Category (Strategic Sourcing) Manager - Indirect Spend

our team • Overland Park, KS

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Strategic Sourcing Manager for Indirect Spend is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies across key indirect categories, including capital equipment and related services, to ensure reliable supply, optimal total cost of ownership, and alignment with business objectives. The role establishes and governs formal supplier contracts and commercial agreements that define pricing, service levels, performance expectations, and risk mitigation mechanisms. It leads cross-functional initiatives to standardize specifications, leverage spend, and drive continuous improvement with suppliers, while managing strategic capital equipment investments as a critical subset of the overall indirect portfolio.

Requirements

• 5 to 8+ years’ relevant work experience in global manufacturing companies with increasing responsibilities in a multi-site, multi-product, company.
• International experience is strongly preferred.
• Direct experience sourcing indirect categories and capital equipment and related services in a manufacturing environment.
• Proven track record leading complex negotiations, multi-stakeholder projects, and cross-functional sourcing initiatives across multiple sites or business units.
• Demonstrated success in delivering measurable savings, improving supplier performance, and implementing category / sourcing strategies.
• Demonstrated knowledge of manufacturing processes and project management skills.
• Process oriented and driven.
• Understanding of supplier capabilities and the marketplace.
• Demonstrated experience and success working in a fast paced, matrixed environment satisfying multiple customers.
• Strategic planning/thinking skills, coupled with analytical and execution skills.
• Strong presentation skills and ability to articulate vision to a broad audience.
• Demonstrated ability to interface with executive and senior level management, both internally and externally.
• Solid contract and commercial acumen, including master supply and service agreements, warranties, risk and compliance clauses.
• Proven track record of meeting commitments with the highest standards of ethics and integrity.
• Take charge individual with intensity and clear sense of urgency.
• Out-of-the-box thinker, decisive; experienced in and capable of communicating the need for results and leading change with a variety of departments and teams.
• An excellent team player.
• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Materials Management or related field.

Nice To Haves

• A Master’s Degree in Business or a Technical field is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and own category strategies for indirect spend areas such as capital equipment, MRO, facilities, and professional / technical services that support multi-year roadmaps and savings pipelines.
• Lead RFx events, perform total cost and value analysis, recommend supplier awards, and drive contract negotiations for indirect categories including capital projects.
• Manage capital equipment sourcing end-to-end: support business cases, align on technical specifications with engineering, negotiate purchase and service agreements, and ensure lifecycle value (warranties, spares, maintenance, and service levels).
• Partner closely with operations, engineering, finance, IT and legal to align strategic sourcing strategies and objectives with project timelines and budgets.
• Build and manage strategic supplier relationships, performance metrics, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Identify and deliver cost savings, standardization and process improvements while maintaining quality, service and risk management expectations.
• Establish relationships with functional and divisional peers and leaders to ensure sourcing strategies align with our business goals and objectives.
• Utilize formal sourcing processes for category strategy, supplier selection, qualification, contracting and ongoing management.
• Identifies and aggregates technical, commercial, risk, opportunity, and demand requirements for contract negotiation. Lead negotiation and execution of agreements.
• Work with the CoE regarding Supplier Management strategy and approach including Supplier Relationship Management, Performance Management, Issue Resolution, and the qualification of new suppliers.
• Maintain a working knowledge of the world-class supply chain process to ensure that existing processes are targeted to attain excellence versus industry benchmarks.

Benefits

• Generous and flexible paid time off including paid personal time off, caregiver, parental, and volunteer leave
• Competitive health insurance plans and 401(k) match, with benefits starting day one
• Competitive and performance-based compensation packages and bonus plans
• Educational assistance, leadership development programs, and recognition programs

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior