Associate Category Manager

Associate Category Manager

Grainger Indirect Procurement team manages over $1 billion of indirect spend for business team members across Grainger North America. As Associate Category Manager, you will develop the sourcing strategy for multiple sub-categories to provide savings and value through strategic sourcing execution which includes internal and external analysis, cost modelling, negotiations, and contract execution. You will report to the Manager, Category Manager. This role can be based in either Lake Forest, IL or downtown Chicago on a hybrid (3 days per week) basis. Full-time remote candidates will also be considered with a requirement of roughly 15% annual travel.

You will develop and execute sourcing plan for assigned sub-categories with a total spend under management of $20-100MM. Partner with stakeholders to understand short term and long-term needs; conduct internal analysis related to spend and specifications to reach savings and value goals. Lead global sourcing in respective sub-categories for pipeline and unplanned projects leveraging industry standard sourcing processes such as spend, total cost of ownership, and external market analysis, sourcing strategy, RFX execution, developing and executing negotiation strategy, and drafting and finalizing contract with selected suppliers. Provides regular updates to internal stakeholders on project statuses and market changes. Monitor supplier industry trends, validate and benchmark costs, and competitive pricing through research and market intelligence tools. Identify continuous improvement opportunities in procurement processes to increase efficiency and results across the department. Execute buying activities related to the strategic sourcing events as well as one-off requests as required by the business.

You have Bachelor's Degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or similar field required 3+ years Category Management, indirect procurement, contract negotiations, or global sourcing experience. required Experience developing strategies, managing projects, and applying sourcing processes for sub-categories with more than $250k spend. Experience assessing, managing, and communicating contractual, operational, financial plans and risks at all levels of the organization. Experience redlining and negotiating Master Agreements and Addendums. Experience performing spend and total cost of ownership analysis. CPM - Certification By The Institute For Supply Management Upon Hire preferred Professional qualification/certification from related professional organizations (e.g. CPSM, APICS) Upon Hire preferred