Category Manager

Are you ready to make a difference? Choose to work for one of the most trusted companies in Kansas. Why Join Us? Make a Positive Impact: Your work will directly contribute to the health and well-being of Kansans. Family Comes First: Total rewards package that promotes the idea of family first for all employees. Paid vacation and sick leave with paid maternity and paternity available immediately upon hire Professional Growth Opportunities: Advance your career with ongoing training and development programs. Dynamic Work Environment: Collaborate with a team of passionate and driven individuals in a work environment that promotes flexibility. Trust and Stability: Work for one of the most trusted companies in Kansas with over 80 years of commitment, compassion and community. Inclusive Work Environment: We pride ourselves on fostering a workplace where everyone is valued and respected. Benefits & Perks Base compensation is only one component of your competitive Total Rewards package Incentive pay program (EPIP) Health/Vision/Dental insurance 6 weeks paid parental leave for new mothers and fathers Fertility/Adoption assistance 2 weeks paid caregiver leave 401(k) plan matching up to 5% Tuition reimbursement Health & fitness benefits, discounts and resources Job Summary The Category Manager serves as a strategic business partner, developing and executing category strategies that drive operational efficiencies, value, and long-term success. This role collaborates with internal stakeholders and suppliers to achieve business objectives through effective contract negotiations, supplier performance management, issue resolution, and continuous improvement. The Category Manager provides guidance to business areas, supports supplier segmentation initiatives, ensures compliance with Vendor Management Office (VMO) policies and regulatory requirements, and contributes to enterprise governance and strategic initiatives. “This position is eligible to work remotely, hybrid or onsite in accordance with our Telecommuting Policy. Applicants must reside in Kansas or Missouri or be willing to relocate as a condition of employment.” What you’ll do Integrate with business areas as a strategic business partner to understand needs, provide expertise, and deliver solutions that align with organizational goals. Develop and execute long-term engagement strategies with business areas to ensure sustained value and continuous improvement. Establish category roadmap, strategies, and plans to drive operational efficiencies, cost savings, risk management, innovation, and ongoing category development. Negotiate and amend complex contracts and agreements with suppliers to achieve optimal value and quality. Oversee activities and processes for assigned categories, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives. Support continuous improvement and change management by identifying process gaps, coordinating practical improvements, documenting changes, and supporting adoption with business areas and suppliers. Foster continuous improvement in vendor management by developing and implementing effective reporting, tracking, analytics, SLAs, KPIs, performance goals, and related performance management practices. Act as an educational resource for internal business partners on vendor management, sourcing strategies, and policy adherence. Build and maintain strong, collaborative partnerships with key suppliers, ensuring performance meets organizational goals. Address vendor issues to ensure high service delivery. What you need Knowledge/Skills/Abilities Ability to communicate effectively, verbally, in writing and via telephone regarding sensitive and confidential issues and maintain a positive professional image. Ability to assess, analyze, plan, and evaluate situations. Ability to self-direct, make independent decisions, and prioritize daily activities. Ability to handle sensitive situations in a positive, professional manner. Must be comfortable discussing reimbursement/financial arrangements. Schedule could require alternative work hours, which may include evenings, weekends, availability 365 days per year. Education and Experience Knowledge/Skills/Abilities Knowledge of category management principles and strategic sourcing methodologies, with the ability to develop and execute category strategies that align with organizational goals and optimize supplier value. Proven project management expertise, including leading cross-functional teams, managing competing priorities, meeting deadlines, and driving successful business outcomes through effective planning and execution. Expertise in contract negotiation and lifecycle management, including drafting, redlining, conflict resolution, and fostering mutually beneficial agreements that balance business objectives and supplier relationships. Proven ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, facilitate strategic discussions, and deliver clear, actionable insights to executive audiences that support informed decision-making and business outcomes. Strong financial and analytical acumen, with experience leveraging data, metrics, scorecards, and performance insights to support strategic decision-making and value optimization. Digital dexterity to quickly adapt to new technologies, tools, and platforms to improve efficiency. In-depth knowledge of Supplier, Procurement, and Vendor Management protocols, policies, and procedures, and government frameworks. Knowledge of regulatory compliance, supplier performance management, SLA and KPI development, performance goal implementation, and change management practices. Demonstrate business judgment, integrity, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess risk, balance competing priorities, and drive sound business decisions. Education and Experience High school diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business, Mathematics, Statistics, computer sciences, or a related field preferred. In lieu of degree, three (3) years of experience in strategic sourcing, vendor management, and/or category management, with direct involvement in strategic sourcing and category management required. Indirect sourcing experience with SaaS, CCaaS, BPaaS, XaaS, software, technology, services, or related supplier categories preferred. Physical Requirements Standard remote, hybrid, or office-based, work environment with routine use of a computer and standard office equipment. Compensation $85,600- $107,000 annually Exempt Grade 16 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas offers excellent competitive compensation with the goal of retaining and growing talented team members. The compensation range for this role is a good faith estimate, it is estimated based on what a successful candidate might be paid. All offers presented to candidates are carefully reviewed to ensure fair, equitable pay by offering competitive wages that align with the individual's skills, education, experience, and training. The range may vary above or below the stated amounts. Our Commitment to Connection and Belonging At Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, we are committed to fostering a culture of connection and belonging, where mutual respect is at the foundation of our workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, belief, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military or veteran status, family or parental status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas conducts pre-employment drug screening, criminal conviction check, employment verifications and education as part of a conditional offer of employment.