Senior Category Manager - Procurement

Fairfield•Miami, FL

2d•Remote

About The Position

The Senior Category Manager joins Fairfield’s Procurement function and owns category management for construction materials, finishes, renovation, and recurring property services at national and regional levels. The role leads categories end to end, from market analysis and sourcing strategy through negotiations, contracting, supplier performance, and renewals. It partners with operating teams on products, value engineering, priorities, and sourcing sequence, and works to deliver measurable, Finance-validated results. The position develops category strategies based on spend, specifications, market evidence, business requirements, and supplier capabilities; selects and executes appropriate sourcing and commercial models; and manages contracts, rebates, supplier relationships, and supply risk. It also applies AI, analytics, and procurement technology to research, should-cost analysis, negotiation preparation, contract review, and repetitive work. The role develops standards, templates, and playbooks, mentors colleagues, and may lead a small team while remaining actively involved in negotiations. This remote role is open to candidates in the Eastern or Central Time Zone who reside in a state where Fairfield is established to employ remote associates. Occasional travel may be required to suppliers, job sites, and properties throughout the U.S. The position reports to the Director of Procurement.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Business Administration, Finance, Construction Management, Economics, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and progressively responsible procurement experience.
At least 8 years of procurement experience, most of it in hands-on sourcing.
Demonstrated negotiation experience and proven results.
Experience with category management, strategic sourcing, and procurement best practices.
Experience with strategic, tactical, operational, and global sourcing.
Supplier development experience, including supplier capability and performance management beyond price.
Hands-on analytical skills and technology proficiency, including experience using AI and agents to work faster and more effectively.
Ability to evaluate holistic value, including savings, leverage, speed, risk, visibility, and capability rather than price alone.
Knowledge of and experience with national and regional agreements, including rebates.
Contract literacy and contract management experience.

Nice To Haves

CPSM, CIPS, or CSCP certification.
Multifamily, homebuilding, construction, or property management experience.
Experience leading or mentoring a small team.

Responsibilities

Develop category strategies using spend, specifications, market evidence, business requirements, and supplier capabilities.
Assess category value in terms of savings, cost avoidance, leverage, efficiency, risk, spend visibility, and capability.
Partner with operating teams on new products, value engineering, priorities, and sourcing sequence.
Manage contract terms and renewal calendars, and maintain effective commercial coverage for assigned categories.
Negotiate directly with manufacturers, distributors, installers, and service providers.
Select suitable commercial models and sourcing approaches, including negotiated pricing, direct buy, rebates, competitive sourcing, and national or regional agreements.
Develop rebate and value-back programs with Legal and Compliance clearance.
Lead strategic, tactical, operational, and global sourcing initiatives based on value at stake.
Maintain qualified, insured, and credentialed supplier bases and bid lists.
Drive supplier capability, performance, and continuous improvement.
Manage supply risk through dual sourcing, long-lead planning, and continuity planning.
Lead supplier mobilization, transition, performance monitoring, and exit.
Use AI, agents, analytics, and procurement technology for research, should-cost analysis, negotiation preparation, contract review, and repetitive work.
Build templates, standards, and playbooks that support consistent sourcing and category management.
Mentor colleagues and potentially lead a small team while continuing to participate actively in negotiations.
Document negotiated outcomes and track implementation and measurable results, with results validated by Finance.
Monitor supplier performance against expectations for cost, quality, service, responsiveness, compliance, and continuity.
Identify material supply risks and implement appropriate mitigation strategies.
Maintain and update evidence-based category strategies as business and market conditions change.