Category Manager

Category Manager – Indirect Procurement

Position Summary

The Category Manager – Indirect Procurement will own and execute category strategy, strategic sourcing, contracting, supplier performance management, and stakeholder engagement across assigned indirect spend categories.

This role partners closely with cross-functional stakeholders to identify opportunities for savings and value beyond price, maintain service continuity, improve supplier performance, and ensure compliance with enterprise procurement policies and procure-to-pay (P2P) processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and execute multi-year category strategies aligned with business objectives and enterprise procurement policies.
• Lead sourcing and contracting activities, including RFx events, supplier evaluations, negotiations, approvals, supplier selection, and contract execution.
• Partner with cross-functional stakeholders to understand business needs, demand requirements, timelines, service expectations, and potential risks.
• Conduct spend analysis, market research, and total cost analysis to support data-driven sourcing decisions and recommendations.
• Negotiate commercial and contractual terms in partnership with Legal, Finance, and functional stakeholders.
• Manage supplier relationships and performance, including KPIs, service levels, issue resolution, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to drive cost savings, operational efficiencies, supplier value, and improved service.
• Reinforce procurement governance and compliance through the use of preferred suppliers, established approval workflows, and P2P systems.
• Maintain complete and accurate documentation related to sourcing decisions, contracts, supplier performance, and procurement activities.
• Serve as a key point of contact for internal stakeholders and external supplier partners.

Additional Responsibilities

• Communicate effectively through email, phone, meetings, and virtual platforms.
• Collaborate across departments to support organizational and procurement goals.
• Participate in and lead cross-functional meetings and initiatives.
• Maintain and analyze procurement and supplier data using tools such as Excel, SAP, and other enterprise systems.
• Prepare reports, dashboards, and recommendations for internal stakeholders.
• Ensure data accuracy and confidentiality in accordance with company and legal standards.
• Manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Lead or support special projects aligned with procurement and departmental objectives.
• Resolve stakeholder and supplier inquiries with professionalism and discretion.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 5–8 years of related professional experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Information Technology, or a related field preferred.
• Progressive experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, or category management.
• Experience supporting indirect spend categories within a structured procurement environment.
• Demonstrated experience developing category strategies and executing strategic sourcing initiatives.
• Strong supplier negotiation and relationship management capabilities.
• Experience with spend analysis, total cost analysis, contracting, and P2P processes.
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to influence and collaborate across multiple departments and levels of an organization.

What Success Looks Like

The successful candidate will:

• Be Agile: Innovate and adapt quickly, approach change with curiosity, and persist through obstacles.
• Be Customer Centric: Consider the needs, experiences, and feedback of customers in decision-making.
• Be People-Focused: Build trust and collaborate with an inclusive and empathetic approach.
• Be Performance Driven: Operate with an ownership mindset and consistently drive meaningful outcomes.
• Mission & Values Focused: Support the organization’s mission, vision, and core principles through day-to-day decisions and interactions.

The Total Rewards package includes:

• Medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage
• Health spending and savings accounts
• Disability and life insurance
• Company-paid parental and caregiver leave
• Wellness programs and incentives
• Education and adoption assistance
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with auto-enrollment, Roth options, vesting, and eligible matching contributions
• 11 paid holidays
• Paid vacation based on length of service and exempt/non-exempt status
• Sick time based on applicable statutory requirements and employment status
• Peer-to-peer recognition programs
• Additional voluntary benefit programs
• Eligible employees may also participate in an applicable bonus plan