Senior Manager Of Category Management

The Senior Manager of Category Management is responsible for supporting 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 is also responsible for collaborating with senior leadership and cross-functional teams to align procurement efforts with business objectives and ensure smooth operations.

Essential 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.

Education and Experience:

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.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

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 demanding workload.

Able to work under stressful conditions at times.

Communication - phone communication, communication with personnel and vendors.

Seeing - able to see the computer screen.

Climbing - able to go up, down and over equipment in a safe manner using good judgment and proper safety equipment as required.

Position will require a minimum of 40 hours per week with frequent extended hours required based on workload requirements.

Position will require (24) twenty-four hours availability, with (7) seven-day weeks when workload requires, with time off scheduled per current workload.

Strong work ethics of integrity and honesty striving for excellence in all activities employing accompanying communication.

Dependability, reliability, fulfilling responsibilities.

Exceptional 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.

This job description should not be interpreted as an exhaustive list of responsibilities or as an employment agreement between the employer and employee. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification and is subject to change as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. Any essential functions of this position will be evaluated as necessary should an employee/applicant be unable to perform the functions or requirements due to a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Reasonable accommodation for the specific disability will be made for the employee/applicant when possible.