Category Manager

Primary Role

The Category Manager is responsible for developing and executing strategic sourcing and category management strategies that optimize cost, quality, service, innovation, and supply continuity across assigned spend categories. This role serves as the primary commercial lead for supplier relationship management, contract negotiations, CAPEX spend, cost forecasting, competitive sourcing initiatives, and supply risk mitigation activities.

The Category Manager partners closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Engineering, Finance, Quality, Sales, and Product Management to ensure procurement strategies align with business objectives while supporting operational performance and profitability.

Responsibilities:

· Develop and execute category strategies for indirect spending, CAPEX, packaging, services, and raw material supply.

· Analyze spend, market conditions, supplier capabilities and business requirements to identify savings and value opportunities.

· Monitor commodity indices, market trends and economic factors affecting category performance.

· Lead RFQs, RFPs, competitive bidding events and supplier selection processes.

· Negotiate pricing, payment terms, lead times, inventory strategies and service levels.

· Drive annual cost reduction initiatives and total cost of ownership improvements.

· Develop strategic relationships with key suppliers.

· Conduct supplier business reviews and performance evaluations.

· Resolve supplier performance issues and implement corrective actions.

· Develop budgets and spending forecasts for assigned categories.

· Provide leadership with updates on market conditions and pricing trends.

· Perform cost modeling and financial analysis to support sourcing decisions.

· Lead contract negotiations and supplier agreement management.

· Monitor contract compliance and renewal schedules.

· Lead cross-functional sourcing and procurement projects.

· Support new product introductions, supplier transitions and cost improvement projects.

· Develop contingency plans and alternative sourcing strategies.

· Monitor supplier financial health and supply chain risks.

Qualifications:

· Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, Engineering or related field preferred.

· 5+ years of Category Management, Strategic Sourcing, CAPEX Procurement or Supply Chain experience.

· Strong negotiations, contract creation and management, supplier management, forecasting and analytical skills.

· Manufacturing experience preferred.

· APICS, ASCM, CPSM or CPM certification preferred.