Associate Category Manager, Indirect Procurement

Walgreens•Deerfield, IL

21h•Onsite

About The Position

Implements procurement strategies—from initial identification of business needs through final delivery—for indirect goods and services. Supports the execution of both short‑term and long‑term sourcing strategies that align with Company goals for optimizing the total cost of ownership, operational efficiency, and broader financial objectives. Responsible for less complex negotiating, coordinating, and ensuring that assigned indirect spend categories and services are purchased at the lowest total cost of ownership. Assesses near‑term and long‑term business plans to align supplier priorities with organizational requirements. Collaborates with Management and subject matter experts to evaluate options, develop alternative solutions, and provide guidance on risks, total cost of ownership, and overall business impact. This role is based in our Deerfield, IL office and is on‑site four days a week.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree and at least 2 years of experience in Retail, Sales, and/or Category Management and/or analyzing related data such as sales trends, assortment selections, or financial planning OR High School GED and at least 4 years of experience in Retail, Sales, and/or Category Management and/or analyzing related data such as sales trends, assortment selections, or financial planning.
Knowledge of the procurement lifecycle and procurement best practices.
Experience in supplier negotiations and developing/executing sourcing strategies.
Experience collaborating with internal and external resources to develop strategies that meet department goals within budget and established timelines.
Intermediate level skill in Microsoft Excel (for example: using SUM function, setting borders, setting column width, inserting charts, using text wrap, sorting, setting headers and footers and/or print scaling).
Intermediate level skill in Microsoft PowerPoint (for example: applying a theme, formatting character spacing, inserting a picture, changing slide layout and theme colors, adding transitions, customizing slide numbers, changing chart style and/or formatting font).
Intermediate level skill in Microsoft Word (for example: inserting headers, page breaks, page numbers and tables and/or adjusting table columns).
Willing to travel up to 10% of the time for business purposes (within state and out of state).

Nice To Haves

Experience in coaching, mentoring, and training staff.
At least 2 years of experience in negotiating deals.
Experience in financial planning and analysis.
Brings foundational experience supporting the consulting category.
Demonstrates the ability to partner with internal stakeholders to clarify scope, evaluate supplier capabilities, negotiate rate structures, manage services‑based engagements, and ensure value delivery across project‑based and retainer‑based work.
Experience in Ariba system and PO management

Responsibilities

Manages day-to-day on-going category supplier relations and seeks outgrowth or revision opportunities within supply base.
Acts as the internal point of contact for supplier management and complaint resolution; conducts regular supplier meetings and implements improvement strategies with suppliers.
Creates, nurtures, and enhances supplier relationships.
Under the direction of Category Manager, develops and executes category sourcing strategies, including development and execution of RFI’s and RFP’s, documents bid events through correspondence to suppliers; develops selection criteria; conducts supplier negotiations and ongoing supplier management.
Assists with development and implementation of business plans, performance goals and metrics for each assigned category.
Collaborates with Operations, Legal, Supply Chain and others as needed on cross-functional sourcing opportunities.
Actively seeks ways to streamline business processes; researches and provides information on industry category trends and best practices.
Collaborates on inventory control, including lifecycle of product, and assists in project management of all sourcing activities.
Makes suggestions for opportunities to reduce product and service costs.
Drives tracking and reporting for assigned spend areas; assists with tracking mechanics and supplier key performance indicators with Category Manager.
Performs data analysis and modeling.
Participates in weekly category review meetings with cross-functional teams to manage category performance.
Assists with the management of category performance by adhering to internal Savings goals and reviewing financial models for commodity type items.
Supports the balancing of spend portfolio for reoccurring managed spend through coordinated sourcing activities that leverage both Expanse and Capital work streams.
Monitor supplier performance to ensure that delivery dates and technical and contractual requirements are met.
Participate in strategic meetings with suppliers and business leaders to ensure execution of defined strategies.
Cultivates team morale, motivation, and loyalty through continuous training and mentorship, proving clear communication and constructive feedback.