Sr. Category Manager – Digital

About the role

This role oversees category management and optimization of marketing-technology platforms supporting digital engagement, analytics, personalization, and customer experience. The Manager partners with Marketing, Digital, and IT teams to evaluate emerging technologies, negotiate contracts, ensure privacy-compliant data handling, and maximize ROI across the MarTech stack.

Responsibilities

• Provide indirect leadership and cross-functional influence, building trusted advisor relationships across Marketing, Digital, IT, Finance, Data Privacy, and Security teams.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to establish YOY targets and strategies to grow MarTech spend under management; track savings, avoidance, and rebates to ensure alignment with organizational goals.
• Develop and manage governance structures and reporting frameworks for indirect MarTech spend.
• Lead category initiatives with a defined strategy for the assigned categories.
• Lead risk management activities for the assigned categories by identifying, assessing, and mitigating threats to Ace's capital and operational stability.
• Develop supplier risk profiles using market intelligence, competitive analysis, and supplier performance metrics to ensure proactive risk mitigation.
• Demonstrate the ability to adopt and apply AI-enabled tools and intelligent agents to improve operational efficiency, productivity, and scalability across MarTech procurement activities.
• Develop performance metrics for suppliers within the assigned categories, accurately forecast, measure, and report ongoing program cost savings.
• Proactively refresh agreements mid-contract to leverage changing market conditions, align with performance SLAs and KPIs, and incorporate evolving corporate requirements.
• Consolidate diverse stakeholder requirements and develop market Request for Information (RFI) and Request for Proposal (RFP) events for the assigned categories.
• Design category-specific communication strategies, collaborate with stakeholders to create grading systems, and analyze results to make final recommendations that strengthen supplier relationships.
• Oversee end-to-end category management activities for the assigned categories, including conducting Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) with suppliers to evaluate performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Create contract management matrices and design performance scorecards to monitor critical elements such as savings, avoidance, and supplier expertise.
• Communicate the effectiveness of governance performance, trends, benefits, and future directions for the assigned categories to both local and executive-level stakeholders.
• Develop and deliver corporate-wide updates and supplier communications to ensure alignment with organizational objectives and performance standards.
• Engage with internal customers to gather feedback on supplier performance, program delivery, and areas for improvement for the assigned categories. Refine deliverables and align supplier actions to meet evolving customer needs and performance expectations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Procurement, Supply Chain, Finance, or a related field is required; an MBA is preferred.
• Professional certifications such as CIPS or APICS are strongly encouraged.
• Minimum of 7+ years of progressive experience in category management, procurement, or related roles, with a proven track record of leadership in managing complex categories.
• Demonstrated experience in people management, with the ability to develop and mentor talent and lead cross-functional initiatives.
• Advanced strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to create long-range sourcing plans, drive category strategies, and align with organizational goals.
• Strong communication and relationship management skills, with the ability to influence executive-level stakeholders and build trusted advisor relationships.
• Exceptional negotiation skills, maximizing value while minimizing risks through complex contract negotiations and supplier performance management.
• Extensive experience in developing and executing innovative sourcing methodologies, risk mitigation strategies, and best practices that optimize value and ensure alignment with business objectives.
• Deep knowledge of supplier management, with the ability to define service level expectations, assess supplier communities, and proactively identify new sourcing opportunities.
• Proficient in collecting, analyzing, and integrating data using advanced productivity tools and sourcing systems, including E-Sourcing and Contracts Management platforms.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite, with expertise in PowerPoint, Word, and Excel for presentations, reporting, and data analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage competing priorities, lead high-complexity projects, and execute both strategic and tactical procurement activities with minimal supervision.
• Prioritized success in delivering measurable results, including cost savings, risk reduction, and supplier performance improvements, through effective category management and cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• Experience with privacy and data regulations (CCPA, GDPR).
• Familiarity with MarTech stack architecture and integration considerations.

Skills

• Experience with AI-enabled tools and intelligent agents.
• Ability to develop and execute innovative sourcing methodologies.
• Expertise in risk mitigation strategies and best practices.
• Knowledge of supplier management and service level expectations.
• Proficiency in data collection, analysis, and integration using advanced productivity tools.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to prioritize and manage competing priorities.
• Experience with complex contract negotiations and supplier performance management.

Benefits

• Incentive opportunities based on role/grade level.
• Grossly generous 401(k) retirement savings plan with a fully vested matching contribution the first year in addition to quarterly contributions and annual discretionary contribution (once eligibility requirements have been met).
• Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision and disability – up to 26 weeks short-term disability and long-term disability) & life insurance benefits for you and your dependents.
• 21 days of vacation immediately available (prorated in the first year) and up to 6 paid holidays depending on the month of hire.
• Company Car, phone and fuel card are provided for field-based positions.
• Ace Cares Week, 20 hours off work per year to volunteer at an organization of your choice, opportunities to help Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and the Ace Helpful Fund through the Ace Foundation.
• Annual employee discounts on Ace merchandise (including top brands like Weber, Traeger, Yeti, Craftsman, DeWalt and more), travel, fitness, computers and thousands more.
• Birth/Adoption bonding paid time off.
• Adoption cost reimbursement.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – access to free visits to therapists and lawyers, guidance on financial matters, elder and childcare, and assistance with tickets to entertainment events.
• Identity theft protection.