Category Manager (Long Haul)

We are seeking a strategic and data-driven Category Manager to own the performance, growth, and profitability of assigned product and service categories. This role is responsible for developing category strategies, managing supplier relationships, driving sourcing initiatives, analyzing market trends, and partnering cross-functionally to optimize commercial outcomes. 

The ideal candidate combines strong analytical capabilities with commercial acumen, supplier negotiation skills, and the ability to influence stakeholders across the organization. 

Key Responsibilities 

Category Strategy & Management 

• Develop and execute category strategies aligned with business objectives.  

• Manage the overall health and performance of assigned categories, including revenue, margin, cost savings, and supplier performance.  

• Identify growth opportunities, market gaps, and category optimization initiatives.  

• Create and maintain category roadmaps, sourcing plans, and business cases.  

Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Management 

• Lead sourcing events, RFPs, RFQs, contract negotiations, and supplier selection processes.  

• Build and maintain strategic supplier relationships. 

• Evaluate supplier capabilities, pricing structures, risk profiles, and performance metrics.  

• Negotiate favorable commercial terms, service levels, and contractual agreements.  

• Drive supplier performance reviews and continuous improvement initiatives.  

Market & Competitive Analysis 

• Monitor industry trends, market dynamics, pricing movements, and supplier landscapes.  

• Conduct spend analysis and identify opportunities for consolidation, standardization, and cost optimization.  

• Benchmark products, services, suppliers, and pricing against market conditions.  

• Provide recommendations based on market intelligence and data-driven insights.  

Financial & Performance Management 

• Analyze category spend, revenue, margin, savings, and operational performance.  

• Develop forecasts, budgets, and performance targets for assigned categories.  

• Track and report category KPIs and business outcomes.  

• Identify and mitigate supply, pricing, and commercial risks.  

Cross-Functional Collaboration 

• Partner with Procurement, Operations, Sales, Product, Finance, Supply Chain, and other stakeholders to align category initiatives.  

• Influence decision-making through data, business cases, and strategic recommendations.  

• Support implementation of category changes, supplier transitions, and sourcing strategies.  

• Ensure compliance with organizational policies and procurement standards.  

Required Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Procurement, Finance, Economics, Marketing, or a related field.  

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in category management, strategic sourcing, procurement, merchandising, or related commercial functions.  

• Demonstrated experience leading supplier negotiations and contract management activities.  

• Strong analytical skills with experience using data to drive business decisions.  

• Experience managing spend, revenue, margin, or category performance metrics.  

• Advanced proficiency in Excel and data analysis tools.  

• Strong communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.