Manager - Category Management

Position Overview

We are seeking a strategic and results-driven Manager - Category Management to lead the development and execution of category strategies that align with our organization’s long-term business objectives. In this pivotal role, you will drive cost efficiencies, optimize supplier relationships, and deliver measurable value to support our ambitious growth and operational excellence initiatives. Your expertise in spend analysis, market intelligence, and procurement best practices will be instrumental in identifying opportunities for cost savings, risk mitigation, and process improvement across the supply chain.

Key Responsibilities

• Category Strategy Development and Execution: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and implement category strategies that align with business goals, ensuring sustainable competitive advantage and value creation.
• Spend Analysis and Market Assessment: Conduct comprehensive spend analyses and market research to uncover cost-saving opportunities, evaluate supplier landscapes, and identify emerging trends that inform strategic sourcing decisions.
• Data-Driven Sourcing Strategies: Transform data insights into actionable procurement initiatives, leveraging advanced analytics to develop robust sourcing strategies that enhance efficiency and reduce total cost of ownership.
• End-to-End Sourcing Management: Oversee the full sourcing lifecycle, including Request for Proposal (RFP) development, supplier evaluation, negotiation, and contract finalization, ensuring alignment with organizational policies and risk management standards.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Demand Management: Work closely with internal stakeholders to understand procurement requirements, challenge demand where necessary, and foster collaborative partnerships that drive operational alignment and innovation.
• Supplier Performance and Relationship Management: Monitor supplier performance through KPIs and metrics, address underperformance proactively, and cultivate strategic supplier relationships to enhance reliability, quality, and innovation.
• Cost Optimization and Process Standardization: Lead initiatives focused on cost reduction, efficiency improvement, and the standardization of procurement processes to enhance scalability, compliance, and operational agility.
• Compliance and Governance: Ensure adherence to procurement policies, regulatory requirements, and internal governance frameworks, mitigating risks and maintaining ethical sourcing practices across all activities.
• Performance Tracking and Reporting: Develop and maintain comprehensive reports, dashboards, and scorecards to monitor category performance, track savings delivery, and provide actionable insights to senior leadership for informed decision-making.

Qualifications and Experience

To excel in this role, you must possess a minimum of five years of progressive experience in category management, procurement, or supply chain management, with a proven track record of delivering tangible business outcomes. A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Finance, or a related field is required. Candidates with advanced certifications such as CPSM, CSCP, or CIPS will be highly regarded. Ideal candidates will demonstrate strong analytical acumen, exceptional negotiation skills, and the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization.