Category Manager, Indirect Procurement

Our client, a leading technology firm, is seeking an experienced and strategic Category Manager to oversee their indirect procurement operations. This is a fully remote position, allowing you to contribute to our global procurement strategy from your home office. As the Category Manager, you will be responsible for developing and executing comprehensive sourcing strategies for a diverse range of indirect spend categories, including IT, marketing, professional services, and facilities management. Your primary objective will be to optimize value, drive cost savings, and mitigate risks across these categories while ensuring alignment with business objectives and supplier diversity goals. This role involves in-depth market analysis, supplier relationship management, complex contract negotiations, and performance monitoring. You will lead cross-functional teams in strategic sourcing initiatives, identify innovative solutions, and implement best practices in procurement. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of indirect spend dynamics, advanced negotiation skills, and a proven ability to manage significant budgets and complex supplier agreements. Proficiency in procurement software and a strategic mindset are essential. You will be instrumental in shaping our client's procurement approach, fostering collaborative relationships, and ensuring a robust and agile supply chain for indirect services. Embracing a remote-first work environment, you will leverage digital collaboration tools to effectively manage global suppliers and engage with internal stakeholders. Your expertise in developing long-term category strategies and driving continuous improvement will be critical to achieving significant cost efficiencies and enhancing the overall value delivered by the procurement function. This position offers a unique opportunity to drive strategic impact within a globally recognized organization, shaping how we procure essential non-production goods and services.
Responsibilities: Develop and implement strategic sourcing strategies for key indirect spend categories. Manage the end-to-end procurement lifecycle for assigned categories. Conduct thorough market intelligence and supplier landscape analysis. Lead complex negotiations for contracts, pricing, and service level agreements. Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with key suppliers. Drive cost savings, value creation, and risk mitigation initiatives. Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand requirements and align sourcing strategies. Monitor supplier performance and implement improvement plans. Ensure compliance with procurement policies, ethical standards, and diversity goals. Lead cross-functional teams on strategic sourcing projects. Utilize procurement technology to optimize processes and reporting. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field. MBA or relevant certifications (e.g., CPSM) preferred. 7+ years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing, category management, or procurement, with a strong focus on indirect spend. Demonstrated success in leading complex negotiations and managing strategic supplier relationships. In-depth knowledge of indirect spend categories (e.g., IT, Marketing, Professional Services, Facilities). Strong analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills. Proficiency in procurement software (e.g., SAP Ariba, Coupa) and advanced Excel. Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management abilities. Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote setting.