PROCUREMENT CATEGORY MANAGER JOB DESCRIPTION

A Procurement Category Manager owns a defined slice of organizational spend. The role demands more than purchasing skill - it requires the ability to build a sourcing strategy from market intelligence, stress-test it against total cost of ownership analysis, and then negotiate the contracts that make it real. Most category portfolios span indirect services: facilities, technology, professional services, or MRO, where spend is visible but control is hard to maintain. The work sits at the junction of commercial judgment and stakeholder influence, answering to senior leadership while managing external suppliers who often have more category knowledge than the business itself.

As the Procurement Category Manager, you lead sourcing strategy and contract negotiation for assigned indirect spend categories, delivering measurable cost reduction and supply assurance against defined performance targets. The role operates within a central procurement function, partnering with legal, finance, and business unit leaders to align category plans with broader commercial objectives.

Career Impact: Owning a category portfolio and negotiating directly with senior supplier counterparts builds the commercial credibility and strategic sourcing track record that opens doors to Category Director and Head of Procurement roles.

Business Impact: Poorly managed indirect spend erodes margin quietly - the Procurement Category Manager is the person whose contract discipline and sourcing rigor prevents that erosion and converts it into documented savings.

Growth Opportunity: Exposure to total cost of ownership modeling, cross-functional change projects, and global supplier markets builds analytical and influencing skills that transfer across industries and increase market value at each career stage.

• Lead sourcing strategy development for assigned indirect spend categories, from market research through supplier selection and contract execution.
• Design and manage RFP processes, including evaluation scorecards, total cost of ownership analysis, and recommendation documentation.
• Negotiate contracts with suppliers, incorporating input from legal counsel and procurement leadership to protect commercial and compliance interests.
• Monitor supplier performance against contract terms, resolving non-compliance issues and driving continuous improvement across the category.
• Analyze market trends, supply risks, and cost drivers to update category plans and identify savings opportunities before they close.
• Partner with internal stakeholders across business units to align category strategy with operational requirements and budget targets.
• Maintain accurate procurement records, including contract registers, pricing schedules, and supplier performance data.
• Drive innovation within the category by identifying new market offerings and advocating for process or specification changes that reduce cost or risk.

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• 3 or more years of strategic sourcing or category management experience, with demonstrated ownership of a defined spend portfolio.
• Proven ability to develop and execute sourcing strategies, including RFP design and competitive bid management.
• Track record of successful contract negotiation with external suppliers across price, terms, and service levels.
• Strong analytical capability, including financial modeling and total cost of ownership assessment.
• Effective stakeholder management skills, with experience influencing cross-functional teams and senior business partners.
• Sound written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present sourcing recommendations to leadership audiences.

• CPM, CPSM, or MCIPS certification, or active progress toward one of these credentials.
• Experience managing procurement within a regulated or compliance-intensive commercial environment.
• Background in change management or process improvement within a procurement or supply chain function.
• Exposure to global supplier markets and multi-region sourcing strategies.

• Verified savings delivered against category spend baseline, reported as a percentage of managed spend.
• Contract compliance rate across assigned supplier base, measured against negotiated terms.
• RFP cycle time from launch to contract award, benchmarked against internal process targets.
• Supplier performance scorecard ratings, reflecting quality, delivery, and service level adherence.
• Stakeholder satisfaction score from internal business partners, gathered via structured feedback cycle.
• Typical tools: procurement and sourcing platforms (commonly Coupa or equivalent); spend analytics and office productivity suites (commonly Excel-based modeling tools).

• Base Salary Range: $85,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on category complexity and experience.
• Bonus: Annual performance bonus, typically 10 to 15 percent of base salary.
• Equity: Not standard at this level; offered selectively at larger or publicly traded organizations.
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer contribution varies by organization.
• PTO: 15 to 20 days annually, plus standard federal holidays.
• Common Perks: Professional development budget, procurement certification sponsorship, hybrid work arrangements.

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Background checks are a standard condition of employment for this role, and all offers are contingent on their successful completion. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations are available to individuals with disabilities throughout the hiring process upon request. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.

The Procurement Category Manager leads sourcing strategy development and contract negotiation across complex indirect spend categories, delivering cost reduction and risk mitigation through RFP execution and total cost of ownership analysis. Reporting to the Category Director and collaborating with legal, procurement leadership, and divisional stakeholders, this role shapes supplier relationships and category plans that directly advance business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of sourcing strategies for designated purchase categories to achieve intended business objectives.
• Research current state and future needs, analyze market trends and potential suppliers, and identify continuous improvement opportunities.
• Gather direct savings on assigned purchase categories by building sourcing strategies which enable cost reduction while ensuring user needs are met.
• Build and handle requests for proposals (RFPs), including design and creation, system set-up and administration, and analysis of total cost of ownership.
• Create and tabulate supplier evaluation scorecards.
• Redline and negotiate contracts for purchases within designated categories with input from legal, procurement leadership, and other stakeholder departments.
• Maintain expertise in assigned spend categories through relationships with Division Leads, Suppliers, and Market Experts.
• Communicate sourcing trends and results for assigned categories to the Category Director and other interested parties.
• Participate in vendor management activities with internal business teams, including following up on contract compliance and resolving constraints or issues.
• Handle business relationships with key internal stakeholders and external suppliers, including routine enhancements to agreements and updating contracts.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Finance, Business, or related area.
• MBA or related graduate degree in Supply Chain, Finance, or Business is a plus.
• CPM or CPSM certification preferred.
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in purchasing, procurement, strategic sourcing, finance, or accounting, including development of buying strategies.
• Experience in the transportation or airline industry within indirect services procurement is a plus.
• Experience acting as a change agent that seeks out and advocates new and innovative solutions.
• Knowledge and application of Total Cost of Ownership concepts, category planning, and strategic sourcing process.
• Knowledge and experience working with global suppliers.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency leading multiple concurrent projects of various scale from start to finish.
• Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Experience with Coupa or related procurement tools preferred.
• Strong oral and written communication skills across various audience levels, including senior leadership.
• Ability to negotiate contracts.
• Strong leadership and decision-making abilities.
• Commitment to customer service excellence.
• Ability and willingness to collaborate with procurement colleagues and other stakeholders.

Embedded within the procurement function, the Procurement Category Manager builds and executes sourcing strategies that deliver measurable savings while maintaining compliant, current contracts across assigned categories. Working closely with commercial and legal teams, as well as senior stakeholders, this role advances supplier partnerships and category outcomes through data-driven market intelligence and structured negotiation planning.

Core Functions

• Co-build the strategic category plan with a clear savings opportunity scope in line with procurement strategy.
• Lead contract negotiations and develop negotiation plans.
• Manage contract renewals and amendments and ensure valid contracts are in place for assigned categories.
• Act as a procurement lead for category-identified projects in line with procurement policy and licence requirements.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders to influence category strategy based on key insights.
• Build and maintain strong supplier partnerships.
• Analyze data and identify trends, conduct market intelligence, and utilize market engagement to design and deliver category sourcing strategies.
• Contribute to the development of contract terms and conditions alongside commercial and legal teams.
• Contribute to development of pricing mechanisms, service levels, and service credit mechanisms.

Required Qualifications

• MCIPS or equivalent qualification.
• Good knowledge and experience working in a complex commercial environment.
• Demonstrable experience leading procurement projects from conception to contract completion.
• Experience creating and delivering sourcing strategies.
• Experience working in a regulated environment.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Good stakeholder management skills.
• Good organisational skills with ability to manage multiple procurements.
• Good influencing skills with ability to build effective, collaborative working relationships.
• Good communication skills, including report writing.
• High level of emotional intelligence.
• Resilient under pressure with ability to challenge in an effective and productive way.
• Able to work independently as well as within a team.
• Professional and discrete manner with initiative to manage queries and business relationships proactively.
• Attention to detail with a systems-thinking approach to problem solving.

Reporting to procurement leadership, the Procurement Category Manager owns end-to-end supplier identification, evaluation, and contract management across materials categories, from sourcing research through ongoing performance monitoring. Partnering with management and cross-functional teams, this role delivers accurate purchasing records, optimized supplier portfolios, and cost roadmaps that support reliable supply and informed business decisions.

Primary Duties

• Identify suppliers and compare prices, specifications, terms, and delivery dates to determine the optimum one to utilize.
• Respond to internal and supplier inquiries and review metrics, roadmaps, project plans, management reports, and contracts.
• Approve appropriate requisitions.
• Establish appropriate supplier performance standards.
• Establish procurement strategies for acquisition, receiving, and tracking of project materials.
• Coordinate supplier selection, credit, and terms, and track supplier performance standards.
• Conduct ongoing supplier evaluation.
• Conduct research via the internet, catalogues, trade publications, and trade shows to identify potential suppliers.
• Interview prospective suppliers to determine prices, discounts, and terms.
• Detail comparisons of vendor offerings for prospective suppliers to support management decisions.
• Prepare, maintain, and review purchasing files, records, price lists, and status of contracts.
• Locate suppliers, monitor subcontractor performance, and calculate the cost of orders.
• Optimize the material and supplier portfolio.
• Establish stocking criteria for partners and their replenishment levels.
• Collaborate with management in the negotiation of contracts and lines of credit with suppliers and subcontractors.
• Prepare and communicate product directions, availability, lead times, model transitions, and cost roadmaps for key materials to relevant teams.

Qualifications & Experience

• Relevant degree-level or tertiary qualification.
• Minimum 5 years of procurement or logistics experience.
• Proven experience negotiating contracts with suppliers, subcontractors, and/or customers.
• Strong systems and process knowledge, preferably AX or SAP.
• Demonstrable ability to apply strategic vision to procurement strategy.
• Strong analytical and teamwork skills.
• Excellent communication skills, verbal and written.
• Excellent time management and negotiation skills.
• Attention to detail and high level of accuracy.
• Self-motivated with a high degree of initiative and ability to operate with minimum supervision.

Sitting at the intersection of regional strategy and supplier management, the Procurement Category Manager leads sourcing activities across the Americas, overseeing procurement from intent to delivery while preparing market analysis reports on material availability and pricing. Operating across vendor selection, contract review, and quotation evaluation, this role builds the systems and supplier agreements that ensure quality, cost, and delivery standards are consistently met.

Duties

• Set strategy and lead category sourcing activities in the Americas region.
• Analyze market and delivery conditions to determine present and future material availability and price, and prepare market analysis reports.
• Oversee all activities related to procurement of a material, from intent to purchase through delivery.
• Lead vendor selection and negotiation processes for regional vendors.
• Negotiate complex requests for materials.
• Ensure categories are contracted in line with the sourcing strategy to avoid maverick buying.
• Ensure master agreements are properly codified into local contracts for the region.
• Prepare and review contracts, bids, proposals, and vendor agreements for legal correctness, price, and acceptability of items to specifications.
• Develop and utilize a system to evaluate vendor quotations using appropriate negotiation and purchasing techniques to ensure quality, price, delivery, and service.

Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Economics, Business, Finance, or Food Science preferred.
• 5–8 years of food industry and buying experience.
• Food ingredients, flavors, and flavor chemical purchasing experience strongly preferred.
• Purchasing and supply chain management experience.
• Strong communication skills with ability to work across multiple functions and locations.
• Ability to gain buy-in and commitment from stakeholders through leadership and influencing skills.

A key member of the North America procurement team, the Procurement Category Manager builds and executes MRO and CapEx category strategies while managing supplier relationships and governance processes that drive cost reduction and supply security. Collaborating across global and regional counterparts, multiple internal stakeholder groups, and senior supply and demand leaders, this role delivers cross-functional category strategy and long-term commercial advantage for the business.

Strategic Responsibilities

• Develop and implement CapEx and MRO category strategy for North America.
• Engage and gain support from key stakeholders in development and implementation of category strategy.
• Work closely with global and regional counterparts to support the creation of North America sourcing strategies that leverage global spend.
• Engage with multiple internal stakeholder groups to understand business needs and stay current on category and industry changes globally.
• Manage financial and supply-oriented risks.
• Lead the development of appropriate relationships with key internal and external partners.
• Work with respective sites to ensure local purchases not directly managed by procurement comply with standards and contracting requirements.
• Ensure supplier management processes are in place for key suppliers.
• Drive increased value from supplier relationships within the category.
• Serve as functional expert on the category and identify opportunities on both a strategic and tactical level.
• Identify, develop, and implement plans for key projects that will provide cost reduction and avoidance.
• Work with stakeholders to align on supplier selection and negotiate contracts as required.
• Drive greater innovation through key partners and influence partner investment and direction.
• Work across multiple locations and interface with global colleagues and stakeholders.
• Influence multiple key senior stakeholders across supply and demand businesses.
• Maintain accountability for key external suppliers in defined categories to maximize long-term commercial advantage.
• Manage special key projects crossing multiple categories and functions.
• Develop, agree on, and deliver cross-functional category strategy.
• Manage and achieve or exceed performance targets agreed within strategy.
• Establish and maintain correct governance processes and category forums.
• Ensure effective long-term supplier relationships exist that create sustainable value for both parties and meet corporate citizenship criteria.

Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with procurement experience, preferably in a consumer products environment.
• 5+ years of experience.
• Proven track record of consistent performance and delivery.
• Good understanding of the category management process with experience deploying in at least one category.
• Demonstrated experience in sourcing and successful negotiation.
• Strong analytical skills with experience in financial or cost modeling.
• Proven ability to build effective supplier relationships.
• Ability to operate and manage a variety of senior stakeholders across a global, complex matrix structure.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective communication with stakeholders across a global business.
• Experience leading or participating in cross-functional change projects.
• Understanding of multiple cultures and global market dynamics with ability to extrapolate insights from external markets.
• Good influencing skills and personal impact to gain credibility quickly with senior stakeholders.
• Strong commercial acumen and understanding of the business.
• Strong ability to prioritize and focus on delivering business goals.

Consistent delivery of savings across high-spend technology and business services categories depends on the Procurement Category Manager, who leads sourcing strategy, RFX design, and complex contract negotiations while ensuring governance compliance at every stage. Based within a client-focused procurement function and serving as the primary liaison between internal stakeholders, legal counsel, and external suppliers, this role directly supports cost reduction targets and sourcing process efficiency across IT, HR, insurance, outsourcing, and marketing categories.

Accountabilities

• Lead the development of category strategies within business services and technology spend categories, including IT services, staffing, software, HR services and benefits, insurance, outsourcing, and marketing solutions.
• Provide leadership and focused execution of category management strategies supporting business objectives.
• Identify, create, and manage relationships with key internal stakeholders.
• Manage the execution of strategic sourcing processes and lead complex contract negotiations.
• Assist with meeting defined savings and cost reduction targets within the assigned category.
• Lead and manage the sourcing process for high-visibility, high-risk, and high-spend contracting initiatives.
• Lead project teams through the sourcing process, including design and development of RFXs, engagement strategies, and contract negotiations through to contract execution.
• Assess, define, and resolve procurement issues, including contractual terms and conditions and escalations.
• Apply risk management expertise in executing sourcing strategies.
• Apply project management concepts to the planning and execution of the sourcing process.
• Perform market analysis and spend analysis leveraging available data sources to identify savings and efficiency opportunities.
• Ensure all governance processes and policies are adhered to and completed prior to final approval.
• Create and present on sourcing opportunities.
• Update and provide information in a timely manner for accurate reporting and tracking of activities.
• Provide and implement process efficiency opportunities.

Minimum Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of sourcing experience, including leading sourcing initiatives, identifying savings opportunities, and driving change.
• Experience in sourcing and contracting across a wide range of spend categories.
• Proven sourcing leadership skills and ability to work with internal stakeholders to drive the process.
• Expertise in sourcing strategies, including RFX, and development of negotiation strategies.
• Proven ability to work with internal legal counsel and stakeholders such as security and compliance.
• Experience creating project plans, managing to plans, and engaging stakeholders as required.
• Financial analysis skills, including advanced Excel skills.
• Lean management or proven ability to drive efficiencies experience.
• Effective client relationship management skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrates a drive for results and sense of urgency.
• Confidence in ability to lead negotiations to conclusion.
• Comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty and able to manage complexity.
• Makes good decisions based on a mixture of analysis, experience, and judgment.
• Positive attitude with flexible and creative problem-solving capabilities.
• Able to work both independently and as part of a team.

As the Procurement Category Manager, this role manages end-to-end strategic sourcing for IT categories including software, managed services, infrastructure, and telecoms, building global sourcing strategies that translate stakeholder requirements into recognized financial and operational benefits. The procurement function relies on this work to establish and sustain strategic supplier relationships that deliver sustainable value and support transparent benefit allocation across business units and finance groups.

Job Functions

• Manage the end-to-end strategic sourcing process of IT procurement, with a primary focus on software, IT professional and managed services, infrastructure, and telecoms.
• Identify and deliver business benefits aligned to assurance of supply, quality, service, cost, and innovation.
• Engage and build strategic relationships with key senior stakeholders and business partners.
• Understand business requirements of key stakeholders and position the procurement value proposition to deliver on their needs through global sourcing strategies.
• Ensure financial benefit delivered is recognized by affected stakeholder communities and finance groups to allow benefit capture and transparent decision making.
• Create contracts with selected providers.
• Build and lead effective strategic relationships with key suppliers.
• Drive sustainable value from key supplier relationships.

Professional Experience

• Bachelor's or master's degree in procurement or a related area.
• 3+ years of professional experience in IT procurement and related sectors.
• Strong acumen of corporate business norms and requirements with broad understanding of procurement activities.
• Good practice in professional business relationships with suppliers and service providers.
• High level of proficiency with MS Office programs, including Excel and PowerPoint.
• Excellent commercial and negotiation skills.
• Intercultural competence.
• Assertiveness and decision-making ability.
• Excellent communication skills with good judgment and persuasive ability.
• Ability to work independently and adapt quickly to new topics and responsibilities.
• Fluent in English.

Procurement Category Manager owns the full commerce category procurement cycle, negotiating commercial and legal agreements with suppliers to leverage organizational scale and guarantee sustainable, uninterrupted supply at competitive cost and quality compliance. The work directly supports the operating company's procurement strategy and sustainability agenda through opportunity assessments, stakeholder engagement, and structured category project management.

What You'll Do

• Develop and execute the commerce category strategy.
• Support the procurement sustainability agenda for the category.
• Lead opportunity assessments together with stakeholders.
• Think strategically and prioritize activities that drive the highest value for the business.
• Tender and negotiate contracts.
• Contract suppliers.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders.
• Manage category projects.

Background & Experience

• Degree in Management, Finance, or Economics.
• Minimum 3 years of recent procurement experience within the last 5 years.
• Relevant experience in procurement in commerce.
• Professional experience in FMCG.
• Proficient in Portuguese at native level.
• Proficient in English at B2 level.