Senior Manager of Category Management

About the Role

The Senior Manager of Category Management supports the company’s procurement strategy by overseeing category management activities that drive cost savings, operational efficiency, and supplier performance. This role includes developing best practices, guiding a team of category managers, and ensuring value delivery across the organization. The Senior Manager collaborates with senior leadership and cross-functional teams to align procurement efforts with business objectives and ensure smooth operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and guide the category management team to align with company goals and procurement strategies.
• Develop and implement category management processes to improve sourcing, supplier relationships, and cost savings.
• Create and enforce procurement policies and best practices for consistency and compliance.
• Work with internal teams to understand needs, find procurement opportunities, and address supply chain risks.
• Manage supplier negotiations, performance reviews, and contracts to align with company objectives.
• Identify market trends and new opportunities to drive innovation and improvements in procurement.
• Track and report procurement performance, including cost savings and supplier results, to leadership.
• Provide insights and recommendations to executive leadership on sourcing decisions.
• Mentor and support the category management team, encouraging collaboration and accountability.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field required; MBA preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in procurement, category management, or supply chain roles, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership position.

Skills

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage, inspire, and develop a team of category managers.
• In-depth understanding of procurement practices, supplier relationship management, and strategic sourcing.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to assess market trends and develop data-driven strategies.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills for effective engagement with stakeholders and suppliers.
• Proficiency in procurement software and technology, with experience implementing systems and processes for efficiency.
• Strategic thinker with a focus on delivering measurable results while balancing long-term goals.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple priorities and complex projects across categories.
• Able to read, speak, and write English.
• Ability to use sophisticated computer software programs to achieve job functions.
• Strong physical and mental health to maintain a demanding workload.
• Able to work under stressful conditions at times.
• Effective phone, personnel, and vendor communication skills.
• Able to see computer screens clearly.
• Able to climb up, down, and over equipment safely using proper safety measures.
• Strong work ethic of integrity and honesty, striving for excellence in all activities.
• Dependability and reliability in fulfilling responsibilities.

Schedule

• Minimum of 40 hours per week with frequent extended hours based on workload requirements.
• 24-hour availability, including seven-day weeks when workload requires, with time off scheduled per current workload.