Category Manager II

About the role

Leads the development and execution of multiple holistic, enterprise‑wide category management strategies, including strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, diversity, and risk management initiatives. Develops, executes, and manages sourcing strategies for complex categories using the FedEx sourcing methodology. Responsible for strategic functions including evaluation of category/spend information, benchmarking, and making recommendations for sourcing strategy and supplier scorecard criteria. Develops category expertise, market contacts, and works closely with suppliers and internal stakeholders in all aspects of sourcing. Leads complex internal projects/programs, develops negotiating strategy, and leads negotiations to successful outcomes of significant corporate impact. Effectively interacts with executives and acts with senior‑level authority with suppliers, business stakeholders, Finance, and Legal.

Additional Skills

• Demonstrate ability to take initiative to build internal and external relationships
• Strong verbal & written communication skills for individual contributor to executive‑level stakeholders
• Strong emotional intelligence to understand stakeholder requirements and supplier capability
• Experience leading large cross‑functional initiatives with demonstrated project‑management skills
• Ability to identify and solve complex business problems with minimal supervision
• Strong data analysis and data‑science skills; advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (functions and formulas)
• Experience leading supplier diversity, risk, and sustainability programs
• Initiative to gain deep category‑specific knowledge to develop sourcing recommendations
• Strong ability to work both as a team member and independently
• Experience in Quality‑Driven Management or similar (Six Sigma, Total Quality Management) processes
• Experience leading sourcing activities without constant supervision
• Accountability in all aspects of category management
• Strong negotiation skills

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in supply chain, business, finance, mathematics, or other quantitative discipline
• Minimum four (4) years work experience in sourcing or a related field (a related advanced degree may offset experience requirements)
• Excellent analytical skills
• Superior proficiency with current technology tools/advances and database/analytical tools
• Proven interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills
• Proven negotiating and project‑management skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Facility Service Sourcing knowledge is a plus – experience managing scope in Waste & Recycling, Facility Maintenance & Repair, Pest Control, Janitorial, Landscaping/Ice & Snow, Utilities, or Equipment Rental categories

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of project management, current technology tools/advances, and database/analytical tools
• Adept at forecasting long‑term market trends
• Comprehensive knowledge of market dynamics and category/product lifecycle
• Proficiency with cost analysis; Coupa and Power BI Dashboard preferred
• Proficiency in applying financial principles and data to complex business decisions
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including emotional intelligence and basic conflict resolution
• Strong written and oral communication skills

Location

This is a hybrid position located in Pittsburgh, PA; Memphis, TN; or Plano, TX, with a preference for Pittsburgh. Candidates must live within 50 miles of the campus location and will be required to work on‑site several times per week.

Pay

Salary grade E26. PGH range ($6,854.33/mo – $11,309.65/mo), Collierville range ($6,511.62/mo – $10,744.16/mo), Plano range ($6,854.33/mo – $11,309.65/mo).

Benefits

Eligibility for relocation assistance. For details on the comprehensive benefits package, please refer to the employer’s benefits portal.