Senior Category Manager

Description

Agile Space Industries is a rapidly growing supplier of propulsion hardware and engineering services for the space industry. Headquartered in Durango, Colorado, with expanding operations in and Tulsa, Oklahoma, and upcoming growth in Seattle, Washington, Agile has achieved more than 40% year-over-year growth for the past three years, and our momentum continues to accelerate.

At Agile, we design, build, and test in-space propulsion systems that give spacecraft the ability to maneuver with precision, reliability, and purpose. Our technologies play a critical role in missions that range from lunar landings and resource utilization to national defense, human exploration, and commercial space transport.

We are seeking bold and driven individuals who thrive in a hands-on, fast-moving environment and want to help write the next chapter of space history as part of a close-knit, innovative team. You will take on a demanding and rewarding role at Agile, directly shaping the future of in-space propulsion. As an integral contributor during our growth stage, you will be eligible to participate in our stock option plan, giving you the opportunity to share in the long-term value you help create. All stock grants are subject to executive review and approval in accordance with the Company’s equity plan. 

Agile Space Industries is seeking a Supply Chain Category Manager. This role drives the strategic sourcing and management of key categories that directly support our advanced propulsion programs. You will develop supplier strategies, optimize cost and performance, and ensure continuity of supply for critical hardware and materials. As an integral part of the Supply Chain organization, you will work closely with engineering, operations, and program teams to enable reliable, scalable production and mission success.

 This role can be onsite or remote, and we are currently accepting candidates residing in Colorado, Pennsylvania, Florida, North Carolina, Washington, Utah, Iowa, Texas, and Oklahoma. You MUST live and work from one these states to work remotely for Agile Space Industries.   

Responsibilities

• Develop and own category strategies that optimize cost, quality, delivery, and risk across assigned commodities.
• Lead supplier selection, negotiation, and contract management to ensure competitive and sustainable supply solutions.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, and program management to align sourcing decisions with technical requirements and production schedules.
• Drive supplier performance management, including scorecards, business reviews, and corrective action plans.
• Identify and mitigate category risks related to capacity, single-source dependencies, quality, and long lead materials.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to support new product introduction, design-for-manufacturability, and cost reduction initiatives.
• Forecast and manage category demand in alignment with program milestones and inventory strategies.
• Lead continuous improvement efforts to strengthen supply chain resilience and operational efficiency.
• Support executive reporting with category insights, market intelligence, and strategic recommendations. 

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or relevant field, or equivalent experience. 
• Proven experience managing complex supplier relationships and negotiating high-value agreements.
• Experience supporting aerospace, defense, or similarly regulated hardware environments.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Leveling Expectations:

Senior Category Manager

• All qualifications above plus 5–7 years of supply chain, sourcing, or category management experience.
• Independently manages one or more sourcing categories with limited oversight. 
• Leads supplier selection, negotiations, and contract execution for moderately complex procurements. 
• Develops category strategies and drives cost, quality, delivery, and supplier performance improvements. 
• Partners effectively with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and program teams to meet business objectives. 
• Identifies supply chain risks and recommends mitigation strategies.

Lead Category Manager 

• All qualifications above plus 8-10 years of supply chain, sourcing, or category management experience.
• Serves as the strategic owner for multiple high-impact or technically complex categories. 
• Develops long-term sourcing strategies aligned with company objectives and business growth. 
• Leads negotiations for high-value, high-risk, or strategically critical supplier agreements. 
• Influences cross-functional and executive decision-making on supplier strategy and sourcing initiatives. 
• Mentors other category managers and provides technical guidance on sourcing best practices. 
• Drives continuous improvement initiatives and establishes category management processes across the organization. 
• Recognized as a subject matter expert in supplier strategy and market intelligence.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in aerospace propulsion, precision machining, metallurgy, or high-reliability hardware supply chains.
• Familiarity with supply chain tools and systems such as ERP/MRP platforms, cost modeling, or supplier performance tools.
• Experience working in fast-paced, growth-stage, or hardware startup environments.
• Exposure to government contracting requirements (DoD, NASA).
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret category data and market trends.
• Master's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or relevant field

The expected salary range:

Senior Category Manger: $88,000-$121,000 annually

Lead Category Manager: $109,000-$150,000 annually

Final compensation will be based on factors such as experience, skills, and internal equity, and is typically made within the midrange, rather than the upper end. The posted salary band reflects the compensation range for candidates located in Colorado, in compliance with Colorado state law. If you are located in another state, please contact HR to inquire about the applicable compensation band, as requirements may vary by jurisdiction.  

Physical Requirements: Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer 

Employment Type: Exempt 

Work Schedule: Full-Time 

This role can be onsite or remote, and we are currently accepting candidates residing in Colorado, Pennsylvania, Florida, North Carolina, Washington, Utah, Iowa, Texas, and Oklahoma. You MUST live and work from one these states to work remotely for Agile Space Industries.   

#LI-Remote 

 What You'll Love About Us: Agile Space Industries offers exceptional benefits to support you and your family including generous health coverage, dental and vision plans, Flexible Time Off, parental leave, and a 401(k) with 100% company match up to 4%.We are committed to creating a diverse work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. 

Disclaimer: Agile is proud to offer a competitive benefits package to support our team members as they take on challenging, mission-driven work. The benefits listed in this job description are applicable to full-time employees. Part-time, temporary, or other non-full-time employees may have different benefit eligibility in accordance with company policy and applicable plan terms.

Don’t meet every single requirement? At Agile, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t perfectly align with every qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. You might be the perfect fit for this role or another opportunity with us.

Reasonable Accommodation: At Agile, our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please submit a request to [email protected].

Recruitment Notice: Agile Space Industries is not partnering with external recruiters or agencies at this time. Please do not contact our staff directly regarding open positions. All candidates must apply through our official application process to be considered.