Job Description

Procurement Category Manager – North America

Position Summary

The Procurement Category Manager will develop and execute North American category strategies to improve cost competitiveness, supply continuity, and operational efficiency. This role will lead the transition from site-based purchasing to a centralized procurement model, with responsibility for strategic sourcing, supplier management, and category performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop category strategies aligned with business and operational objectives.
• Analyze spend, market trends, and demand to identify cost savings and value opportunities.
• Lead strategic sourcing, RFQs, supplier selection, and contract negotiations.
• Establish regional and multi-site supplier agreements and drive contract compliance.
• Build strategic supplier relationships and manage performance through KPIs and scorecards.
• Deliver cost savings, cost avoidance, and working capital improvements.
• Identify supply chain risks and develop business continuity plans.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to optimize costs, quality, service, and supply reliability.
• Standardize materials, specifications, and suppliers across North American facilities.
• Drive adoption of centralized procurement processes, systems, and policies.
• Ensure compliance with procurement, regulatory, and ESG requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, or a related field.
• 5–10+ years of experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, or category management.
• Proven experience in supplier negotiations, category strategy, and cost reduction.
• Manufacturing experience in a multi-site environment preferred.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and cost modeling skills.
• Excellent negotiation and supplier relationship management abilities.
• Effective communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to influence stakeholders and drive changes across a matrixed organization.
• Experience using SAP, Ariba and Power BI preferred.