Category Manager

Description

The Category Manager supports the organization’s sourcing and procurement objectives by managing assigned spend categories, developing category strategies, and optimizing supplier performance. The position contributes to operational and financial goals by identifying cost‑saving opportunities, improving supplier value, and ensuring sourcing decisions align with organizational policies and risk standards. This role strengthens procurement practices through data‑driven insights, market analysis, and effective supplier engagement.

Manages assigned spend categories, including strategy development, sourcing execution, supplier evaluation, and ongoing category performance monitoring.

Conducts market research, spend analysis, and benchmarking to identify opportunities for cost optimization, value improvement, and risk reduction.

Leads sourcing events such as RFPs, RFIs, and negotiations for moderately complex goods and services.

Analyzes supplier proposals, commercial terms, and pricing structures to support informed decision‑making.

Collaborates with business stakeholders to understand requirements, align sourcing strategies, and ensure category plans support operational needs.

Supports contract development and negotiation by providing category insights, supplier data, and commercial recommendations.

Monitors supplier performance, identifies issues, and partners with internal teams to drive corrective actions and continuous improvement.

Maintains accurate documentation, category plans, and supplier records in procurement and contract management systems.

Contributes to the development of sourcing processes, tools, and templates to improve efficiency and consistency.

Supports budgeting and forecasting activities by providing category‑level insights and spend projections.

• Business intelligence
• Procurement
• Project management

• Business intelligence
• Procurement
• Project management

Required Experience:

2 to 4 years of experience in sourcing practices, category management principles, and supplier evaluation methods.

Ability to analyze spend data, market trends, and supplier proposals to support strategic decisions.

Experience negotiating commercial terms and managing sourcing events.

Familiarity with contract language, risk considerations, and procurement policies.

Proficiency with procurement and contract management systems.

Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and financial acumen.

Excellent communication and stakeholder‑management skills.

Required

Education:

Bachelors degree in field relevant to role (or 4 additional years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree)

This is a Contract position based out of Marlborough, MA.

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $50.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job‑related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre‑tax and Roth post‑tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long‑term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a hybrid position in…