Procurement Category Manager

Russell Tobin's client, an e-commerce company, is hiring a Procurement Category Manager in Bellevue, WA

Location: Bellevue, WA

Pay Rate: $47 - $49/hr.

An industry-leading organization is seeking a Procurement Category Manager to join a strategic procurement and supply chain team focused on driving standardization, scalability, and innovation across a large operational network.

This position will play a critical role in developing supplier partnerships, optimizing sourcing strategies, and supporting the procurement of material handling equipment (MHE), automation systems, controls, and related components. The successful candidate will work closely with engineering, operations, finance, project management, and procurement stakeholders to deliver long‑term value through effective category management and supplier engagement.

This is an excellent opportunity for a procurement professional who enjoys building processes, influencing strategy, managing complex supplier relationships, and driving operational excellence in a fast‑paced environment.

• Develop and execute category sourcing strategies for equipment, components, and systems within the material handling and automation space.
• Lead competitive sourcing events, supplier negotiations, and contract execution to achieve optimal commercial outcomes.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
• Drive supplier performance management initiatives focused on quality, innovation, transparency, and continuous improvement.
• Partner with engineering and operational teams to align procurement strategies with business objectives.
• Influence supplier technology roadmaps, product development, manufacturing processes, and innovation strategies.
• Lead complex cross‑functional projects aimed at improving productivity, scalability, and operational performance.
• Monitor market conditions, industry trends, and competitive activity to support informed sourcing decisions.
• Develop and maintain category performance metrics, reporting dashboards, and savings tracking mechanisms.
• Support the implementation of procurement best practices and continuous process improvements.

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in procurement, supply chain, sourcing, category management, or a related field.
• Experience managing complex categories such as industrial equipment, automation systems, robotics, capital equipment (CAPEX), or related technologies.
• Proven success developing and executing sourcing strategies and negotiating commercial agreements.
• Experience building procurement and supply chain processes and frameworks from ground up.
• Strong understanding of supply agreements, contract structures, and key commercial provisions.
• Cost modeling and financial analysis experience.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to leverage data to drive decision‑making.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and influencing skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross‑functional initiatives and collaborate across multiple organizational levels.
• Experience using procurement technologies, e‑sourcing platforms, and contract management tools.
• Experience partnering with technical teams involved in product development, engineering, or applied sciences.

• Experience with in the material handling equipment (MHE), automation, or industrial manufacturing sectors.
• Advanced degree (MBA or equivalent).
• Professional certifications such as CPSM, CSCP, or similar procurement/supply chain credentials.
• Experience using data analytics and visualization tools to generate business insights.
• Knowledge of large‑scale operational, logistics, fulfillment, or industrial environments.

• Strategic sourcing expertise
• Strong commercial acumen
• Cross‑functional leadership capabilities
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, evolving environment

• Building and network access may be required as part of this role.

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