Strategic Sourcing Manager

Category Manager, Indirect Sourcing

The Category Manager, Indirect Sourcing is responsible for supporting the development and execution of sourcing strategies across assigned indirect spend categories. This role leads competitive sourcing events, evaluates suppliers, negotiates commercial terms, and partners with business stakeholders to deliver savings, improve supplier performance, and support operational objectives. The individual in this role applies strategic sourcing principles, manages multiple projects, and helps drive process consistency and continuous improvement across the procurement function.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead RFx events for assigned categories, including requirements gathering, supplier outreach, bid analysis, negotiation, and contract execution.
• Support development and execution of category strategies in partnership with internal stakeholders and procurement leadership.
• Analyze spend, market conditions, supplier capabilities, and business requirements to identify savings and value creation opportunities.
• Evaluate suppliers, products, and services using defined criteria, including total cost, service, risk, and quality considerations.
• Negotiate commercial terms, pricing, and contractual provisions to optimize value and mitigate risk.
• Build effective working relationships with cross-functional stakeholders to understand business needs and align sourcing activity to priorities.
• Communicate sourcing project status, supplier issues, and savings progress to stakeholders and leadership.
• Contribute to procurement process improvements, documentation, and adoption of best practices.
• May lead a workstream related to process improvement, training, or implementation of new tools or practices.

Skills and experience required:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Finance, or related field.
• 3+ years of strategic sourcing, procurement, or category management experience.
• Experience leading sourcing events and negotiating commercial agreements.
• Strong analytical skills, including spend analysis and supplier evaluation.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Effective written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Ability to build partnerships across functions and influence decision-making at the manager and director level.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel; experience with ERP or e-sourcing tools preferred.
• Experience with Ariba, Jaggaer (or similar e-Sourcing platform) and ChatGPT

Additional job considerations:

• This role requires collaboration, teamwork, and face-to-face interaction with colleagues, leaders, and/or clients.
• Being in the office ensures access to leaders, cross-functional partners, and resources necessary to make timely decisions and drive results.
• On-site presence in accordance with our Flex Smart policy supports our culture of innovation, mentorship, and engagement, which is integral to our success in developing the best team.

At Pet Smart, Anything for Pets begins with our people. Every associate plays a vital role in creating meaningful experiences for pets and their families, and we empower our teams with the tools, resources, and opportunities to grow and succeed.

We're more than a workplace, we're Team Pet Smart. Together, we grow, collaborate, and challenge ourselves to be the best in all we do. Our culture is built on belonging and shared purpose, where every voice and experience matters. Guided by our values, we strive to do what's right, lead responsibly, and bring our passion for pets to life every day.

Not sure if you meet 100% of the position requirements and whether you should apply? We'd still like to hear from you and encourage you to apply with us! You might be the right fit for this role or another opportunity across Team Pet Smart.

Our home office offers outstanding amenities in a fun and rewarding workplace including:

• Pet-friendly environment, bring your pets to work and enjoy the on-site dog park!
• On-Site Events & Adoptions, enjoy community-building opportunities, including pet adoption days, seasonal celebrations, family events, art events, & holiday festivals
• "Top Dog" gym with equipment, fitness classes, massage therapists, personal trainers, and wellness spaces
• "Sit & Stay" Café serving fresh breakfast and lunch options, snacks, & more
• "Lil Paws" NAEYC-accredited onsite childcare facility providing high-quality early education
• Paid Volunteer Opportunities to spend time doing good for causes close to heart
• Print Center and Business Services, Dry Cleaning, Mother's Rooms, Sustainable Infrastructure & more

Pet Smart provides an equal opportunity for all associates and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other legally protected characteristics.