Category Lead - Intermediate - VF

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Category Lead to drive enterprise-wide strategic sourcing initiatives and supplier relationship management. This individual will independently lead multiple sourcing initiatives, develop category strategies, negotiate supplier agreements, analyze spend and market data, build cost models, and identify opportunities to improve supplier performance and reduce costs.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead enterprise strategic sourcing initiatives from planning through contract execution.
• Develop and maintain category management strategies and sourcing roadmaps.
• Analyze spend data, supplier performance, market trends, and cost drivers.
• Build cost models and savings forecasts to support sourcing decisions.
• Identify and execute cost reduction and supplier performance improvement opportunities.
• Negotiate supplier contracts, pricing, renewals, and commercial terms.
• Maintain critical supplier agreements and resolve contract-related issues.
• Manage supplier relationships, including supplier criticality assessments and Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs).
• Develop supplier performance metrics and monitor ongoing performance.
• Lead cross-functional sourcing and category management teams.
• Partner with Finance, Operations, Business Units, and Executive Leadership to define category requirements.
• Build stakeholder consensus and drive strategic sourcing initiatives.
• Manage category projects from initiation through implementation while ensuring timelines, budgets, and objectives are met.
• Track project milestones and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
• Develop forecasts for spend, savings, and supplier performance improvements.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience.
• Proven experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or category management.
• Demonstrated success negotiating supplier contracts and managing supplier relationships.
• Strong financial acumen with experience analyzing spend, building cost models, and forecasting savings.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and influencing stakeholders without direct authority.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Proven ability to deliver measurable business results and achieve organizational goals.