Senior Manager, Technology Category Management

Role Description

Reporting to the VP, Global Data & Tech Sourcing, the Senior Manager, Technology Category Management will serve as owner for assigned spend and Mergers, Acquisitions, and Divestitures (MA&D) activities, driving the development and execution of all category strategies. This is a critical role to identify value for the organization working with business stakeholders to execute defined category strategies. Provides overall direction and coaching to team members supporting the same commodity.

• Coordinates with Sourcing & Corporate Program Managers in the development and execution of category strategies, and the identification of opportunities for continuous improvement and cost savings.
• Fosters deep stakeholder relationships by connecting with internal stakeholders and providing regular updates to senior leadership on category performance and initiatives.
• Provides oversight of the specific indirect spend category ensuring effective management and alignment with organizational objectives.
• Provides guidance to team on the negotiation of contracts, establishment of sourcing relationships, ongoing operational efficiencies, and management of programs.
• Guides the comprehensive analysis of category performance metrics, leveraging data-driven insights to identify strategic opportunities and drive continuous improvement.
• Develops the annual category plan and budget for the specific category, aligning with organizational goals and priorities.
• Conducts meetings regularly to discuss progress, address challenges, and foster collaboration across category management functions.
• Evaluates the performance of team members periodically, providing constructive feedback and support for professional development.
• Maintains a comprehensive and up-to-date understanding of market trends, emerging technologies, and vendor capabilities within the category to inform strategic decision-making.
• Engages with internal stakeholders regularly to provide updates on category performance, collaborate on sourcing strategies and initiatives, and solicit feedback for improvement.
• Reviews and updates category management policies and procedures to ensure alignment with industry best practices and organizational requirements.
• Identifies opportunities for cost savings and process improvement, driving efficiency and effectiveness in procurement operations.
• Is the primary point of contact with the business and vendors, developing deep stakeholder relationships.
• Manages the specific indirect spend category within the overall procurement strategy, ensuring alignment with organizational goals including sustainability.
• Supports the Category Director in stakeholder engagement activities and relationship management, fostering innovation, collaboration, and alignment across functions.
• Contributes to the development of the annual category plan and budget, aligning category strategies with overall objectives and organizational priorities.
• Supports development of the five-year strategy and long-range plan including achievement of goals.
• Supports corporate initiatives, M&A, and Divestiture projects, including due diligence, identification of synergies, and post-acquisition integration.
• Leverages spend data analysis to identify cost-saving opportunities and drive efficiency in procurement operations.
• Leads contract processes end-to-end for select contracts with support from the Sourcing Managers.
• Provides support to the Sourcing Manager when needed in case of contractual complexities.
• Collaborates with Country Leads and Procurement Managers in the Regional Sourcing team for category global strategies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, economics, supply chain, or equivalent experience required.
• Master's degree in business administration, economics, supply chain, or equivalent experience preferred.
• 7+ years of experience in sourcing and procurement with emphasis on indirect categories and/or transportation logistics required.
• 3+ years of experience in a management capacity preferred.
• Certified Professional in Supply Management® (CPSM), Certified International Supply Chain Professional (CIPS), APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) or equivalent preferred.
• Demonstrates category expertise in indirect road freight sourcing, carrier markets, and cost-to-serve economics for consumer products networks.
• Applies advanced RFx design, negotiation strategies, and contract governance to secure capacity, service levels, and total-cost outcomes.
• Analyzes lane-level demand, rate benchmarks, and operational KPIs to model scenarios, forecast savings, and drive SLA adherence.
• Leads cross-functional teams and suppliers to align quarterly plans, resolve dependencies early, and enforce clear handoffs and service agreements.
• Standardizes processes, controls, and risk/issue management to scale improvements with defined benefits, compliance, and performance signals.
• Makes independent resourcing and delivery decisions while balancing quarterly targets with mid-term capability building and process maturity.

Benefits

• Compensation, benefits, and resources that enable a highly inclusive culture.
• Traditional offerings like medical, dental, and vision care.
• Comprehensive suite of benefits focusing on physical, emotional, financial, and social aspects of wellness.
• Support for working families, including backup dependent care, adoption assistance, infertility coverage, family building support, behavioral health solutions, paid parental leave, and paid caregiver leave.
• Variety of training programs, professional development resources, and opportunities to participate in mentorship programs, employee resource groups, and volunteer activities.