Procurement Category Manager

The Procurement Category Manager is responsible for developing and executing category strategies that deliver value across the organization through strategic sourcing, supplier management, contract negotiation, and cross-functional collaboration. This role leads the full category lifecycle, from strategy development and sourcing through implementation, supplier performance management, and continuous improvement, while ensuring procurement decisions align with business objectives and meeting the needs of internal stakeholders.

Working across business units, regions, and functional teams, the Category Manager identifies opportunities to optimize costs, reduce risk, strengthen supplier partnerships, and standardize procurement processes. This role is instrumental in building category roadmaps that balance long-term strategic priorities with day-to-day operational execution.

Reporting to the Director of Category Management, the ideal candidate brings deep experience managing IT and Professional Services categories, along with a proven ability to lead complex sourcing initiatives and negotiations. They are equally comfortable developing enterprise-wide category strategies and rolling up their sleeves to resolve operational challenges. Success in this role requires strong business acumen, analytical thinking, resilience, and the ability to influence stakeholders across all levels of the organization in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

Category Strategy Development : Develop and execute comprehensive category strategies that align with the organization's goals and objectives. Identify cost optimization opportunities, analyze market trends, and define sourcing approaches.

Strategic Sourcing: Lead the sourcing process for designated categories, including conducting market research, identifying potential suppliers, and negotiating contracts. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather requirements and ensure alignment with business needs.

Supplier Relationship Management: Build and fortify relationships with key suppliers. Monitor supplier performance, conduct regular supplier evaluations, and implement supplier development initiatives to ensure quality, cost, and delivery targets are met.

Supply Chain Continuity: Proactively identify and mitigate risks related to critical items, working closely with suppliers to establish contingency plans and ensure uninterrupted supply. Monitor market conditions, assess supplier capabilities, and develop strategies to address potential supply chain disruptions.

Cost Optimization: Drive cost reduction initiatives through effective negotiation, value engineering, and total cost of ownership analysis. Identify opportunities for strategic partnerships, supplier consolidation, and process improvements to achieve cost savings without compromising quality and service levels.

Contract Management: Develop and manage contracts with suppliers, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Negotiate favorable terms and conditions, review contract performance, and drive contract renewals or amendments as necessary.

Stakeholder Collaboration: Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including engineering, operations, and quality teams, to understand technical specifications, requirements, and quality standards for critical items. Foster effective communication and collaboration to ensure alignment and support for category management initiatives.

Issue Resolution: Manage operational issues and escalations, ensuring prompt resolution of vendor-related concerns

Culture & Mindset: Foster collaboration, transparency, and results-oriented thinking among diverse stakeholders. Encourage constructive debate to arrive at optimal solutions.