Category Manager

Job Summary

Our client is seeking a Category Manager to lead sourcing and procurement activities across assigned categories. This role is responsible for developing category strategies, managing supplier relationships and contracts, driving cost savings initiatives, conducting market analysis, and partnering with stakeholders to optimize purchasing performance and achieve business objectives.

• Manage category portfolio spend and develop strategies to optimize costs and maximize value
• Identify and implement cost reduction initiatives to achieve total cost of ownership savings
• Conduct market analysis and evaluate supplier capabilities, industry trends, pricing, and availability
• Develop and execute short-term and long-term sourcing strategies aligned with business objectives
• Perform risk and benefit assessments to support procurement and sourcing decisions
• Lead supplier evaluations, sourcing events, contract negotiations, and change management initiatives
• Oversee multiple category projects and coordinate cross-functional teams to execute sourcing strategies and requirements
• Monitor, analyze, and report category performance, recommending portfolio adjustments as needed
• Develop and manage project plans for complex sourcing and procurement initiatives
• Establish and negotiate contracts for strategic purchases and large one-time buys when required
• Develop, implement, and maintain sourcing and procurement processes to improve efficiency and effectiveness
• Partner with internal stakeholders and purchasing leadership to achieve category goals and business priorities

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Procurement, or a related field, or equivalent experience
• 4+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, category management, procurement, or supply chain management
• Demonstrated success leading sourcing initiatives and achieving measurable cost savings
• Experience managing supplier relationships, sourcing events, and contract negotiations
• Strong knowledge of strategic sourcing and category management methodologies
• Experience conducting market analysis, supplier evaluations, and spend analysis
• Strong project management and cross-functional stakeholder management skills
• Strong negotiation, interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills. Customer-focused with the ability to effectively interact with business stakeholders, Legal, Risk, and senior leadership.
• Experience with procurement systems or the ability to quickly learn sourcing and procurement platforms (e.g., Ariba).

• MBA or other advanced degree
• Insurance industry experience
• Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM), CPSM, or similar procurement certification
• Experience with eProcurement and eSourcing platforms
• Category expertise in Travel, IT, Facilities, Marketing, or related indirect spend categories
• Experience working for a large, complex organization

• Location:
  
  San Diego, CA
• Work Arrangement: 4 days a week onsite

• Pay Range:
  The approximate pay range for this position is between $49.00 and $70.00. Please note that the pay range provided is a good faith estimate. Final compensation may vary based on factors including but not limited to background, knowledge, skills, and location. We comply with local wage minimums.
• Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance Plans
• Employee-Owned Profit Sharing (ESOP)
• 401K offered

At Kelly Mitchell, our culture is world class. We’re movers and shakers! We don’t mind a bit of friendly competition, and we reward hard work with unlimited potential for growth. This is an exciting opportunity to join a company known for innovative solutions and unsurpassed customer service. We're passionate about helping companies solve their biggest IT staffing & project solutions challenges.

As an employee-owned, women-led organization serving Fortune 500 companies nationwide, we deliver expert service at a moment's notice.