Manager, Category Procurement

About the Role

The Manager of Supply Chain Procurement Operations provides strategic, tactical, and operational leadership across procurement, inbound transportation, and materials management to support business growth, commercialization, and supply continuity.

This role drives supplier strategy, cost optimization, service performance, digital enablement, and risk mitigation while ensuring strong governance, financial discipline, and cross-functional alignment.

The manager partners closely with Supply Chain, Operations, Logistics, Finance, Commercial, and Executive leadership to deliver end-to-end supply solutions that create measurable enterprise value.

Procurement Strategy & Execution

• Develop and execute category strategies across raw materials, packaging, and indirect spend.
• Lead supplier selection, contract negotiations, and long-term supplier relationship management.
• Drive cost optimization, productivity, and value creation initiatives.
• Manage large spend portfolios with clear financial accountability.

Supply Continuity & Materials Governance

• Establish inventory targets and performance metrics.
• Govern material start-ups, replenishment, run-outs, and obsolescence mitigation.
• Oversee liability management, inventory exposure, and write-off processes in partnership with Finance.
• Ensure continuity of supply during launches, transitions, and demand variability.

Transportation & Inbound Logistics

• Define and lead inbound transportation strategies supporting manufacturing and distribution.
• Identify and mitigate logistics risks related to supplier transitions and demand shifts.

Digital & Automation Strategy

• Identify and implement digital procurement capabilities (e-sourcing, automation workflows, analytics dashboards).
• Drive automation of manual procurement and materials processes to improve efficiency and visibility.
• Leverage SAP and supply chain systems to enhance data transparency, performance tracking, and decision‑making.
• Champion digital tools that support supplier collaboration, predictive risk monitoring, and working capital optimization.

Commercialization & Innovation

• Provide strategic input into sourcing, commercialization, and product launch initiatives.
• Support qualification materials and promotional readiness activities.
• Partner cross-functionally on innovation initiatives requiring supplier engagement.

Materials Planning & Transition Management

• Support inventory strategies and transition plans to ensure seamless supply during change events.
• Collaborate with Operations and Planning to align demand, supply, and risk mitigation.

Continuous Improvement

• Promote standardized processes, analytics, and performance reporting.
• Advance continuous improvement methodologies across procurement and logistics.
• Leverage supplier innovation to enhance cost, service, and sustainability outcomes.

Executive & Cross-Functional Alignment

• Provide strategic insights and reporting to senior leadership on cost, service, risk, and working capital performance.
• Inform stakeholders of supply risks, supplier performance trends, and mitigation strategies.
• Communicate transportation, inventory, and procurement performance metrics regularly.

Governance & Compliance

• Ensure adherence to procurement governance standards and ethical sourcing practices.
• Maintain transparency on contractual obligations and supplier commitments.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, or related field
• MBA preferred

Experience

• 5+ years of progressive leadership experience in Procurement, Supply Chain, Materials Management, and/or Transportation
• Proven experience leading teams within a consumer packaged goods, manufacturing, or similar environment
• Demonstrated success in supplier negotiations, category strategy development, and cost optimization
• Experience managing large spend portfolios and complex supplier networks
• Deep knowledge of procurement, materials management, and transportation operations
• Strong financial acumen
• Expertise in SAP and procurement/supply chain systems
• Excellent executive‑level communication and stakeholder influencing skills
• High ethical standards and strong governance mindset