Category Manager (Materials)
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Key details
Job Description
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.
As a Category Manager at Lyten, you will play a key role in shaping our material supply strategy and building strong, high-performing material supplier partnerships. You will take ownership of your category and drive both strategic and operational excellence across the value chain.
In this role, you will:
- Develop and execute a robust category strategy aligned with Lyten’s overall business goals, collaborating closely with key internal stakeholders
- Build and continuously strengthen a competitive and resilient supplier base, ensuring long-term value creation
- Lead commercial negotiations and support supplier selection for new projects, securing optimal terms and partnerships
- Drive supplier performance by focusing on cost optimization, quality improvement, delivery reliability, and sustainability targets
- Foster and grow strong, collaborative relationships with Lyten’s suppliers, acting as a trusted partner and key point of contact
Key Responsibilities
Overall areas of responsibilities and activities
Defines the Sourcing Strategy for the assigned Category (including but not limited to materials such as CAM, Graphite, Binders etc), in line with the company ambition and with the different stakeholders ( R&D, CPM, Sustainability, Quality…), evaluate the different risks and implement mitigation plans.
Scout the market, evaluates suppliers’ capabilities and define the suppliers panel for the different projects, depending on stakeholders needs and in accordance to the company strategy.
Build and maintain strong, long-term supplier relationships and develop the local supplier base.
Send and pilot RFQs, negotiate long term contracts with best possible Quality Cost Delivery Sustainability contractual conditions with suppliers, with the ambition to achieve Best in Class performance for Lyten Programs
Propose Sourcing and supplier contact to the Sourcing Committee
Responsible for the global Supplier performance (QDCS) from Sourcing Phase to EOP and drive continuous improvement
Works tightly with different functions and in line with the company gates expectations. Main stakeholders: R&D, Strategy, Sustainability and IP/Legal counterparts, internal clients as CPM and Purchasing project team, for the different entities of the group.
Requirements
Educational background and previous experience required for the role
Qualifications and Experience
MBA or MSc in relevant Engineering Fields or Supply Chain or similar
At least 5years of experience with strategic sourcing and procurement of materials, preferably in battery or automotive industry and in international environment.
Specific skills
English written and oral skills, other European or Asian language nice to have
Problem Solving
Analytical skills
Cost model approach of direct purchasing: material or components
Personal success factors
Strong collaboration skills internal and external
Strong ability to drive projects to completion in line with deadlines in an independent manner but with support and alignment from management and stakeholders
Passionate about mission of Lyten
Strong interest to develop excellent purchasing skills, including negotiation skills, strategy development and supplier management.
Ability to multitask and prioritize.
Collaborative attitude
Capacity to travel, with regular visits of the Lyten’s site and suppliers.
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.
Audit details(provenance, verification trail, raw fields)
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