Category Manager

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.   Lyten Sweden is seeking a experienced Category Manager for Equipment suppliers. In this role your will be part of Lyten Sweden Supply Chain Team and is responsible for supporting the development and execution of the global sourcing strategy for a critical portfolio of high-value manufacturing equipment, tooling, and capital machinery.    This role is responsible for driving significant cost savings, ensuring supplier performance, and minimizing supply chain risks through effective supplier relationship management and complex contract negotiations with global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). The Category Manager serves as the primary commercial owner of the Equipment category and works closely with cross-functional stakeholders to support the company's operational and strategic objectives.  **Key Responsibilities**  Category Strategy  * Develop and maintain a comprehensive multi-year category strategy for the Equipment portfolio, identifying key suppliers, market trends, technological developments, cost-saving opportunities, and risk mitigation initiatives.  * Continuously assess market conditions and supplier capabilities to ensure a competitive and resilient supply base.    Strategic Sourcing and Contract Management  * Lead the end-to-end Source-to-Contract process, including the development of RFIs/RFPs, supplier evaluations, competitive bidding activities, and supplier selection.  * Conduct detailed technical and commercial assessments of supplier proposals, including Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) analysis.  * Negotiate complex equipment purchase agreements, long-term service agreements, and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) to achieve optimal commercial outcomes.  * Ensure contracts are aligned with company policies, legal requirements, and business objectives.    CAPEX Project Support  * Act as the procurement lead for major CAPEX projects, collaborating closely with Engineering, Finance, Legal, and other stakeholders.  * Support project execution by ensuring alignment on technical specifications, project milestones, payment terms, warranty provisions, and contractual requirements.  * Manage commercial aspects of equipment procurement throughout the project lifecycle.  Supplier Relationship Management (SRM)  * Manage strategic and operational relationships with key suppliers and OEMs.  * Conduct regular business reviews (QBRs) to monitor supplier performance across quality, delivery, cost, innovation, and service metrics.  * Drive continuous improvement initiatives and supplier development programs to enhance value and performance.    Cost Management and Value Creation  * Identify, track, and deliver measurable cost savings and productivity improvements through sourcing initiatives, negotiations, value engineering, and demand management.  * Manage and report Procurement Impact Realization (PIR) and other value-capture initiatives within the assigned spend portfolio.  * Conduct spend analysis, market benchmarking, and cost-driver assessments to support strategic decision-making.    Risk Management and Compliance  * Identify and mitigate supply chain risks associated with the equipment category, including single-source dependency, intellectual property exposure, supplier financial stability, and geopolitical factors.  * Ensure supplier and contract compliance with internal procurement policies, company standards, and applicable regulatory requirements.    Stakeholder Management  * Partner with internal stakeholders across functions, including Engineering, Operations, Finance, IT, HR, and Legal, to understand business requirements and align sourcing strategies accordingly.  * Promote procurement best practices and ensure compliance with established procurement processes and governance standards.  * Lead and influence cross-functional teams to drive sourcing initiatives and achieve business objectives.  Requirements  _Educational background and previous experience required for the role._  Education  * Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related technical discipline.  * Master's degree or MBA preferred.  Experience  * Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive experience in Strategic Sourcing, Category Management, or Procurement preferable coming from the battery industry.  * At least 3 years of direct experience sourcing CAPEX equipment, manufacturing equipment, or other high-value machinery.  * Demonstrated success in managing complex sourcing projects, supplier negotiations, and cross-functional stakeholder relationships in a global environment.  Technical Competencies  * Expert knowledge of global sourcing methodologies, procurement practices, contract management, and commercial negotiations.  * Proven track record of negotiating high-value, high-complexity agreements, including equipment purchase contracts and multi-year service agreements.  * Strong financial and analytical capabilities, including TCO modeling, cost-driver analysis, business case development, and clean-sheet costing.  * Proficiency with ERP systems with e-sourcing platforms.  * Strong understanding of supplier relationship management and procurement performance metrics.  Personal Success Factors  * Excellent strategic thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills.  * Strong communication, influencing, and stakeholder management capabilities.  * Ability to lead cross-functional teams and build consensus in a complex, fast-paced environment.  * Results-oriented with a strong drive for continuous improvement and value creation.  * Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail and delivering high-quality outcomes.  **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.