Category Manager: III

About the role

You will manage the portfolio spend, develop cost-reduction strategies, conduct rigorous market analyses, recommend short- and long-term sourcing opportunities, provide risk/benefit analysis, lead supplier evaluations and negotiations, and drive change management. You will oversee a cross-functional category portfolio with multiple concurrent projects, execute category-specific sourcing strategies, and track and report portfolio performance.

Responsibilities

• Manage portfolio spend and develop cost-reduction strategies.
• Conduct market analyses and recommend sourcing opportunities.
• Provide risk/benefit analysis for sourcing decisions.
• Lead and facilitate supplier evaluations, negotiations, and change management efforts.
• Oversee cost-reduction programs and transactional activities to achieve total cost of ownership savings and enhanced service levels.
• Manage a portfolio of cross-functional categories with multiple concurrent projects.
• Develop market intelligence for assigned commodities, including supplier capabilities, competitive landscape, market trends, and cost/price/availability factors.
• Track and report category portfolio performance and manage modifications.
• Develop project plans for complex projects.
• Establish or support contracts for strategic purchases and large spot buys.
• Develop and sustain processes and procedures for efficient sourcing and procurement.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and the Manager of Purchasing to identify and achieve category goals.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business or a related field (or equivalent experience). MBA strongly preferred.
• 4–8 years of strategic sourcing or supply chain experience with a major company; insurance industry experience preferred.
• Certified Purchasing Manager Certification is a plus.
• Proven success leading project teams to achieve quantifiable savings using various sourcing methods.
• Strong project management skills and results-driven mindset.
• Firsthand knowledge of strategic sourcing methodology.
• Familiarity with eProcurement and eSourcing systems is a plus.
• Experience with categories in Travel, IT, Facilities, or Marketing is preferred.
• Strong negotiation skills and excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication abilities.