Category Manager Strategic Sourcing & Procurement

Job Title

Job Description Required Education
• Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain, procurement, finance, or a related field. Preferred Education
• Master of business administration (MBA). Required Experience
• 5–8 years of experience in strategic sourcing, category management, procurement, or supply chain.
• Proven experience managing multiple concurrent sourcing or procurement projects.
• Hands-on experience with contract development, negotiation, RFP preparation, and supplier selection.
• Experience working with cross-functional business teams and senior stakeholders.

Preferred Experience
• Experience supporting categories such as IT, facilities, travel, marketing, or other indirect spend.
• Experience with in a large enterprise or highly regulated organization.
• Experience delivering measurable cost savings and total cost of ownership improvements.
• Experience with eProcurement/eSourcing platforms, particularly SAP Ariba.
• Insurance industry experience is a plus. Required Skills
• Strategic sourcing and category management
• Contract drafting and negotiation
• RFP development and execution
• Supplier evaluation and negotiations
• Market analysis and competitive intelligence
• Cost reduction and savings analysis
• Risk and benefit assessment
• Stakeholder management and communication
• Project management
• Strong written and verbal communication
• Ability to work effectively with business stakeholders, legal, risk, and senior management
• Strong attention to detail and customer-focused approach Preferred Skills
• SAP Ariba or ability to quickly learn Ariba
• eProcurement and eSourcing systems
• Category-specific market intelligence
• Change management
• Supplier performance management
• Total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis
• Strategic sourcing methodologies
• Experience developing sourcing strategies for complex categories

Key Responsibilities
• Manage assigned category spend portfolios and identify opportunities for improved value and service levels.
• Develop short- and long-term sourcing strategies based on market conditions, business requirements, and supplier capabilities.
• Lead supplier evaluations, competitive bidding activities, negotiations, and contract awards.
• Develop and maintain RFPs, sourcing documentation, requirements, and contract packages.
• Conduct market research to evaluate supplier capabilities, competitive dynamics, pricing, availability, and cost drivers.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to define requirements and execute category-specific sourcing initiatives.
• Develop project plans and coordinate multiple complex procurement projects simultaneously.
• Establish or support contracts for strategic purchases and significant spot-buy requirements.
• Identify and implement cost reduction initiatives while balancing business, supplier, and operational risks.
• Track category performance, savings, supplier outcomes, and portfolio changes.
• Develop and improve sourcing and procurement processes to increase efficiency and consistency.
• Provide recommendations to management based on sourcing analysis, supplier performance, and market intelligence.

** Only those lawfully authorized to work in the designated country associated with the position will be considered.**

** Please note that all position start dates and duration are estimates and may be reduced or lengthened based upon a client's business needs and requirements.**