Global Category Manager – Indirect & Subcontractor Operations

Global Category Manager – Indirect & Subcontractor Operations

This role owns sourcing strategy, supplier relationships, and commercial frameworks across indirect spend and subcontracted services for a high-growth advanced manufacturing organization.

• Own category strategy across IT, professional services, MRO, facilities, marketing, T&E, and other indirect spend.
• Lead sourcing and commercial negotiations with indirect suppliers and subcontractors.
• Manage replenishment of production spares and consumables.
• Build the subcontractor supplier base and manage cost, quality, and delivery.
• Use should-cost and TCO analysis to drive savings and challenge pricing.
• Identify supply risks and execute continuity plans.
• Partner with Finance, Legal, IT, HR, and Operations on sourcing priorities.
• Build procurement policies, supplier standards, and sourcing playbooks.
• Deliver annual savings targets and report category performance to leadership.
• Help build and scale the indirect procurement team.

• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years in procurement/supply chain, including 5+ years leading indirect or subcontractor categories.
• Proven success leading complex, cross-functional indirect spend strategies.
• High-value negotiation experience across IT, professional services, MRO, or similar suppliers.
• Strong should-cost, TCO, and savings-tracking skills.
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders across a matrixed organization.
• Strong executive communication and presentation skills.
• Comfortable operating independently in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment.

• High-growth manufacturing, defense, or advanced technology.
• Epicor, SAP, or similar ERP plus spend analytics tools.
• Building or formalizing an early-stage indirect procurement function.
• CPSM, CPM, or similar certification.
• IT software and SaaS vendor management in manufacturing.
• ITAR or government-contract supply chain exposure.

Base salary: $113,000–$157,000, based on experience and qualifications. Competitive equity and benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, PTO, and a 401(k) match.