Sourcing And Category Manager

Sourcing and Category Manager

As a Sourcing Manager, you will play a critical role in influencing strategy, driving innovation, and creating meaningful impacts across the organization. This position offers more than a traditional sourcing role; it involves assisting in the development and execution of category strategies to optimize cost, reduce risk, and strengthen vendor partnerships. You will leverage market insights, data-driven analysis, and best-in-class negotiation practices to ensure sourcing initiatives align with mission and business objectives. Collaborating with tenured leaders and cross-functional teams, you will manage sourcing projects and build relationships with vendors to deliver measurable results. This role requires working from the office on average three or more times per week.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing and implementing sourcing and category strategies to optimize cost, improve operations, and support objectives.
• Analyze market trends, supplier capabilities, and cost drivers to create effective sourcing strategies, including contract terms and pricing models.
• Coordinate and execute sourcing activities, anticipating needs, negotiating favorable terms, and ensuring these terms are reflected in supplier contracts.
• Collaborate with business stakeholders to align sourcing plans with organizational goals, ensuring sourcing frameworks integrate seamlessly with project plans and P&L objectives.
• Apply best practices across multiple categories using data-driven approaches such as industry benchmarking, competitive analysis, and spend reporting.
• Manage sourcing projects using established processes and systems, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and compliance with standards.
• Monitor vendor performance and mitigate risks by ensuring proper documentation and adherence to business standards are achieved during the sourcing lifecycle.
• Drive cost reduction initiatives and track measurable outcomes in collaboration with stakeholders via regular meetings.
• Effectively manage multiple priorities and projects in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Business, Supply Chain, or related field.
• At least 4 years of experience in vendor management, procurement, or sourcing with a Bachelor's degree or 8 years of relevant experience without.
• Strong understanding of contract lifecycle management and sourcing processes.
• Experience working with experienced management across multiple teams and organizations.
• Experience in large, cross-functional projects and programs.
• Proficiency in vendor management tools, spend analysis, and Microsoft Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, PowerBI).
• Experience with compliance frameworks and risk management practices (ISO27001, SOC 2, HiTrust preferred).
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Experience sourcing in the healthcare industry, particularly with vendor services such as Payment Integrity, Clinical Operations, STARS, Affordability, and Actuarial services including Technology platforms.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Relevant sourcing certifications such as Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP).
• Project management certifications such as PMP or equivalent.
• Familiarity with procurement technologies and tools that support strategic sourcing and vendor management such as ZIP Procurement or ERP tools like ADP and Oracle.

Work Environment

This position is approved for onsite work three days per week, Tuesday through Thursday, in Minnetonka. Expect to work in a dynamic environment with access to modern technologies and equipment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Hopkins, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $42.70 - $67.11/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Hopkins, MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 12, 2026.

About Aston Carter

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing double diamond winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.