Senior Category Manager

TKO • Raleigh, NC

20h • Onsite

About The Position

On Location is seeking a strategic and experienced Senior Category Manager to lead its procurement transformation and support large-scale hospitality and live event operations. This high-impact leadership role involves developing and executing cross-event category strategies, building supplier ecosystems, and delivering innovative sourcing solutions to enhance guest and client experiences. The Senior Category Manager will own the vision and roadmap for assigned categories, identifying opportunities to consolidate spend, optimize supplier performance, and leverage scale across various event types. The role requires close partnership with Event Leads to translate event requirements into actionable sourcing plans that meet timelines, budgets, and quality expectations. This position is suited for individuals who thrive in fast-paced, complex environments, enjoy leading teams, and are driven to deliver measurable value through strategy, creativity, and strong supplier relationships.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, or related field
• 7+ years of procurement, category management, strategic sourcing, or supply chain experience
• Demonstrated experience developing category strategies and leading complex negotiations
• Strong interpersonal skills with experience influencing cross-functional teams
• Proven ability to manage multiple high-priority projects with tight deadlines
• Experience managing suppliers, resolving performance issues, and running QBRs
• Proficiency in procurement technology (E-sourcing, CLM, P2P), analytics tools, and AI; strong Excel skills

Nice To Haves

• Experience in hospitality, live events, entertainment, sports, or professional services procurement
• Prior experience leading teams or mentoring junior procurement staff
• Knowledge of contract structures and risk management frameworks
• Experience implementing category management frameworks in a growing or transforming organization

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain sourcing strategies for all assigned categories
• Design and execute wave plans that align to business commercial goals
• Identify, define, and implement value levers for cross-event sourcing
• Conduct major competitive bid events
• Negotiate MSAs, SOWs, and SLAs, implementing rate cards, rebates, volume discounts, etc. to maximize value to OLE and rights holder partners
• Own and execute supplier management for assigned categories in alignment with the overarching OLE supplier management program
• Conduct QBRs, drive corrective actions, and implement innovation programs
• Coordinate with Event Leads/Production on demand planning, requirements, timelines, unique regulations and constraints, etc.
• Ensure readiness and continuity for all events
• Build savings and value pipeline in pursuit of high-level commercial goals
• Track all value realization and prepare for leadership reporting/updates
• Create and update category playbooks that guide management and strategy
• Develop preferred supplier portfolios
• Ensure proper usage of all procurement-related tools and company systems
• Own all project data tracking recognizing procurement data standards
• Identify, mitigate, and create contingency plans for all category risks
• Manage and mentor Category Managers, providing coaching, performance feedback, and capability development
• Set clear goals and expectations, ensuring consistent execution

Benefits

• Lead strategy for high-impact categories that directly influence the guest experience
• Contribute to a major procurement transformation with executive visibility
• Work with an energized team reshaping the way we source and deliver event excellence
• Opportunities for career growth across category leadership, procurement strategy, and broader operations

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees