Senior Category Manager

Responsibilities

• Lead procurement (i.e., sourcing and contracting) of one or more specialized category or service areas (Subscription-Based and Professional Services Agreements are preferred).
• Identify, develop, and manage strategic business relationships and gain a comprehensive understanding of business requirements, by working closely with stakeholders and team members to develop strategies/plans and during execution.
• Manage governance and control programs with respect to select categories to ensure business supply continuity, protect company assets, and comply with corporate and regulatory policies and contractual compliance.
• Maintains appropriate technical and industry knowledge for their category(s) under management.
• Leads cross functional teams through gathering requirements, category strategy development, strategic sourcing, and supplier negotiation, contracting and on boarding processes.
• Participates in joint meetings with internal business clients to assist in procurement forecasting, demand management, requirements development and identification of possible purchasing channels and sources.
• Assists internal business clients with developing and reviewing statements of work, service level agreements, contractual terms, and conditions (inclusive of usage, pricing, delivery, acceptance, payment, warranty, etc.).
• Leads the development, implementation, and alignment of sourcing strategies and supplier network capabilities for specific commodities, services and initiatives that complement and support key business objectives.
• Leads, either individually or with team members, sourcing initiatives ranging from $100K-$1M+ in spend from pre-RFP through post purchase/implementation supplier performance reviews.
• Understands and applies advanced or innovation-based sourcing strategies including those that require alternate business structures, new technology and/or process changes.
• Builds and maintains profiles/overview of key current and potential suppliers in support of Vendor Management.
• Negotiates contractual business requirements and Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
• Identifies, evaluates, and implements AI and automation solutions that streamline procurement processes, improve efficiency, and support business objectives.
• Conducts periodic performance reviews with management of key suppliers and business stakeholders across the firm based on an understanding of the Total Cost of Ownership over the lifecycle of both products and services.
• Provides market research and overview for third-party supplier/vendor relationships for managed category(s).
• Tracks performance to operating plans, budgets, and forecasts.
• Responsible for decisions regarding selection, retention, evaluation, and development of the key and diverse suppliers used to provide the goods and services needed by the firm.
• Develops and presents recommendations/memorandums of approval of suppliers and/or purchases to executive management.
• Assists in training and mentoring of staff members.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree (B.A.) in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, or related field and eight (8) years’ experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, and vendor management.
• Any equivalent combination of experience, education, and/or training approved by Human Resources.
• Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) or Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) from ISM or similar from Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply preferred.

Skills

• Building strategies, managing category, and implementing procurement best practices, including supplier selection via RFI/RFQ/RFP, negotiations, contracting, and supplier evaluation, management, and development.
• Providing leadership, directions, and influence for internal and external stakeholders leveraging strategies of Purchase Demand Management, Supply Base Management, and Total Cost Management.
• Thinking critically and structuring analysis to solve poorly defined problems.
• Negotiating enterprise-wide agreements that accommodate current and future business objectives, financial/accounting principles, and industry leading practices.
• Leveraging AI and automation tools to optimize procurement workflows, accelerate decision-making, and deliver measurable business value.

Workstyle

• Hybrid

Total Compensation

The total compensation for this position includes base salary or wages, and may include components such as additional compensation (cash or equity), discretionary bonuses, or commissions.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Critical illness insurance and accident insurance
• Disability benefits
• Retail savings
• Paid time off (including vacation, holidays, and sick leave)
• Parental leave

Behavioral Expectations

• Develop
• Collaborate
• Decide
• Deliver
• Improve

Company Culture

• Client-first
• Integrity
• Independence
• Conservative, long-term view

EEO Statement

The Company is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions on the basis of merit and business needs.