Category Manager

Job Title: Category Manager
Location: Ela Township, IL
Pay Rate: $35 - $44 an hour
We are seeking an experienced Procurement Specialist to support plants and local business teams in procuring items, reviewing vendor and project requirements, and matching to appropriate vendors. This role involves supporting contract negotiations and implementing category strategies within the country.
Responsibilities:

• Support category strategy development by providing local requirements and data, participating in category working groups, and aligning with local stakeholders.
• Define sourcing strategy and RFX approach.
• Manage the RFX process, including negotiation and evaluation of proposals.
• Manage supplier selection decision-making and supplier awarding.
• Oversee contract creation and review processes with internal functions and suppliers.
• Manage sign-off and archiving of contracts.
• Support onboarding of new suppliers if necessary.
• Performed other duties as assigned.

Essential Skills:

• 3+ years of experience in procurement, sourcing, category management, or strategic purchasing.
• Hands-on experience leading or supporting the full RFP process, including supplier identification, bid management, evaluation, selection, and onboarding.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to evaluate supplier proposals, pricing structures, discounts, and rate cards.
• Experience with supplier/vendor management, including negotiating terms.
• Advanced Excel skills for data analysis and supplier comparisons.
• Experience managing sourcing projects from initial RFP through supplier implementation and project completion.

Additional Skills & Qualifications:

• Experience in category management.
• Procurement experience within categories such as Marketing, Fleet, and/or Travel.
• Experience with contract management systems, preferably Ariba.
• SAP experience is a plus.
• Direct involvement in RFPs, spend analysis, or vendor evaluations.
• Confident and proactive communicator with strong presentation skills.
• Project management and servant leadership experience.

Benefits :

• Great benefits package
• Work life balance
• Stability and clear opportunities for growth into other areas of the dealership over time.

***INTERVIEWS
HAPPENING THIS WEEK***
This position is moving extremely fast as this is an urgent need for the client. If interested, please send over your most up to date resume along with your availability for a 10-minute phone call to dyseidenberg@ astoncarter.com
Work Environment
The position offers a hybrid work schedule with an initial requirement of five days onsite for onboarding and training. Once established, the schedule shifts to three days onsite and two days remote per week. The team provides significant training, prioritizing core sourcing and RFP experience over industry-specific knowledge. A strong cultural fit is essential and can serve as a tie-breaker between similarly qualified candidates.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Kildeer, IL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $44.00/hr.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
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)
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Kildeer, IL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Nov 6, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a hybrid position in Kildeer,IL.

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\u00AE 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.