Category Manager

The Category Manager is responsible to lead category and operational management of their designated spend categories. In addition, this role will identify opportunities to reduce total cost of ownership, provide supply continuity, deliver on quality and service expectations, and work with the Procurement Director/Manager to lay down procurement category strategy for their categories. Essential Functions Develop a comprehensive understanding of all category influencers and become the business‑wide category subject‑matter expert from both a technical and commercial perspective. Assist in development of procurement strategies and plans for the category together with stakeholders to reduce TCO and improve availability, quality, service, and innovation. Anticipate, negotiate, and execute commercial opportunities on time within the assigned categories under the supervision of the Procurement Manager/Director. Develop, implement, and manage vendor performance metrics, documents, and reporting as part of a Supplier Relationship Management plan within the specified category. Maintain a positive and professional relationship with all key suppliers and internal stakeholders. Continuously optimize the category through spend reduction and/or value enhancement. Conduct market and risk analysis to drive category strategies. Negotiate commercial agreements with suppliers and manage the central repository for contracts, including activity planning and timely execution. Own the vendor qualification process within the category by collaborating and developing positive relationships with internal/external stakeholders. Obtain data from varied sources to identify and support fact‑driven opportunities. Ensure the analysis is accurate, comprehensive, and robust. Own RFx processes from creation to completion to generate multiple viable bids. Collaborate across departments during SOW development and respective vendor auditing/vetting. Attend off‑site vendor tours/audits as needed. Collaborate with Accounts Payable and Project Management to ensure project budgets are met and invoices are paid on time. Please note this job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without prior notice. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications 6 years of experience in procurement or a related field. 6 years of experience in the position described. 4 years of experience supervising employees/processes. Experience may include a combination of work experience and education. Preferred Qualifications 10+ years of experience in procurement or a related field. 10+ years of experience working in the specified position. 6 years of experience supervising employees/processes. Experience may include a combination of work experience and education. Competencies Creative Thinking – generate new ideas and approaches. Strategic Thinking – grasp the big picture and think long‑term. Recognition of Opportunity – recognize new opportunities and act to take advantage. Quantitative Analysis – skillful in using quantitative analysis to understand business issues. Assertiveness – defend a point of view and confront others appropriately, unafraid to challenge the status‑quo. Comfort with Risk – take calculated risks, innovate and experiment. Organizational Priority – make decisions in the best interest of the organization even if they cause individual distress. Decisiveness – make decisions in ambiguous situations without full information. Self‑Motivation/Time Management – determine and prioritize tasks with minimal direction. Negotiation Skill – negotiate tactics and use creative solutions to extract maximum value. Software Skill – advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office, especially Excel. Merit‑orientation – judge ideas and people on merit alone, without bias. Influence – influence and persuade others without direct authority. Political Skill – get things done within the political framework of an organization. Leadership – comfortable taking a leadership role. Oral Communication – a skillful public speaker, good at presenting ideas persuasively. Written Communication – a good writer; expresses ideas clearly. Cross Cultural – interact effectively with people of different cultures and backgrounds. Education Minimum Required Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Management, Mechanical/Industrial Engineering, or a related field. Preferred Master's Degree in Business Administration or a related field. Certification/License Required: N/A Preferred: N/A Foreign Language Required: None Preferred: None Typical Compensation Range Pay Rate Type: Salary $123,641.54 – $176,189.21 per year Bonus Target: 10% annual Benefits Paid Time Off for holidays, sick time, and vacation time Paid parental and caregiver leave Medical coverage, including virtual care options Dental coverage Vision coverage 401(k) with company match Health Savings Account with company match Flexible Spending Accounts Expanded mental wellbeing benefits, including free counseling for employees and household family members Family Building Benefits, including enhanced fertility benefits for IVF, fertility preservation, adoption, surrogacy, and doula reimbursements Income protection: life and AD&D, short and long‑term disability, critical illness, and accident plans Special discount programs, including pet plans, pre‑paid legal services, identity theft protection, car rental, airport parking, etc. Tuition reimbursement, college savings plan and scholarship opportunities And more! Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the California Fair Chance Act, and any other applicable local and state laws. #J-18808-Ljbffr