Senior Category Manager - UniFirst First Aid + Safety

UniFirst • MO

84d

About The Position

UniFirst First Aid + Safety is seeking a reliable and hardworking Senior Category Manager to join our community. As a Senior Category Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing key import categories, with a strong focus on textile-based products, and leadership of category planning and buying activities. This role plays a pivotal part in UniFirst First Aid + Safety Supply Chain transformation and will be instrumental in enhancing sourcing strategies, supplier performance, and cross-functional collaboration across the First Aid + Safety business unit. Our standard is a 5-day work week, enjoy two days off a week. We have an immediate opening and provide on the job training.

Requirements

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Valid non-commercial driver’s license and safe driving record.
• 5+ years of category management, sourcing, or procurement experience.
• Bachelor’s Degree required (Marketing, Business, Supply Chain, or related field).
• CPM or CPSM preferred.
• Background in First Aid, Safety, PPE, apparel, or industrial supply preferred.
• Experience leading a team, managing planning and buying functions.
• International sourcing and textile import experience required.
• Strong vendor negotiation and supplier relationship management skills.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and ERP systems (Oracle, SAP, etc.).
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Proven track record of cost savings, efficiency improvements, and supplier performance enhancement.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Ability to travel as needed (vendor visits, trade shows, UniFirst sites).
• Ability to lift and carry 60 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Own and lead strategic sourcing, planning, and buying for direct spend categories within the First Aid & Safety division.
• Serve as product and sourcing expert, managing global supplier relationships and ensuring alignment with UniFirst’s procurement strategy.
• Develop and execute holistic category plans including forecasting, supplier selection, negotiation, and performance management.
• Conduct market research to identify trends, cost-saving opportunities, and new sourcing channels to remain competitive.
• Negotiate and manage vendor contracts, pricing, and risk mitigation terms.
• Partner cross-functionally with Legal, Compliance, Logistics, and Field Operations to ensure sourcing aligns with company goals and policies.
• Oversee forecasting, buying strategies, and inventory optimization levels to be in line with sales projections and national account requirements.
• Lead Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) and supplier reviews to evaluate KPIs, pricing, service levels, drive continuous improvement and cost efficiency.
• Monitor monthly Profit & Losses (P&L) performance to align results with financial accuracy.
• Conduct annual and quarterly RFQs for core programs to secure competitive pricing and cost savings.
• Supervise, train, and mentor Buyer/Planner and support staff within the First Aid & Safety Procurement team, fostering a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and accountability.
• Support recruiting, onboarding, and professional development of team members; providing guidance and hands-on support.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to ensure alignment of sourcing plans with business needs and to maintain consistency in reporting, strategy, and execution.
• Provide regular category performance updates to senior management and support ongoing process improvement initiatives.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as may be reasonably required by the Manager and Supervisor.

Benefits

• On-the-job training
• 401K with Company Match
• Profit Sharing
• Health Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Direct Payroll Deposit
• Tuition Reimbursement
• 30% Employee Discount
• Employee Referral Bonuses

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees