Category Manager, Procurement

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Category Manager, Procurement

501 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15222, United States

Full time

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Job DescriptionWorking with UsBenefits & PerksHear From Our TeamHow We Hire

Job Details

Category Procurement

Type Full time

Location(s) 501 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15222, United States

Brand Highmark Health

Posted 11/10/2026

Req ID J287139

Apply Now

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Job Description

Company :

Highmark Health

Job Description :

JOB SUMMARY

The Category Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing category strategies for assigned spend areas, with a significant emphasis on professional services. This role drives value through strategic sourcing, expert negotiation, and robust supplier relationship management. The Category Manager is expected to apply practical, scenario-based skills in areas such as intake shaping, market approach selection, negotiation planning & execution, and contract performance enablement, acting as a value-added partner to internal stakeholders, driving measurable outcomes, and actively contributing to critical procurement artifacts.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Category Strategy & Management:

• Develop and implement data-driven category strategies for assigned spend, especially professional services (e.g., consulting, managed services), leveraging market intelligence and internal needs.

• Conduct spend analysis, market research, and competitive intelligence to identify sourcing opportunities and optimize categories.

• Apply Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) principles and should-cost analysis to evaluate sourcing decisions, producing relevant models and worksheets.

• Contribute to supplier rationalization/diversification strategies aligned with Highmark"s risk profile & continuity objectives.

• Identify and integrate innovation, AI-driven solutions, digital transformation, and sustainable practices into strategies to maximize long-term outcomes.

• Champion the integration of supplier diversity initiatives into category strategies and supplier selection processes.

• Accountable for delivering validated financial impact aligned to enterprise savings, cost avoidance, and margin improvement in partnership with Finance.

• Continuously benchmark supplier, pricing, and category strategies against external market data and industry standards to ensure competitiveness

• Strategic Sourcing & Negotiation Expertise:

• Lead end-to-end strategic sourcing, including intake shaping, RFx development, rigorous supplier evaluation, and optimal selection.

• Develop and execute effective negotiation strategies, including detailed pre-negotiation planning (objectives, walk-away, concessions, stakeholder alignment).

• Master services negotiation mechanics (e.g., rate cards, labor mix optimization, T&M vs. milestone, change control, total cost value optimization).

• Manage contract lifecycle in Icertis from drafting to execution, ensuring compliance, favorable terms, and effective SOW/SLA drafting aligned to desired outcomes to mitigate pitfalls & protect Highmark's interests.

• Leverage procurement tools (Coupa e-sourcing, Fair market) for sourcing optimization and market approach decisioning.

• Conduct pre-award risk assessments, integrating stakeholder insights and data to mitigate contractual and operational risks.

• Holds decision authority on sourcing strategy, supplier selection, and commercial approach within defined financial and risk thresholds.

• Supplier Performance & Relationship Management:

• Nurture strong, strategic, and collaborative relationships with key suppliers to foster innovation and continuous improvement.

• Stakeholder Management & Business Partnership:

• Cultivate strong, collaborative relationships with internal business partners across departments.

• Proactively engage stakeholders to understand needs, clarify complex requirements (intake shaping), and build consensus.

• Act as a trusted advisor, offering insights and recommendations to optimize spend and enhance value.

• Practice effective negotiation outcome delivery, emphasizing common ground and relationship building.

• Translate complex business requirements into actionable & innovative procurement strategies.

• Effectively manage conflicts with internal stakeholders and suppliers, seeking mutually beneficial resolutions.

• Partner with business and Finance stakeholders to review and optimize spend requests, ensuring investments are necessary, appropriately scoped, and aligned to business priorities before sourcing.

• Process & Technology Optimization:

• Ensure consistent application of procurement policies, procedures, and best practices.

• Leverage and optimize procurement technology (Oracle, Coupa, Archer, Icertis, Sievo) for efficiency and data-driven decision-making.

• Consistently produce and utilize critical procurement artifacts (e.g., detailed negotiation plans, SOW/SLA drafts, TCO models, intake correction tools).

• Drive adoption of digital procurement tools, automation, and AI-enabled capabilities to improve decision-making speed, quality, and scalability.

• Value Creation & Financial Impact:

• Identify, quantify, and consistently deliver measurable value (cost reduction, risk mitigation, innovation, service levels).

• Track, measure, and report on procurement performance against targets and KPIs, emphasizing achievement of defined outcomes.

• Understand and support post-award execution concepts related to value leakage and concession tracking.

• Risk Management & Compliance:

• Ensure all procurement activities adhere to company policies, legal requirements, and ethical standards, utilizing Archer for risk assessments.

• Stay abreast of industry best practices, regulatory changes, and emerging risks relevant to assigned categories, advising stakeholders accordingly.

• Other duties as assigned or requested.

EXPERIENCE

Required

• 3-5 years of progressive experience in strategic procurement, category management, or supply chain, with a proven track record of independently managing specific spend categories and delivering measurable results. Experience in professional services procurement is highly desirable.

Preferred

• None

SKILLS

• Strategic Sourcing & Negotiation Expertise: Proven ability to develop and execute effective negotiation strategies for services (rate cards, T&M, milestone-based), leveraging data-driven insights and AI where applicable, coupled with strong TCO and should-cost modeling skills. Experienced in intake shaping, requirements clarification, and drafting robust SOWs/SLAs, including risk mitigation.
• Analytical & Data-Driven: Proficient in spend analysis, market research, data interpretation, and applying market approach decision frameworks. Advanced Excel skills and experience with procurement systems (e.g., Coupa, Icertis, Oracle); familiarity with spend analytics platforms (e.g., Sievo) and basic understanding of AI/ML concepts is a plus.
• Exceptional Communication & Stakeholder Management: Superior interpersonal, presentation, and communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to influence diverse audiences, drive consensus, manage high-stakes conversations, and build strong, collaborative internal stakeholder relationships.
• Project Management & Business Acumen: Solid project management skills, capable of managing multiple initiatives and meeting deadlines. Possesses strong business acumen, is proactive, results-oriented, and a strategic, innovative problem-solver.
• Adaptable & Resilient: A collaborative, ethical, and principle-driven professional with a passion for continuous learning and exploring new technologies like AI. Resilient, adaptable, and thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced, outcome-oriented environment.

EDUCATION

Required

• Bachelor"s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field or relevant experience and/or education as determined by the company in lieu of bachelor"s degree.

Preferred

• Master"s degree

LICENSES or CERTIFICATIONS

Required

• None

Preferred

• CPSM or C.P.M.

Language (Other than English):

None

Travel Required:

Less than 25%

PHYSICAL, MENTAL DEMANDS and WORKING CONDITIONS

Position Type

Hybrid

Physical work site required

Frequently

Disclaimer: The job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of work performed by employees within this job title. It may not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to do this job.

Compliance Requirement: This job adheres to the ethical and legal standards and behavioral expectations as set forth in the code of business conduct and company policies.

As a component of job responsibilities, employees may have access to covered information, cardholder data, or other confidential customer information that must be protected at all times.  In connection with this, all employees must comply with both the Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) as described in the Notice of Privacy Practices and Privacy Policies and Procedures as well as all data security guidelines established within the Company's Handbook of Privacy Policies and Practices and Information Security Policy.

Furthermore, it is every employee's responsibility to comply with the company's Code of Business Conduct. This includes but is not limited to adherence to applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations as well as company policies and training requirements.

Highmark Health and its affiliates prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on any category protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

California Consumer Privacy Act Employees, Contractors, and Applicants Notice

Why Choose Highmark Health?

At Highmark Health, we are on a mission to reinvent healthcare for everyone. When you bring your curiosity and drive to our award-winning team, you will find continuous opportunities to grow your career, break down barriers in the industry, and make a meaningful impact every day.

Benefits & Perks

Taking Care of You

Your Benefits at a Glance

• Health: Complete medical, dental, vision, prescription, HSA, and FSA coverage.
• Time Off: Paid vacation, holidays, and dedicated volunteer time.
• Finance: Employer-sponsored 401(k), life/disability insurance, and tuition reimbursement.
• Perks: Exclusive team discounts on shopping, memberships, and events.

Medical Coverage

Medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage

Paid Time Off

Vacation, holidays, volunteering

Retirement Package

Employer-sponsored 401(k) plan

Insurance & Coverage

Life, AD&D and disability insurance

Onsite & Preventative Care

We make staying healthy easy with 100% covered preventative exams (including flu shots) and onsite pharmacy services at major campuses. Plus, stay active with free fitness center access at major Highmark campuses, Allegheny General, and West Penn Hospital.

Make Mindful Changes

Secure bicycle parking at major campuses. Healthy food options at onsite cafeterias. Stress management classes including yoga, mindfulness, and meditation.

Holistic Support, 24/7

Work-life resources including assistance programs and financial counseling services. 24/7 telephone access to health and wellness coaching.

Get Rewarded for Giving Back

Health incentive program that rewards team members. Team member networks to gather in the name of health. Paid volunteer time and incentives for making a difference.

Hear from Our Team

Real people, real stories

"I have met some really great people over the years at Highmark Health and the company has treated me really well. I get really good benefits. I"ve always been rewarded for working hard. That"s what keeps me here."

Victoria T.

Associate Strategy Analyst, enGen

"I love participating with the PRIDE BRG. It"s an engaged, dynamic group of almost 400 people. I also love to turn on the digital hub on my computer and see what"s going on with any of the Business Resource Groups. It"s really neat to be able to support other BRGs and see others support PRIDE. Every time I go to a different BRG event, I always feel welcome, even if I"m not part of that group."

Amanda M.

Director of Social Determinants of Health | Vice Chair of PRIDE

Our Hiring Process: Step-by-Step

1. Apply

Find a role that sparks your passion and submit your application! We'll send an immediate confirmation email, and our team will review your qualifications over the next 1-2 weeks.

2. Interview

If your profile is a great match, we'll reach out to schedule your interview-whether by phone, video, or in person. Don"t worry, we'll provide all the prep details in advance so you can shine.

3. Job Offer

The moment you've been waiting for! If selected, we'll connect to celebrate and walk you through the details: compensation, benefits, paid time off, and all the perks of joining the team.

4. Pre-Employment

After you accept online, we'll guide you through standard screening (including a background check and drug screen, plus health screenings for certain clinical roles). Once cleared, we"ll officially confirm your start date!

5. Onboarding

Welcome aboard! Before Day 1, we'll send everything you need to hit the ground running-including your schedule, location, and the required identification documents to bring with you.

Bonus Fast-Track Tip

Applying for EVS, Dietary, or Customer Service roles? You can skip the traditional line and chat with Bridget, our AI recruiting assistant, to find open roles and schedule an eligible interview instantly.

Apply Now

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Highmark Health is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.

Highmark Health and its affiliates prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation/gender identity or any other category protected by applicable federal, state or local law. Highmark Health and its affiliates take action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation/gender identity, protected veteran status or disability.

We endeavor to make this site accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact the email below. For accommodation requests, please contact HR Services Online at HRServices@highmarkhealth.org

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