Senior Category Manager

Job Title: Senior Category Manager
Job Description
As a Senior Category Manager, you will be instrumental in developing and executing multi-year logistics category strategies across the Americas. You will work to align these strategies with global procurement objectives and business priorities, translating global category direction into regionally executable strategies while adhering to U.S. regulatory requirements.
Responsibilities

• Develop, own, and execute logistics category strategies for 4PL, transport, and distribution.
• Translate global category direction into regionally executable strategies.
• Lead category planning, demand forecasting, and initiative prioritization.
• Ensure category strategies address service resilience, total cost of ownership, compliance, and sustainability.
• Convert category strategies into structured annual sourcing roadmaps.
• Lead complex sourcing events including RFPs, negotiations, and supplier selection.
• Negotiate commercial and service agreements covering rates, SLAs, and innovative commitments.
• Leverage market intelligence to drive sourcing decisions and stakeholder recommendations.
• Ensure compliance with procurement governance, financial controls, and risk management standards.
• Build and deploy strategic partnerships with logistics providers.
• Implement structured supplier performance management including KPIs and continuous improvement plans.
• Act as a trusted partner to Supply Chain, Quality, Regulatory, Finance, and Legal.
• Support logistics-related transformations, network redesigns, and digital initiatives.
• Deliver measurable outcomes in cost efficiency, service excellence, risk reduction, and environmental impact.
• Drive initiatives to reduce the carbon footprint of transport and distribution.
• Improve cost transparency across sub-categories through standardized rate cards and spend analytics.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain, business, engineering, or a related discipline.
• 5+ years of experience as a Category Manager or in a related role.
• Deep expertise in US logistics regulations, cold chain requirements, and GDP standards.
• Strong commercial judgment and advanced negotiation capability.
• Proven experience managing high-value logistics contracts.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver cost savings and service improvements through strategic sourcing.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• MBA or professional certifications such as CPSM, CSCP, CIPS, Lean Six Sigma preferred.
• 10 years of procurement or category management experience.
• Background in regulated industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotech, or medical devices preferred.
• Highly analytical with well-developed market intelligence and data analysis skills.
• Experience with digital procurement platforms and AI technologies.

Work Environment
This is a hybrid role with three days on-site and two days remote. You will have the flexibility to work from different locations, including Melrose Park, and collaborate with stakeholders. Working hours are from 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday. The position requires occasional local and international travel, including trips to Canada, Germany, and possibly Poland. The company offers a dynamic and growing environment with opportunities for business development programs and participation in structured leadership programs.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Lake Zurich, IL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $160000.00 - $170000.00/yr.
MedicalDentalvision401k
Workplace Type
This is a hybrid position in Lake Zurich,IL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jul 3, 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® Platinum Award 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.