Associate Category Manager - Supply Chain

WORK AUTHORIZATION: This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship now or in the future.

In Office/Remote Opportunity:

We are located in Oak Brook, IL, however our work arrangement will be 4 days in the office, 1 day remote for the foreseeable future.

The Associate Category Manager will support the strategic management of Supply Chain spend categories, including the development, execution, and management of sourcing initiatives across indirect and capital expenditures. This role will conduct data analysis to identify cost optimization opportunities, support the development of negotiation strategies, and maintain ongoing communication with key stakeholders. You will collaborate with internal partners to optimize sourcing decisions, manage supplier relationships, and strengthen the governance of organizational spend.

What You'll Do

• The Associate Category Manager will partner with business stakeholders on primarily supply chain and distribution-related sourcing initiatives. Responsibilities include obtaining stakeholder alignment, gathering business requirements and data, developing and managing RFx events, analyzing results, consulting with Procurement leadership on negotiation strategies, communicating recommendations, and demonstrating the value delivered through the sourcing process.
• Conduct supplier, market, and industry research to understand category trends, competitive dynamics, emerging technologies, and supplier capabilities in support of category and sourcing strategies.
• Build alignment around recommendations by clearly communicating business value, addressing stakeholder questions, and supporting informed decision-making.
• Develop clear project summaries, reports, presentations, sourcing documentation, and knowledge resources.
• Leverage procurement technology, data analytics, and emerging AI-enabled tools to improve research, analysis, sourcing efficiency, and the quality of business recommendations.
• Support Indirect Procurement departmental goals, including sourced savings, spend under management, contract coverage, process rigor, and stakeholder engagement.

Who You Are

If you have a passion for procurement, a professional presence, an aptitude for relationship building, experience supporting supply chain initiatives, and the curiosity to learn and drive results, we welcome you to apply!

Required Skills

• An undergraduate degree in relevant areas such as Procurement, IT, Supply Chain, Marketing, Business Management, Operations, or Finance.
• Ability to build relationships with stakeholders to gather requirements and specifications from departments and category experts.
• Must possess 3-5 years of relevant experience (e.g. – sourcing, buying or procurement).
• Must have strong analytical, problem solving, organization and project management skills.
• Strong interpersonal and written communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Experience in e-souring/contracts management tool.

Preferred Skills

• Knowledge of the supply chain, distribution, logistics or related spend categories.
• Experience supporting supplier negotiations and competitive sourcing events.
• Proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint, with the ability to analyze data and communicate recommendations clearly.
• Familiarity with data visualization, automation, or AI-enabled productivity and analytical tools.