Category Manager

Category Manager (Strategic Sourcing & Category Management) Schedule: Tuesday-Thursday onsite | Monday & Friday remote Duration: 3-4 Month Contract (Strong potential for extension) Pay: $42-$48/hour W2 Project Overview Our client, a large logistics technology firm, is looking for an experienced Category Management professional to own and evolve assigned spend categories through long‑term category planning, supplier strategy, and cross‑functional business partnership. This role is best suited for someone who enjoys developing category strategies, analyzing markets, influencing stakeholders, and identifying opportunities that improve value, reduce risk, and strengthen supplier partnerships. What You’ll Own Develop and execute comprehensive category strategies for assigned spend portfolios. Analyze category spend, market trends, supplier capabilities, and industry dynamics to identify opportunities and risks. Build multi‑year category plans that align with business priorities and operational objectives. Lead cross‑functional category teams while partnering closely with Finance, Operations, Legal, and business stakeholders. Drive supplier segmentation, supplier performance management, and ongoing supplier relationship strategies. Develop sourcing approaches that optimize value, commercial outcomes, supplier performance, and long‑term business partnerships. Lead commercial negotiations and contract strategy while balancing cost, service, quality, innovation, and risk. Measure category performance through KPIs, supplier scorecards, and business outcomes. Support annual category planning, spend forecasting, and value creation initiatives. Identify opportunities to improve procurement policies, supplier governance, and category processes. What We’re Looking For 4-6+ years of Category Management experience supporting enterprise spend portfolios required . Experience developing and executing category plans rather than solely executing purchasing transactions. Strong understanding of category planning, spend management, market intelligence, supplier segmentation, and commercial strategy required . Experience facilitating RFx events as part of a broader category strategy. Experience managing strategic supplier relationships and supplier performance programs. Strong commercial negotiation and contract management experience. Demonstrated ability to influence cross‑functional stakeholders and build consensus. Strong analytical skills with experience using spend data to support category decisions. Preferred Experience Enterprise Category Management Category Planning Spend Analytics Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Value Creation Initiatives Procurement Governance Ideal Backgrounds Professionals who have owned categories such as: Indirect Spend, Professional Services, Facilities, Technology, Corporate Services, Operations, Logistics, Manufacturing Categories #J-18808-Ljbffr Connect Search, LLC