Sr. Procurement Category Specialist

Fossil Group • Richardson, TX

12h • Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a talented Sr. Procurement Category Specialist to join our Procurement team. In this role, you will partner with the Director to design and execute global strategies, developing deep industry expertise to meet the expectations of key stakeholders. An ideal candidate will possess a deep curiosity for their category, the ability to navigate ambiguity, and a hands-on approach to solving complex procurement challenges. This role is a hybrid position, requiring you to be onsite Monday through Thursday, with the option to work remotely on Fridays. You will report directly to the Director of Indirect Procurement. What you will do in this role: Strategic Influence Collaborate with the Director to execute global strategies, ensuring category activities align with the needs of diverse stakeholders and organizational goals. Cultivate deep industry expertise to understand business cycles and the unique factors that differentiate competitors within the market. Develop a comprehensive understanding of product and service nuances, including cost drivers and supplier capacity, to ensure high-quality delivery and ethical standards. Maintain a thorough working knowledge of rules and regulations to ensure equitable and compliant category management. Monitor market fundamentals and communicate shifts to all stakeholders to ensure strategies remain responsive and inclusive of changing global conditions. Global Sourcing Build close relationships with internal partners to understand unique business requirements and encourage broad participation in procurement initiatives. Present data-driven insights to senior leadership to influence strategy and foster alignment across the organization. Manage the end-to-end sourcing lifecycle, including RFx, spend analysis, and negotiations, with a focus on transparency and fair evaluation. Identify strategic sourcing opportunities by analyzing spend patterns to consolidate requirements across categories, suppliers, and diverse geographies. Guide internal stakeholders on procurement strategies by preparing and holding business reviews with stakeholders to review vendor performance, future opportunities, and challenges. Supplier and Contract Management Nurture a diverse network of supplier relationships, focusing on long-term partnership and mutual value. Evaluate supplier capabilities, cost structures, and risk profiles. Negotiate agreements that uphold business, compliance, and legal requirements. Collaborate with the Purchase to Pay (P2P) team to ensure a seamless and supportive service offering for the business. Team Support and Empowerment Serve as a dedicated mentor and subject matter expert to support the professional development and growth of junior procurement staff. Facilitate cross-functional teams, ensuring projects reach successful outcomes. Drive continuous improvement by sharing best practices and contributing to the development of standardized training materials.

Requirements

• 5-7 years of experience in procurement or category management, with a proven track record of managing cross-category responsibilities.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex negotiations for high-value agreements.
• Proven experience executing strategic plans and guiding collaborative relationships within a cross-functional team environment.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to transform large datasets into actionable trends and strategic insights.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to look beyond immediate operational tasks to understand the broader implications of procurement decisions.
• Comfortable navigating ambiguity and taking a proactive, hands-on approach to solving complex challenges.

Nice To Haves

• Experience leading project teams or managing complex, cross-functional initiatives that drive organizational impact.
• Deep curiosity and specialized expertise in a specific category, coupled with a commitment to continuous learning and industry innovation.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Director to execute global strategies, ensuring category activities align with the needs of diverse stakeholders and organizational goals.
• Cultivate deep industry expertise to understand business cycles and the unique factors that differentiate competitors within the market.
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of product and service nuances, including cost drivers and supplier capacity, to ensure high-quality delivery and ethical standards.
• Maintain a thorough working knowledge of rules and regulations to ensure equitable and compliant category management.
• Monitor market fundamentals and communicate shifts to all stakeholders to ensure strategies remain responsive and inclusive of changing global conditions.
• Build close relationships with internal partners to understand unique business requirements and encourage broad participation in procurement initiatives.
• Present data-driven insights to senior leadership to influence strategy and foster alignment across the organization.
• Manage the end-to-end sourcing lifecycle, including RFx, spend analysis, and negotiations, with a focus on transparency and fair evaluation.
• Identify strategic sourcing opportunities by analyzing spend patterns to consolidate requirements across categories, suppliers, and diverse geographies.
• Guide internal stakeholders on procurement strategies by preparing and holding business reviews with stakeholders to review vendor performance, future opportunities, and challenges.
• Nurture a diverse network of supplier relationships, focusing on long-term partnership and mutual value.
• Evaluate supplier capabilities, cost structures, and risk profiles.
• Negotiate agreements that uphold business, compliance, and legal requirements.
• Collaborate with the Purchase to Pay (P2P) team to ensure a seamless and supportive service offering for the business.
• Serve as a dedicated mentor and subject matter expert to support the professional development and growth of junior procurement staff.
• Facilitate cross-functional teams, ensuring projects reach successful outcomes.
• Drive continuous improvement by sharing best practices and contributing to the development of standardized training materials.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Benefits: Includes health and well-being services
• Retirement Planning: 401(k) match and educational resources
• Paid Parental Leave & Return to Work Program: Support for new parents and caregivers
• Generous Paid Time Off: Floating Holidays, Sick Time, Personal Days, Summer Flex Fridays
• Work Flexibility: Hybrid schedule plus “Work-From-Anywhere” options
• Tuition Reimbursement: Support for approved educational programs

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed