Category Manager, Global Indirect Sourcing - Libertyville, IL

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Location
:
Libertyville

The Category Manager leads complex category management, strategic sourcing, supplier performance, stakeholder engagement, and procurement governance activities for assigned categories. Working under limited supervision, this role applies extensive procurement expertise and knowledge of best practices to develop category strategies, solve complex problems, guide projects and process design, and deliver value across cost, quality, service, risk, innovation, and compliance.

This position is based in Libertyville, IL with an onsite requirement of 4 days in office weekly.

• Develop, maintain, and execute comprehensive category strategies for complex or high-impact spend categories aligned with business and procurement priorities.
• Lead sourcing strategy and execution, including demand analysis, supplier segmentation, market assessment, RFx events, negotiations, award recommendations, and implementation planning.
• Partner with cross-functional and global stakeholders to align category plans with budgets, operational requirements, service expectations, innovation needs, and risk considerations.
• Lead complex commercial evaluations and negotiations and coordinate contract development, approvals, execution, supplier transition, and implementation activities.
• Develop and present business cases, sourcing recommendations, category updates, supplier insights, and value delivery results to stakeholders and leaders.
• Lead supplier governance, including performance reviews, issue escalation, corrective action plans, relationship development, and innovation or continuous improvement discussions.
• Identify and implement opportunities that improve cost, quality, service, supply continuity, supplier capability, compliance, and procurement process effectiveness.
• Exercise considerable latitude in defining project objectives, evaluating alternatives, and developing solutions to complex procurement and supplier issues.
• Provide procurement guidance to stakeholders and formally mentor peers or individuals within project teams on category, sourcing, and supplier management practices.
• Guide the successful completion of cross-functional projects and process designs that enable category, procurement, and broader functional goals.

• Communicate effectively across internal teams and with external stakeholders.
• Presenting findings to internal stakeholders.
• Communicate effectively via email, phone, and virtual platforms.
• Collaborate across departments to support organizational goals.
• Manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Serve as a point of contact for internal and external stakeholders.

• Bachelor's Degree with 8-12 years of related experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Procurement, Finance, or a related professional discipline and a minimum of 8 years of related experience; or a master's degree and a minimum of 6 years of related experience; or equivalent experience.
• Experience developing and executing complex category strategies and leading supplier negotiations and governance.
• Experience influencing senior stakeholders and supporting cross-functional or global initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of procurement policy, contracting, supplier risk, total cost analysis, and P2P processes.
• Experience mentoring procurement professionals or project team members.

• Be Agile
  - Innovates and adapts quickly, approaching change with curiosity while persisting through obstacles.
• Be Customer Centric
  - Considers the needs, experiences and feedback of customers in all we do.
• Be People-Focused
  - Builds trust and collaborates with an inclusive…