Procurement Category Manager - Hardware
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Procurement Category Manager to join our team in a hybrid capacity. This role provides essential procurement and supplier‑management expertise in strategic sourcing and category stewardship, with a focus on hardware‑related spend. The ideal candidate will have strong commercial and contractual experience and will drive effective, innovative, and cost‑optimized approaches that support broader organizational objectives. Success in this role requires excellent communication skills, strong organizational capability, and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross‑functional teams.
Responsibilities
- Lead and execute long‑term agreements through formal RFx processes.
- Analyze spend data and market dynamics to identify, prioritize, and launch strategic sourcing initiatives within hardware categories.
- Identify cost‑saving opportunities, process improvements, and best practices.
- Build strong relationships across business units to ensure early engagement in supplier‑related discussions.
- Lead negotiations involving financial, commercial, and risk‑mitigation components.
- Partner with internal stakeholders to understand requirements, budgets, and challenges, shaping effective sourcing strategies.
- Support strategic sourcing frameworks, including supplier segmentation, scorecards, and business reviews.
- Manage supplier contract renewals and leverage competitive pricing and service opportunities.
- Develop and maintain strategic supplier relationships to drive partnership outcomes.
- Recommend process improvements to maximize efficiency and spend optimization.
- Provide guidance on procurement strategies and business initiatives involving hardware.
- Build relationships with senior leadership.
- Offer subject‑matter expertise on complex procurement, legal, and contractual matters.
- Conduct supplier relationship management and performance reviews.
Skills & Qualifications
- Demonstrated experience in budget planning and cost‑reduction initiatives.
- Proven capability in contract negotiations with minimal legal oversight.
- 4+ years of progressive procurement experience, ideally with a hardware focus.
- Experience supporting large or complex supplier agreements.
- Strong communication skills, including presenting to Director/VP‑level audiences.
- Preferred certifications may include CPSM, MCIPS, CPM, PMP, or similar professional credentials.
- Ability to travel up to 25% (with minimal travel expected).
Location: Candidates must reside in the greater Chicago area and be available in‑office three days per week.
FAQs
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