background and experiences are valued here, as we believe they strengthen our team and drive our mission forward.