Category Manager

Description

Lead a team of procurement and vendor management professionals responsible for developing and executing full lifecycle procurement strategies with a focus on optimizing value, risk, and performance across the information technology vendor ecosystem. Reporting to the Procurement Director, you will lead a team responsible for managing $100M+ in annual IT spend across a complex supplier ecosystem. Will lead and coach the procurement team to build and execute robust category strategies, sourcing pipelines, negotiation playbooks, contract management and vendor management best practices. Leveraging strong business acumen, planning and communication skills, this leader will develop strong stakeholder relationships at all levels of the organization and will be adept at leading and influencing cross-functionally to drive business alignment. Will develop and execute strategies to develop talent, enhance engagement, and lead transformational change as we build leading procurement capabilities.

Position Compensation Range:

$113,000.00 - $194,000.00

Pay Rate Type:

Salary

Compensation may vary based on the job level and your geographic work location. Relocation support is offered for eligible candidates.

Primary Accountabilities

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team of sourcing and vendor management professionals.

• Foster a collaborative, performance-driven environment built on trust, transparency, and accountability.

• Set clear goals, provide ongoing feedback, conduct performance evaluations, and support professional development.

• Promote engagement and continuous improvement as the team strengthens American Family's procurement capabilities.

Category Strategy & Strategic Sourcing

• Lead the development of enterprise IT category strategies aligned with American Family's technology roadmap and financial goals.

• Oversee the full sourcing lifecycle including market analysis, RFX execution, supplier evaluation, negotiation strategy, and contract execution.

• Build structured sourcing pipelines, negotiation guides, and sourcing best practices across the IT procurement team.

• Identify opportunities for cost optimization, supplier consolidation, and improved commercial models across the IT vendor portfolio.

Vendor Management & Governance

• Establish governance frameworks to manage supplier performance, contract compliance, and service delivery across strategic technology vendors.

• Lead supplier relationship management and performance reviews with important partners.

• Ensure contract management practices and agreement on commercial, legal, and operational requirements.

• Monitor supplier risk and performance, reporting progress, vendor performance, and market trends to senior leadership.

Stakeholder Partnership & Value Delivery

• Develop strong partnerships with technology and business leaders to support strategic initiatives and enterprise programs.

• Promote category management, strategic sourcing, and vendor management practices that enhance value and mitigate risk.

• Use data analysis and performance metrics to communicate insights, influence strategy, and support decision-making.

• Align team resources and sourcing priorities to support key business initiatives and operational goals.

Specialized Knowledge & Skills Requirements

• Demonstrated experience providing customer-driven solutions, support or service.

• Solid communication and influencing skills across varying leadership levels.

• Demonstrated experience driving business results.

• Demonstrated experience in creating meaningful data analysis and metrics to support business needs.

• Demonstrated problem-solving skills related to complex vendor matters.

• Extensive knowledge of vendor contracts and commercial/legal terms and conditions.

Additional Specialized Knowledge & Skills

Enterprise Sourcing & Technology Procurement

• Significant experience leading sourcing initiatives within large enterprise organizations managing substantial technology spend.

• Experience working within large, highly matrixed organizations with extensive supplier portfolios.

• Demonstrated ownership of $100M+ in annual category spend with responsibility for sourcing strategy, negotiations, and supplier management.

• Deep knowledge of procurement processes including category strategy development, RFX execution, supplier evaluation, contract negotiation, and vendor governance.

Commercial & Analytical Capabilities

• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to develop total cost of ownership models and supplier benchmarks.

• Experience using data analysis and metrics to develop insights, communicate strategy, and influence business decisions through effective storytelling.

• Strong problem-solving capabilities with the ability to navigate complex vendor and commercial situations.

Leadership & Influence

• Demonstrated experience leading teams and developing procurement talent.

• Strong communication and influencing skills across multiple levels of leadership.

• Ability to manage complex initiatives and drive alignment across cross-functional stakeholders.

• Customer-focused mindset with experience delivering measurable results.

Travel Requirements
* Up to 20%.

Physical Requirements
* Work that primarily involves sitting/standing.

Additional Information

• To ensure a strong start, all employees participate in our New Employee Orientation during their first week. This experience is held in person at our Madison, WI Headquarters or one of our AmFam core locations to help you connect with our mission, meet key team members and build relationships that support your growth. At times, sessions may be delivered virtually based on scheduling and availability.
• Offer to selected candidate will be made contingent on the results of applicable background checks
• Offer to selected candidate is contingent on signing a non-disclosure agreement for proprietary information, trade secrets, and inventions
• Sponsorship will not be considered for this position unless specified in the posting

In this hybrid role, you will be expected to work a minimum of 10 days per month from the office. Candidates should reside within approximately 35-50 miles of one of the following office locations: Madison, WI 53783; Boston, MA 02110

#LI-Hybrid

We provide benefits that support your physical, emotional, and financial wellbeing. You will have access to comprehensive medical, dental, vision and wellbeing benefits that enable you to take care of your health. We also offer a competitive 401(k) contribution, a pension plan, an annual incentive, 9 paid holidays and a paid time off program (23 days accrued annually for full-time employees). In addition, our student loan repayment program and paid-family leave are available to support our employees and their families. Interns and contingent workers are not eligible for American Family Insurance Group benefits.

We are an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws pertaining to non-discrimination, non-harassment and equal opportunity. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law.

American Family Insurance is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please email View email address on click.appcast.io to request a reasonable accommodation.