Category Manager - Property Management

Inland Real Estate • Oak Brook, IL

1d

About The Position

We’re seeking a strategic, relationship‑driven Category Manager – Property Management to lead category management strategies for our enterprise-wide Property Management spend. This role plays a critical part in aligning procurement strategy with business objectives—balancing cost optimization, vendor performance, compliance, and innovation. You will partner closely with Property Management leaders across the company to deliver best‑in-class service and support. In addition, you will oversee key Corporate Procurement Programs such as Yardi, Box.com, DocuSign, CoStar, and other enterprise subscriptions and memberships. If you’re passionate about sourcing, relationship management, and driving meaningful category strategy, this role offers both high impact and cross-functional visibility.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum 5 years in Property Management category management, strategic sourcing, indirect/direct procurement, or related field.
• Strong problem-solving capabilities and the ability to influence and lead category decisions.
• Analytical and strategic thinker with strong commercial acumen.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Intermediate knowledge of Yardi, Box.com, DocuSign, and Venminder.

Nice To Haves

• Experience across multiple real estate asset classes (commercial, residential, self-storage) strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Category Strategy & Execution Develop and implement short- and long-term category strategies aligned with business objectives and budget requirements. Monitor property management industry trends, marketplace changes, and emerging solutions.
• Sourcing & Vendor Management Build strong vendor relationships to ensure competitive pricing, quality service, and consistent availability of products. Execute strategic sourcing initiatives that balance cost, service, and performance. Lead negotiations on pricing, contract terms, and service agreements.
• Third Party Risk & Contract Management Partner with Third Party Risk Management (TPRM) to ensure compliance with all risk, onboarding, and contract requirements. Manage the full contract lifecycle, working with Property Management stakeholders and Legal to ensure all terms meet company standards.
• Corporate Procurement Program Oversight Manage enterprise programs including Yardi, Box.com, DocuSign, CoStar, and various corporate memberships/subscriptions. Support onboarding/offboarding processes, resolve operational issues, and oversee supplier invoicing and proposals.
• Operational Excellence Drive cost optimization across Property Management category spend, delivering measurable savings. Evaluate proposals, pricing structures, and contract terms with detailed analysis. Maintain strong communication with stakeholders and influence buying decisions across the organization.

Benefits

• You’ll be part of a high-performing procurement team with the opportunity to shape enterprise-wide strategy, impact cost efficiency, and strengthen our Property Management operations. This role offers autonomy, visibility, and room to innovate within a supportive, collaborative environment.

What This Job Offers

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