Senior Manager - Category Management

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Senior Manager - Category Management based in the United States.

The Senior Manager - Category Management will lead strategic procurement initiatives designed to maximize business value, optimize supplier relationships, and improve operational efficiency. This role will oversee category strategies, sourcing activities, and supplier performance management across key business areas. The successful candidate will act as a strategic partner to internal stakeholders, translating business priorities into effective procurement solutions. Working closely with finance, legal, operations, technology, and business teams, this position will drive cost optimization, risk reduction, and supplier innovation. The role offers the opportunity to influence enterprise-wide procurement strategies while leading and developing a high-performing category management team. The ideal candidate brings strong sourcing expertise, leadership capabilities, and a data-driven approach to delivering measurable business outcomes.

Accountabilities:: The Senior Manager - Category Management will be responsible for developing and executing procurement strategies that align with organizational objectives while strengthening supplier partnerships and improving overall value delivery. The role requires strong leadership, stakeholder collaboration, and expertise in strategic sourcing and category management.

Lead the creation and execution of category management and strategic sourcing strategies across assigned categories, including enterprise software and technology solutions.

Partner with procurement leadership to establish enterprise category strategies aligned with business goals and operational priorities.

Serve as a trusted advisor to business leaders by developing sourcing strategies that improve value, reduce risk, and support growth.

Present sourcing recommendations, supplier strategies, and business cases to senior leadership and executive stakeholders.

Manage, coach, and develop category management team members through mentoring, performance management, and career development initiatives.

Apply market intelligence, procurement best practices, and data analysis to optimize supplier relationships and sourcing decisions.

Identify opportunities to reduce costs, improve supplier performance, increase efficiency, and enhance business value.

Support budgeting and financial planning activities while managing category expenditures effectively.

Monitor supplier performance metrics, identify improvement opportunities, and implement corrective action plans.

Lead supplier negotiations, contract renewals, and strategic agreements in collaboration with business stakeholders and legal teams.

Build strong relationships with suppliers to encourage innovation, service improvements, and long-term partnerships.

Promote consistent procurement processes, governance standards, and knowledge sharing across the organization.

Ensure compliance with procurement policies, risk requirements, and organizational standards.

Oversee key people leadership responsibilities, including workforce planning, hiring, coaching, employee development, and performance management.

Requirements:

The ideal candidate is a strategic procurement leader with extensive experience in category management, sourcing, supplier negotiations, and team leadership. This position requires strong analytical capabilities, business partnership skills, and the ability to drive measurable improvements in complex environments.

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related field.

Master’s degree and/or professional certifications such as CPSM, CPSD, PMP, or similar credentials preferred.

7–10 years of progressive experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, or category management.

At least 3 years of experience leading and developing procurement teams.

Proven success managing category strategies and sourcing initiatives that deliver measurable business impact.

Strong experience with supplier negotiations, contract management, cost analysis, and market research.

Ability to analyze complex data and market intelligence to identify opportunities and mitigate risks.

Strong relationship-building skills with internal stakeholders, suppliers, and executive partners.

Experience coaching procurement professionals and building high-performing teams.

Familiarity with procurement technologies, including Coupa, sourcing platforms, contract lifecycle management tools, reporting solutions, and spend analytics systems.

Excellent communication, project management, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Ability to operate effectively in a remote, globally distributed environment.

Benefits:

Competitive annual base compensation of approximately $130,000–$145,000 USD, with variable compensation included in many locations.

Flexible work options, including remote, hybrid, or office-based arrangements depending on location.

Comprehensive health and wellness benefits available from day one.

Annual wellness stipend to support employee well-being.

401(k) retirement plan with up to 4% employer matching and immediate vesting.

Flexible and generous paid time off policy.

Employee stock purchase program.

Opportunity to work with globally distributed teams across multiple regions.

Professional growth opportunities within a collaborative and innovative environment.

How Jobgether works: We use an AI-powered matching process to ensure your application is reviewed quickly, objectively, and fairly against the role's core requirements. Our system identifies the top-fitting candidates, and this shortlist is then shared directly with the hiring company. The final decision and next steps (interviews, assessments) are managed by their internal team. We appreciate your interest and wish you the best!  Why Apply Through Jobgether?    Data Privacy Notice: By submitting your application, you acknowledge that Jobgether will process your personal data to evaluate your candidacy and share relevant information with the hiring employer. This processing is based on legitimate interest and pre-contractual measures under applicable data protection laws (including GDPR). You may exercise your rights (access, rectification, erasure, objection) at any time.     #LI-CL1