Category Manager

About the role

Choose to work for one of the most trusted companies in Kansas. Make a Positive Impact: Your work will directly contribute to the health and well-being of Kansans. Family Comes First: Total rewards package that promotes the idea of family first for all employees. Paid vacation and sick leave with paid maternity and paternity available immediately upon hire. Professional Growth Opportunities: Advance your career with ongoing training and development programs. Dynamic Work Environment: Collaborate with a team of passionate and driven individuals in a work environment that promotes flexibility. Trust and Stability: Work for one of the most trusted companies in Kansas with over 80 years of commitment, compassion and community. Inclusive Work Environment: We pride ourselves on fostering a workplace where everyone is valued and respected.

Benefits & Perks

• Base compensation is only one component of your competitive Total Rewards package
• Incentive pay program (EPIP)
• Health/Vision/Dental insurance
• 6 weeks paid parental leave for new mothers and fathers
• Fertility/Adoption assistance
• 2 weeks paid caregiver leave
• 401(k) plan matching up to 5%
• Tuition reimbursement
• Health & fitness benefits, discounts and resources

Job Summary

The Category Manager serves as a strategic business partner, developing and executing category strategies that drive operational efficiencies, value, and long-term success. This role collaborates with internal stakeholders and suppliers to achieve business objectives through effective contract negotiations, supplier performance management, issue resolution, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Integrate with business areas as a strategic business partner to understand needs, provide expertise, and deliver solutions that align with organizational goals.
• Develop and execute long-term engagement strategies with business areas to ensure sustained value and continuous improvement.
• Establish category roadmap, strategies, and plans to drive operational efficiencies, cost savings, risk management, innovation, and ongoing category development.
• Negotiate and amend complex contracts and agreements with suppliers to achieve optimal value and quality.
• Oversee activities and processes for assigned categories, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
• Support continuous improvement and change management by identifying process gaps, coordinating practical improvements, documenting changes, and supporting adoption with business areas and suppliers.
• Foster continuous improvement in vendor management by developing and implementing effective reporting, tracking, analytics, SLAs, KPIs, performance goals, and related performance management practices.
• Act as an educational resource for internal business partners on vendor management, sourcing strategies, and policy adherence.
• Build and maintain strong, collaborative partnerships with key suppliers, ensuring performance meets organizational goals.
• Address vendor issues to ensure high service delivery.

Qualifications

• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally, in writing and via telephone regarding sensitive and confidential issues and maintain a positive professional image.
• Ability to assess, analyze, plan, and evaluate situations.
• Ability to self-direct, make independent decisions, and prioritize daily activities.
• Ability to handle sensitive situations in a positive, professional manner.
• Must be comfortable discussing reimbursement/financial arrangements.
• Schedule could require alternative work hours, which may include evenings, weekends, availability 365 days per year.

Skills

• Knowledge of category management principles and strategic sourcing methodologies, with the ability to develop and execute category strategies that align with organizational goals and optimize supplier value.
• Proven project management expertise, including leading cross-functional teams.