Category Manager

About the role

The Category Manager is an integral part of our Indirect Procurement team based out of our US - Teaneck, NJ - Remote site. The role focuses on driving cost savings, improving supplier performance, and ensuring compliance with procurement policies.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies for various indirect spend categories, ensuring alignment with business goals, cost efficiency, and supplier performance.
• Build and manage strong relationships with suppliers to ensure competitive pricing, quality, and service delivery.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations and manage supplier development programs.
• Identify opportunities for cost reduction and value creation through strategic sourcing, supplier consolidation, and process improvement initiatives.
• Lead negotiations with suppliers for indirect categories, ensuring favorable contract terms related to price, service levels, delivery timelines, and risk management.
• Conduct market research and benchmarking to stay informed about industry trends, pricing, and supplier innovations. Use insights to drive sourcing decisions and enhance category strategies.
• Partner with internal departments such as R&D, IT, Marketing, HR, and Finance to understand their needs, ensure procurement support, and align purchasing activities with broader company objectives.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with supplier performance, compliance, and market volatility. Develop contingency plans to ensure business continuity.
• Continuously evaluate procurement processes and systems to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Track and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) related to cost savings, supplier performance, and procurement effectiveness. Use data to make informed decisions and improve category management practices.
• Ensure that procurement practices for indirect categories align with corporate sustainability initiatives and comply with ethical sourcing and legal standards.

Key Competencies

• Analytical Ability
• Acting Strategically
• Adapting to Change
• Assembling Talent
• Business Acumen
• Committed
• Communicating Effectively
• Critical Thinking
• Delivering High Quality Work
• Demonstrating Initiative
• Detailed Oriented
• Driven
• Driving for Results
• Evaluating and Implementing Ideas
• Gets It Done
• Gets It Done The Right Way
• Innovative
• Interpersonal Skills / Communication
• Learning Quickly
• Maintaining Objectivity
• Making Accurate Judgments and Decisions
• Managing Risk
• Problem Solving
• Trustworthy
• Sees What Needs To Get Done
• Collaboration
• Driving Continuous Improvement

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business, Finance, or related field (Master’s degree or MBA preferred).
• 7+ years of experience in procurement, category management, or strategic sourcing, specifically within indirect spend categories.
• Proven track record of delivering cost savings and value optimization within indirect spend categories.
• Strong negotiation and contract management skills with experience managing complex supplier relationships.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders.
• Analytical skills with a strong understanding of financial and market analysis.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and procurement tools (J.D. Edwards and GEP Software is preferred).
• Professional certifications such as CPSM, CIPS, or PMP are a plus.