Category Manager

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas•Topeka, KS

10h•$85,600 - $107,000•Remote

About The Position

The Category Manager serves as a strategic business partner, integrating with business areas and contributing specialized expertise to drive operational efficiencies, value, and long-term success. This role develops and executes category strategies, manages relationships with internal stakeholders and suppliers, and ensures business area objectives are met through effective contract negotiations and issue resolution. The Category Manager is a resource for business area integration, providing guidance and expertise to internal teams. The role supports collaboration, implements supplier segmentation strategies, and ensures alignment with Vendor Management Office (VMO) policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements. The Category Manager reports on supplier performance, drives continuous improvement, and contributes to enterprise initiatives such as the Supplier Experience Cohort Task Force. “This position is eligible to work remotely, hybrid or onsite in accordance with our Telecommuting Policy. Applicants must reside in Kansas or Missouri or be willing to relocate as a condition of employment.”

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business, Mathematics, Statistics, or a related field is required.
In lieu of degree, minimum of 8 years' progressive, relevant experience within direct or related field is required.
Three (3) to five (5) years of experience in procurement, vendor management, and/or category management, with direct involvement in strategic sourcing and category management is required.
Strong project management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines across multiple projects.
Proven ability to collaborate with and influence stakeholders at all levels to drive successful outcomes.
Skilled in building and maintaining effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Financial acumen with experience using data analytics and scorecards to support strategic business decision making.
Proficient in research, critical thinking, and presenting actionable insights.
Digital dexterity to quickly adapt to new technologies, tools, and platforms to improve efficiency.
In-depth knowledge of Supplier, Procurement, and Vendor Management protocols, policies, and procedures, with experience creating policies and procedures being a plus.
Expertise in contract negotiation, redlining, and managing contract lifecycle from negotiation to renewal.
Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills to manage relationships and ensure mutually beneficial agreements.
Ability to lead cross-functional projects independently and communicate effectively across teams.
Knowledge of regulatory compliance and the ability to monitor vendor performance and drive continuous improvement.
Demonstrate strong business judgment, integrity, financial acumen, and project management skills to drive successful outcomes.

Nice To Haves

Relevant certifications (e.g., Certified Purchasing Manager, Certified Professional in Supply Management, Certified Professional in Supplier Diversity, Certified Purchasing Professional) preferred.
Project management and process improvement experience preferred.
Experience in identifying and implementing lean principles into workflows is a plus.

Responsibilities

Integrate with business areas as a strategic business partner to understand needs, provide expertise, and deliver solutions that align with organizational goals.
Develop and execute long-term engagement strategies with business areas to ensure sustained value and continuous improvement.
Develop and implement category roadmap, strategies, and plans to drive operational efficiencies, cost savings, risk management, safety, innovation, and ongoing category development.
Oversee activities and processes for assigned categories, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
Provide solutions for continuous improvement in supplier relationships and internal business partner practices.
Foster continuous improvement in vendor management by implementing effective reporting, tracking, and analytics.
Act as an educational resource for internal business partners on vendor management, sourcing strategies, and policy adherence.
Build and maintain strong, collaborative partnerships with key suppliers, ensuring performance meets organizational goals.
Address vendor issues to ensure high service delivery.
Negotiate and amend complex contracts and agreements with suppliers to achieve optimal value and quality.