Category Manager

CPS Careers | Search | Apply | Get Hired

Jul 28, 2026, 7:45:11 PM

Central-42 West Madison Street (Procurement and Contracts)

90,000.

CPS Non-Union Job Grade : S09

Position Type :
Non-Union Position

Exempt

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 325,000 students in 500+ schools and employing over 45,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. Aligned with our transformed philosophy, we are steadfastly focused on ensuring that the District provides resources equitably to support every student, every school, and every community.

Six core values guide the work we do every day for our students – student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning. Each role in the district supports our vision that every student deserves a rigorous, joyful, and equitable learning experience.

The Department of Procurement and Contracts provides CPS schools with the best options for purchasing the highest quality goods and services at the best price. The team works with schools, departments, vendors, and business stakeholders to provide goods and services of the highest quality and value for the district. We are dedicated to meeting our goal through competitive pricing while adhering to relevant laws, Board of Education rules, policies, and procedures.

Job Summary:
Reporting to the Director of Procurement Category Management, and in close partnership with related user departments, the Category Manager will develop a professional approach for sourcing in order to generate significant savings while maintaining or improving the level of service and will ensure the District is not exposed to undue risks due to non-compliance of the supply chain, responsibility, and unethical behavior.

This is a full-time, exempt position that will be paid for time worked on a salary basis.

The Category Manager will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

• Proactively manage categories, develop short and long-term sourcing strategies;
  Proactively manage sourcing plans to achieve deliverables against milestones
• Manage other team members, including assigning, organizing, and directing the work of Category Buyers
• Identify suppliers, solicit and review contracts, and analyze prices;
  Perform spend, contract, and market analysis
• Lead negotiations with suppliers to ensure the best quality, service, and cost is met to achieve business objectives
• Partner with stakeholders in development and launch of procurement strategy timelines, cost and quality goals, and service level to customers;
  Communicate sourcing decisions to stakeholders and complete necessary system updates
• Ensure a competitive sourcing environment leading to continuous improvement
• Maintain knowledge of market trends including analysis of market drivers, cost structures and technical improvements
• Generate materials in support of vendor presentations, workshops, and negotiations
• Provide necessary inputs to support contract management and monitor compliance;
  Establish and manage performance and relationships with key suppliers
• Other duties as assigned

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Category Manager must possess the following qualifications:

Education Required:
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, required
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain or related field, preferred
Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in business, supply chain or other related field is preferred
Certified Public Procurement Buyer or Officer, preferred

Experience

Required:


Minimum of five (5) years of Procurement / Supply chain experience in a leading private or public organization
Experience with Oracle is preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Strong analytical and organizational skills with great…