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.