Senior Indirect Category Manager
Role Summary
The Senior Indirect Category Manager is responsible for developing and executing global category strategies that optimize cost, quality, service, and supply assurance for major indirect spend areas. This role supports a multinational manufacturing environment with complex operational needs, managing high‑value categories such as Facilities, MRO, IT, Professional Services, Logistics, Capital Equipment Services, and Corporate Services.
This leader will own a significant portion of the company's global indirect spend and will collaborate cross-functionally with Operations, Engineering, Finance, Supply Chain, and regional procurement teams to deliver year-over-year value, supplier innovation, and risk mitigation.
Key Responsibilities
Category Strategy & Leadership
- Develop, own, and execute long-term global category strategies across major indirect spend categories (e.g., Facilities, Utilities, MRO, IT/Telecom, Professional Services, Logistics, and Corporate Services).
- Manage a multimillion‑dollar global spend portfolio with accountability for cost optimization, service performance, and supply continuity.
- Conduct comprehensive spend, market, and risk analyses to identify value opportunities and sourcing priorities.
- Drive category excellence using best‑practice methodologies including TCO, demand management, and supplier consolidation.
Sourcing & Supplier Management
- Lead strategic sourcing initiatives including RFPs, eAuctions, supplier evaluations, and contract negotiations across regions.
- Develop strong global supplier partnerships that support innovation, sustainability, and operational efficiency.
- Implement supplier performance management processes (KPIs, QBRs, scorecards, continuous improvement programs).
- Mitigate supply, financial, and operational risks through proactive strategy and supplier governance.
Cross‑Functional Collaboration
- Partner with global and regional stakeholders to understand business needs, influence demand, and align procurement strategies.
- Collaborate with Manufacturing Operations, Engineering, Sustainability, Legal, and Finance to ensure cohesive decision‑making.
- Serve as the primary expert and advisor on sourcing, market trends, and category strategy for internal stakeholders at all levels.
Contracting & Compliance
- Negotiate complex, high‑value agreements with strong focus on commercial terms, service-level agreements, performance metrics, and risk management.
- Ensure adherence to corporate procurement policies, ethical sourcing standards, and compliance requirements across global operations.
- Drive adoption of global contracts and supplier programs across regional business units.
Value Delivery & Continuous Improvement
- Achieve annual cost savings, productivity improvements, and working capital targets.
- Identify and lead process improvements, including digital procurement tools, automation, and standardization initiatives.
- Support sustainability goals through supplier engagement, responsible sourcing, and carbon‑reduction initiatives.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Finance, or related field.
- 7-10+ years of strategic sourcing or procurement experience, with at least 5 years in indirect categories.
- Proven success managing large global spend portfolios (preferably $100M+ annually).
- Strong negotiation, contract management, and supplier relationship management skills.
- Experience in a global manufacturing environment with multisite or multi‑region operations.
- Demonstrated ability to influence senior stakeholders and lead cross-functional teams.
- Proficiency in procurement tools and data analytics (e.g., SAP/Ariba/Coupa, Power BI, Excel).
Preferred
- Master's degree or MBA.
- Professional certifications (CIPS, CPSM, CPM).
- Experience implementing global category strategies across diverse cultures and geographies.
- Knowledge of sustainability, ESG sourcing practices, or procurement risk frameworks.
FAQs
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