Strategic Sourcing Category Manager – Indirect

ProDriven Global Brands•Itasca, IL

7h•Hybrid

About The Position

This position is responsible for developing and executing category strategies across indirect spend and service categories to deliver measurable cost savings, supplier performance improvements, risk mitigation, and value creation. This role partners closely with internal stakeholders to align sourcing strategies with business objectives while driving best-in-class procurement practices, supplier governance, and continuous improvement. Presently this position is in a hybrid status with a minimum of 3 days a week in the office for collaboration, teamwork, and business needs. The status and minimum in-office requirements are subject to change based on evolving business needs.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain management, finance or related field preferred or equivalent work experience required.
5 ~ 10 years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing, category management, or procurement, with a strong focus on indirect spend and services required
Intermediate level Microsoft Outlook, Word, PowerPoint skills
Intermediate level Microsoft Excel skills
Demonstrated success leading complex sourcing initiatives and negotiations.
Strong strategic thinking and analytical capabilities.
Proven negotiation and influencing skills at multiple organizational levels.
Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
Solid understanding of contract structures, service-based sourcing, and supplier risk management.
Experience with procurement tools and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Ariba, Coupa, Oracle, or similar).
Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.

Nice To Haves

Masters degree preferred.
Preferred certifications: CPSM, CIPS, CPM, or equivalent professional certification.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute multi-year category strategies for indirect spend and services (e.g., Professional Services, IT, Marketing, Facilities, HR, Travel, Logistics, MRO, contingent labor, and other services as applicable).
Lead end-to-end strategic sourcing initiatives including market analysis, RFx development, supplier evaluation, negotiation, contracting, and implementation.
Identify cost reduction, value creation, demand management, and risk mitigation opportunities across assigned categories.
Leverage should-cost models, TCO analysis, benchmarking, and market intelligence to support sourcing decisions.
Act as a trusted advisor to internal stakeholders, aligning sourcing strategies with functional and business unit goals.
Facilitate cross-functional sourcing teams and influence decision-making without direct authority.
Manage change effectively by ensuring stakeholder engagement, communication, and adoption of sourcing outcomes.
Establish and manage preferred supplier programs and supplier segmentation models.
Lead supplier negotiations, performance reviews, and business reviews to ensure service quality, cost competitiveness, and contract compliance.
Drive supplier innovation, continuous improvement, and risk management initiatives.
Ensure suppliers meet company requirements related to compliance, sustainability, diversity, and ethical standards.
Partner with Legal and other internal teams to negotiate and manage contracts, MSAs, SOWs, SLAs, and pricing agreements.
Ensure adherence to procurement policies, governance frameworks, and internal controls.
Monitor contract utilization, renewals, and expiration timelines to maximize value.
Track and report savings, value delivery, supplier performance, and key category metrics.
Utilize procurement systems, spend analytics, and dashboards to support data-driven decision-making.
Continuously improve sourcing processes and tools.
Performs other duties as assigned within the scope of responsibilities and requirements of the job
Performs Essential Job Functions and Duties with or without reasonable accommodation