Procurement Category Management Manager

Accountabilities: Develop and execute long-term category sourcing strategies that optimize supplier selection, pricing, commercial agreements, sourcing flexibility, and supply continuity while reducing financial and operational risk.

Manage a diverse procurement portfolio representing approximately $180 million in spend, identifying opportunities for value creation, cost optimization, innovation, and sustainable growth.

Build and manage a continuous-improvement pipeline designed to deliver year-over-year productivity and savings, working closely with Finance to track and validate results.

Lead supplier performance management, including regular business reviews, performance assessments, and improvement plans in collaboration with relevant functional stakeholders.

Develop sustainable sourcing initiatives, including greenhouse-gas reduction, improved upstream traceability, and other responsible procurement practices.

Partner with internal teams and suppliers to support new product, ingredient, technology, and innovation launches.

Leverage supplier relationships to identify and secure innovative materials, ingredients, technologies, and commercial solutions.

Support tail-spend and procurement transformation initiatives using digital, automated, and AI-enabled platforms.

Manage budgets and monthly price forecasting through cost modeling, market intelligence, procurement tools, and financial analysis.

Lead cross-functional teams in resolving complex procurement and supply challenges while driving alignment across a matrixed organization.

Identify opportunities to improve processes, challenge existing ways of working, and act as a catalyst for transformation and continuous improvement.

Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred; an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience may be considered. An MBA is desirable but not required.

7+ years of experience in procurement, category management, strategic sourcing, or a related function.

Strong category management experience with direct raw materials, ideally within food, pharmaceutical, chemical, nutraceutical, consumer health, or a similarly complex industry.

Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic sourcing initiatives and deliver measurable commercial and operational results.

Experience collaborating with manufacturing, commercial, corporate, finance, technology, and R&D stakeholders, with the ability to influence effectively at multiple organizational levels.

Strong strategic mindset, business acumen, and agility, with the ability to operate effectively in ambiguous, fast-changing environments.

Familiarity with AI-based procurement platforms, digital tools, and technology-enabled process improvement.

Proven leadership capabilities, including relationship building, emotional intelligence, trust-building, and the ability to inspire cross-functional teams.

Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills, including data analysis, business-process evaluation, cost modeling, and financial assessment.

Excellent project management skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and complex initiatives.

Strong communication and storytelling skills, with the ability to translate complex analysis into clear business recommendations.

High learning agility, creativity, customer-service orientation, and a strong continuous-improvement mindset.

Ability to work effectively within a matrixed organization and collaborate across geographically distributed teams.

Broad supply chain knowledge, including areas such as planning and logistics, is preferred.

Technical familiarity and the ability to collaborate effectively with technology services and R&D teams is preferred.

Foundational finance knowledge, including P&L analysis, budgeting, and cash-flow concepts, is preferred.

Must be authorized to work in the United States without visa sponsorship.

Benefits:

Annual salary range: $117,341–$153,349.

Performance-based bonus eligibility.

Competitive total rewards package.

401(k) plan with employer matching.

Healthcare coverage.

Broad range of additional employee benefits and support programs.

Fully remote work arrangement.

Opportunities to influence strategic procurement and transformation initiatives at significant scale.

Strong opportunities for professional development, continuous learning, and career growth.

Inclusive and collaborative working environment that encourages innovation, strategic thinking, and new ideas.

Preference may be given to candidates located in the Tri-State area (NY, NJ, CT), Arlington, VA, or Solon, OH .

Compensation may vary based on factors including experience, skills, capabilities, and geographic location.

How Jobgether works: We use an AI-powered matching process to ensure your application is reviewed quickly, objectively, and fairly against the role's core requirements. Our system identifies the top-fitting candidates, and this shortlist is then shared directly with the hiring company. The final decision and next steps (interviews, assessments) are managed by their internal team. We appreciate your interest and wish you the best!  Why Apply Through Jobgether? 

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