Category Manager

Phibro•Teaneck, NJ

31d•Remote

About The Position

The Category Manager is an integral part of our Indirect Procurement team based out of our US - Teaneck, NJ - Remote site. The Global Category Manager will be responsible for managing procurement strategies for non-production-related goods and services, such as R&D, MRO, Facilities, Corporate & Professional services, Marketing, IT, HR, and other indirect categories. The role focuses on driving cost savings, improving supplier performance, and ensuring compliance with procurement policies. The Category Manager will collaborate with internal stakeholders to align procurement activities with business needs and long-term objectives. This role is critical for driving value across the organization through the procurement of non-production-related goods and services. The successful candidate will have experience managing a diverse range of indirect categories, optimizing supplier relationships, and delivering measurable cost savings while ensuring compliance and operational efficiency.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business, Finance, or related field (Master’s degree or MBA preferred).
7+ years of experience in procurement, category management, or strategic sourcing, specifically within indirect spend categories
Proven track record of delivering cost savings and value optimization within indirect spend categories.
Strong negotiation and contract management skills with experience managing complex supplier relationships.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders.
Analytical skills with a strong understanding of financial and market analysis.
Proficiency with ERP systems and procurement tools (J.D. Edwards and GEP Software is preferred).

Nice To Haves

Professional certifications such as CPSM, CIPS, or PMP are a plus.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement sourcing strategies for various indirect spend categories, ensuring alignment with business goals, cost efficiency, and supplier performance.
Build and manage strong relationships with suppliers to ensure competitive pricing, quality, and service delivery. Conduct regular performance evaluations and manage supplier development programs.
Identify opportunities for cost reduction and value creation through strategic sourcing, supplier consolidation, and process improvement initiatives.
Lead negotiations with suppliers for indirect categories, ensuring favorable contract terms related to price, service levels, delivery timelines, and risk management.
Conduct market research and benchmarking to stay informed about industry trends, pricing, and supplier innovations. Use insights to drive sourcing decisions and enhance category strategies.
Partner with internal departments such as R&D, IT, Marketing, HR, and Finance to understand their needs, ensure procurement support, and align purchasing activities with broader company objectives.
Identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with supplier performance, compliance, and market volatility. Develop contingency plans to ensure business continuity.
Continuously evaluate procurement processes and systems to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
Track and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) related to cost savings, supplier performance, and procurement effectiveness. Use data to make informed decisions and improve category management practices.
Ensure that procurement practices for indirect categories align with corporate sustainability initiatives and comply with ethical sourcing and legal standards.