Category Procurement Manager

Position Summary

The Procurement Category Manager is responsible for developing and executing category strategies across North America to drive cost competitiveness supply continuity and operational efficiency. This role supports the transition from site-based purchasing to a centralized strategic category management model with ownership of supplier strategy sourcing and category performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category develop and implement category strategies aligned with business and operational objectives
• Analyze spend demand and market conditions to identify cost savings and value opportunities
• Lead strategic sourcing activities including RFQs negotiations and supplier selection
• Develop negotiate and execute regional and multi-site contracts
• Ensure disciplined execution and compliance with purchase orders against established agreements
• Drive contract utilization and reduce maverick spend across sites
• Establish and manage long-term supplier relationships
• Segment suppliers (strategic vs. transactional) and manage accordingly
• Lead supplier performance management using KPIs scorecards and business reviews
• Deliver measurable cost savings cost avoidance and working capital improvements
• Track and report category performance (cost service quality risk)
• Identify and mitigate supply risks and develop business continuity plans
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies regulatory and ESG requirements
• Partner with cross-functional teams to support cost reduction and operations
• Align supplier capacity with demand forecasts
• Standardize materials specifications and supply base across North America
• Drive adoption of centralized procurement processes across sites
• Support procurement transformation and system implementation

Requirements:

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Supply Chain Business or related field
• 510 years of experience in procurement sourcing category management or supply chain management
• Demonstrated experience in category management and supplier negotiations
• Experience in a multi-site manufacturing environment preferred

Skills and Competencies

• Strong strategic thinking and analytical capabilities
• Effective negotiation and supplier management skills
• Ability to influence and collaborate across a matrixed organization
• Proficiency in data analysis cost modeling and financial evaluation
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills