Direct Category Manager (Non-Resin) at Solmax in Atlanta, GA | Kablio

Role

Description

risk management

quality assurance

cost optimization

category management

supplier management

negotiation

Risk Management: Proactively identify and mitigate supply chain risks to ensure uninterrupted material availability and minimize disruptions.
Quality Assurance: Collaborate with quality assurance teams to maintain and improve product quality and compliance with industry standards.
Cost Optimization: Implement cost reduction initiatives and value engineering programs to improve overall profitability and cost competitiveness.
Category Management: Develop and execute comprehensive category strategies for direct materials, ensuring alignment with the company's objectives and targets. This role will manage the following categories: finished/semi-finished goods, woven and non-woven goods, additives/colorants, packaging
Supplier Management: Identify, evaluate, and manage supplier relationships, fostering partnerships that drive cost efficiencies, quality improvements, and innovation.
Negotiation: Lead negotiations to secure favorable pricing, terms, and service levels while ensuring compliance and performance standards Market Analysis: Continuously monitor industry and global trends, market conditions, and competitive landscape to make informed decisions and maintain a competitive edge.
Collaboration: Partner with production, engineering, R&D, and quality teams to support innovation, product development, and operational efficiency

Requirements

bachelor's

category management

excel

power bi

negotiation

sap

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field
Minimum 5 years of direct category management experience, experience in the geotextile and geomembrane industry strongly preferred
Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills.
Advanced skills in Excel, Power BI, Tableau, and other Procurement analytics tools
Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
Experience in ERP platforms: Dynamics365, SAP, AS400 is a plus.
Proven track record of delivering significant cost savings through strategic sourcing and supplier negotiations. Strong understanding of global trade economics, commodity markets, and cost drivers.

Benefits

Information not given or found

Training + Development

Information not given or found

Interview process

Information not given or found

Visa Sponsorship

Information not given or found

Security clearance

Information not given or found

Company

Overview

1981

Year Founded

The company was established by Jacques Côté.

19 sites

Global Production Network

The company operates 19 production sites worldwide.

2024

CEO Appointment

New CEO Bob Gilligan took leadership late in 2024.

2025

Division Launch

Introduced the Performance Materials division.

It’s known for pioneering high‑density polyethylene containment liners used in everything from landfills to mining tailings.
Over recent years, Solmax accelerated growth via acquisitions—uniting TenCate, GSE Environmental and Propex into its umbrella.
Its 19 production sites serve over 100 countries, supplying critical membranes for environmental, infrastructure and industrial applications.
Headquartered in Montréal, the firm expanded U.S. production in Houston to reduce costs and improve service for oil, gas and waste sectors.
Typical projects include reinforced pavements, canal linings, landfill caps, mining heap‑leach pads and transportation system upgrades.
Despite its engineering roots, the company continues to surprise with novel products—such as woven+wicking Geogrid used in pavement systems.

Culture + Values

Founded in 1981

Years of Commitment to Sustainability

The company has been dedicated to creating a better world since its inception, with sustainability embedded in its core values from the very beginning.

“We are engineers that build solutions for sustainable infrastructure construction.”
“We are equally dedicated to building long‑term relationships with our customers, enabling them to meet their sustainability goals and delivering the reassurance of world‑class product performance and customer service.”
“We recognize the importance of bringing diverse teams and talents together under one name and shared aim. We believe that unity fuels collaboration, innovation, and collective strength.”
“We believe that innovation goes beyond the realm of generating new product ideas; it encompasses working smarter and embracing creative approaches in all aspects of our business.”

Environment + Sustainability

75%

Environmental Footprint Reduction

Geosynthetics reduce the total environmental footprint of projects compared to conventional materials.

200 tons

CO2 Emissions Reduction

Quebec plant achieved significant CO2 emission reductions through energy-efficiency improvements.

80 tons

Recycled Geotextiles

Used geotextiles are recycled into polypropylene granules for reuse, supporting the circular economy.

90%

Natural Gas Reduction

Quebec plant reduced natural-gas use by 90%, significantly cutting emissions.

Commitment to annual Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions reduction.
Commitment to annual Scope 3 GHG emissions reduction.
Target of zero-waste-to-landfill by reducing waste sent to landfill annually.
Maximize use of recycled raw materials when regulation, product specs, and lifecycle impact allow.
Integration of environmental considerations into decision-making, purchasing, training, risk-assessment, and waste-reduction programs.
Reporting environmental sustainability status to the Board at least annually.
Net-zero target: establishing FY 2023 baseline for GHG reduction targets (Scope 1-3) with aim toward net-zero.

Inclusion & Diversity

Articles

Case studies

Blog – Investing in the future: Building 100‑year pavement foundations

News – FHWA Indicates Most Geosynthetics Classify as Construction Materials

Geosynthetica profile – Solmax International Inc.

Geosynthetica news – Solmax completes acquisition of Plastecnia

Geosynthetics Magazine – Solmax consolidates European nonwoven facilities

Role

Description

risk management

quality assurance

cost optimization

category management

supplier management

negotiation

Risk Management: Proactively identify and mitigate supply chain risks to ensure uninterrupted material availability and minimize disruptions.
Quality Assurance: Collaborate with quality assurance teams to maintain and improve product quality and compliance with industry standards.
Cost Optimization: Implement cost reduction initiatives and value engineering programs to improve overall profitability and cost competitiveness.
Category Management: Develop and execute comprehensive category strategies for direct materials, ensuring alignment with the company's objectives and targets. This role will manage the following categories: finished/semi-finished goods, woven and non-woven goods, additives/colorants, packaging
Supplier Management: Identify, evaluate, and manage supplier relationships, fostering partnerships that drive cost efficiencies, quality improvements, and innovation.
Negotiation: Lead negotiations to secure favorable pricing, terms, and service levels while ensuring compliance and performance standards Market Analysis: Continuously monitor industry and global trends, market conditions, and competitive landscape to make informed decisions and maintain a competitive edge.
Collaboration: Partner with production, engineering, R&D, and quality teams to support innovation, product development, and operational efficiency

Requirements

bachelor's

category management

excel

power bi

negotiation

sap

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field
Minimum 5 years of direct category management experience, experience in the geotextile and geomembrane industry strongly preferred
Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills.
Advanced skills in Excel, Power BI, Tableau, and other Procurement analytics tools
Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
Experience in ERP platforms: Dynamics365, SAP, AS400 is a plus.
Proven track record of delivering significant cost savings through strategic sourcing and supplier negotiations. Strong understanding of global trade economics, commodity markets, and cost drivers.

Benefits

Information not given or found

Training + Development

Information not given or found

Interview process

Information not given or found

Visa Sponsorship

Information not given or found

Security clearance

Information not given or found

Company

Overview

1981

Year Founded

The company was established by Jacques Côté.

19 sites

Global Production Network

The company operates 19 production sites worldwide.

2024

CEO Appointment

New CEO Bob Gilligan took leadership late in 2024.

2025

Division Launch

Introduced the Performance Materials division.

It’s known for pioneering high‑density polyethylene containment liners used in everything from landfills to mining tailings.
Over recent years, Solmax accelerated growth via acquisitions—uniting TenCate, GSE Environmental and Propex into its umbrella.
Its 19 production sites serve over 100 countries, supplying critical membranes for environmental, infrastructure and industrial applications.
Headquartered in Montréal, the firm expanded U.S. production in Houston to reduce costs and improve service for oil, gas and waste sectors.
Typical projects include reinforced pavements, canal linings, landfill caps, mining heap‑leach pads and transportation system upgrades.
Despite its engineering roots, the company continues to surprise with novel products—such as woven+wicking Geogrid used in pavement systems.

Culture + Values

Founded in 1981

Years of Commitment to Sustainability

The company has been dedicated to creating a better world since its inception, with sustainability embedded in its core values from the very beginning.

“We are engineers that build solutions for sustainable infrastructure construction.”
“We are equally dedicated to building long‑term relationships with our customers, enabling them to meet their sustainability goals and delivering the reassurance of world‑class product performance and customer service.”
“We recognize the importance of bringing diverse teams and talents together under one name and shared aim. We believe that unity fuels collaboration, innovation, and collective strength.”
“We believe that innovation goes beyond the realm of generating new product ideas; it encompasses working smarter and embracing creative approaches in all aspects of our business.”

Environment + Sustainability

75%

Environmental Footprint Reduction

Geosynthetics reduce the total environmental footprint of projects compared to conventional materials.

200 tons

CO2 Emissions Reduction

Quebec plant achieved significant CO2 emission reductions through energy-efficiency improvements.

80 tons

Recycled Geotextiles

Used geotextiles are recycled into polypropylene granules for reuse, supporting the circular economy.

90%

Natural Gas Reduction

Quebec plant reduced natural-gas use by 90%, significantly cutting emissions.

Commitment to annual Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions reduction.
Commitment to annual Scope 3 GHG emissions reduction.
Target of zero-waste-to-landfill by reducing waste sent to landfill annually.
Maximize use of recycled raw materials when regulation, product specs, and lifecycle impact allow.
Integration of environmental considerations into decision-making, purchasing, training, risk-assessment, and waste-reduction programs.
Reporting environmental sustainability status to the Board at least annually.
Net-zero target: establishing FY 2023 baseline for GHG reduction targets (Scope 1-3) with aim toward net-zero.

Inclusion & Diversity

Articles

Case studies

Blog – Investing in the future: Building 100‑year pavement foundations

News – FHWA Indicates Most Geosynthetics Classify as Construction Materials

Geosynthetica profile – Solmax International Inc.

Geosynthetica news – Solmax completes acquisition of Plastecnia

Geosynthetics Magazine – Solmax consolidates European nonwoven facilities