Manager, Procurement - Corp Direct Category

Sysmex•Buffalo Grove, IL

6d•$90,000 - $130,000

About The Position

The Category Manager develops and implements category strategies across Direct Procurement, targeting measurable and sustainable efficiency improvements across procurement. The role delivers business value through supplier management, negotiation, analytics, reporting, and day-to-day operations, including supply management and product quality. Assigned categories primarily include raw materials, direct materials, packaging, and MRO. The position works with domestic and foreign suppliers and collaborates with internal stakeholders across Operations, Legal, Sales, Service, Finance, Accounting, and international teams. It also supports supplier master data, KPI reporting, supplier qualification, and development of Procurement staff. Occasional travel is required (11–25%). The salary range is $90,000–$130,000. Individual pay depends on work location and factors such as job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. The total compensation package includes a choice of medical, vision, and dental plans, an annual incentive bonus, paid time off, parental leave, bereavement leave, and a 401(k) for eligible employees.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
8–10 years of experience in direct materials procurement and MRO.
Experience in category management or strategic sourcing, including negotiation, supplier selection, and contract terms and conditions.
Experience working with international teams.
Strong English proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing.
Strong verbal and written communication skills for a diverse audience.
Basic knowledge of Microsoft Windows and Office Suite; strong Excel skills.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree specialization in operations or supply chain management.
Master’s degree.
CPM or APICS certification.
Knowledge of ServiceNow, SharePoint, Power BI, and SAP.
Experience in the Armed Forces.

Responsibilities

Define, develop, and implement sourcing and category strategies, primarily for raw materials, direct materials, packaging, and MRO.
Source new domestic and foreign suppliers to achieve competitive pricing, quality, and delivery; manage the supplier base to meet cost-saving objectives and establish additional suppliers where needed.
Collaborate with Operations, Legal, Sales, Service, Finance, Accounting, and other stakeholders as needed.
Lead sourcing processes, including RFP/RFI/RFx activities, negotiations, and contract execution.
Negotiate supplier pricing and agreement terms and conditions, develop cost-saving opportunities through supplier partnerships, and administer and maintain supplier price and data changes.
Manage supplier relationships and work with suppliers to continuously improve processes and procedures.
Streamline business processes and provide information on industry category trends and best practices.
Manage internal business-owner relationships, including international associates, and collaborate on category strategies, sourcing opportunities, and global projects.
Analyze supplier spend and savings trends, investigate variances, and propose, implement, and monitor cost-saving initiatives.
Analyze and monitor Preferred Service Providers spend to identify opportunities to maximize rebates.
Support Supplier Master Data, monthly department KPI reporting, and supplier qualification tools and processes.
Train and develop Procurement staff in procurement practices and adherence to corporate purchasing guidelines.
Perform other duties and projects as assigned.