Senior Category Manager
About The Position
Samsara is seeking a sourcing leader who thrives in ambiguity, moves with urgency, and treats every dollar of spend like it's their own. This is a role for a self-starter who builds the plan, drives it to close, and doesn't wait for direction. You will own your categories end to end, acting as the subject matter expert across all engagements and balancing competing interests across stakeholders, suppliers, and the business to land the right outcome. This role is open to candidates residing in the US except the San Francisco Bay Metro Area, NYC Metro Area, and Washington, D.C. Metro Area. It can be office-based or fully remote.
Requirements
- 6+ years of strategic sourcing experience, including 4+ years focused on software
- Demonstrated career progression and increasing scope of responsibility
- Strong negotiation and communication skills, with an influential skillset that drives alignment and decisions
- Proven ability to forge relationships with executives, stakeholders, and suppliers
- Experience redlining contracts in partnership with Legal
- Comfortable operating with a high level of autonomy
- Able to manage a high volume of transactions in a fast-paced environment
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, or related discipline preferred
Nice To Haves
- Has a track record of delivering results quickly, even in ambiguous or undefined situations
- Is energized by high volume and competing stakeholder demands rather than overwhelmed by them
- Exercises sound judgment on when to move independently and when to escalate
- Builds stakeholder trust quickly, particularly in new or evolving environments
- Maintains a high level of interest in emerging technology
- Has deep command of legal and category-specific contract terms
- Can translate business needs directly into contract language
- Brings strong business acumen and connects sourcing decisions to broader company outcomes
Responsibilities
- Own the full sourcing lifecycle end to end — strategy, negotiation, contracting, and supplier management
- Build and execute category strategies that deliver a competitive advantage, not just cost savings
- Operate with a bias toward action, making sound decisions with imperfect information and adjusting quickly
- Proactively identify sourcing opportunities ahead of stakeholder requests
- Lead all aspects of contract redlining and negotiation in a fast-paced, high-volume environment, alongside legal counsel
- Manage competing priorities from business owners, stakeholders, and leadership
- Align with internal stakeholders to drive the right solutions at the right price, consistently delivering win-win outcomes
- Analyze industry trends to anticipate issues and develop contingency plans
- Balance speed, quality, and risk with cost savings goals
- Champion Samsara's Operating Principles
Benefits
- Professional development stipend
- Comprehensive health and parental leave plans
- Performance-based bonus/variable pay
- Equity (for eligible roles)
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
