Category Manager, Indirects

DescriptionSUMMARYThe Category Manager, Indirect is responsible for developing and executing strategic sourcing strategies for indirect goods and services—including MRO, facilities, IT, professional services, and other non-production-related spend. This role will partner closely with cross-functional stakeholders to identify sourcing opportunities, ensure continuous supply of critical indirect materials and services, act as primary owner for sourcing- and supplier-related issues within assigned categories, and deliver cost savings aligned with company objectives.This position requires strong analytical, communication, and negotiation skills, with the ability to manage complex sourcing initiatives and deliver value across a diverse range of categories. Ensuring supply continuity, mitigating risk, and supporting internal customer needs with a sense of urgency are key priorities.Essential Duties And Responsibilities Execute category strategies for indirect spend that align with company goals and operational needs. Lead sourcing efforts for a wide range of indirect categories, including but not limited to facilities, equipment, IT, professional services, and office supplies. Collaborate with stakeholders to define requirements and specifications, evaluate supplier capabilities, and manage competitive bidding processes. Own the commercial lifecycle of indirect procurement contracts, including participation in contract development and negotiations, maintenance of pricing and commercial records, renewal planning, and monitoring supplier compliance with contractual terms. Maintain strong supplier relationships and actively manage supplier performance, ensuring high service levels, cost competitiveness, and compliance with contracts. Operate as a business owner for assigned indirect categories, balancing cost, service, risk, and operational needs while exercising professional judgement and appropriate escalation. Drive cost savings and process improvement initiatives in partnership with Finance, Operations, and other key departments. Serve as the root cause owner for sourcing- and supplier-related disruptions within assigned indirect categories, including leading issue analysis, supplier corrective actions, and preventative measures in coordination with Operations and Maintenance. This role is responsible for supplier-side risk mitigation, alternate sourcing strategies, and escalation as needed. Analyze spend data and market trends to identify new sourcing opportunities and mitigate supply chain risks. Support the development and refinement of procurement policies, procedures, and tools to improve efficiency and transparency. Monitor and report on key supplier KPIs and category performance metrics. Ensure compliance with company standards, including food safety, where applicable. Empowered and responsible to report any actual or potential food safety or quality issues to management and take appropriate action within the scope of the roleFood SafetyResponsible and required to notify management about actual or potential food safety issues; and empowered to act to resolve food safety issues within their scope of work. If this position is vacant for any significant period of time the obligation for completion of all food safety and quality related tasks will become the responsibility of the direct manager or a qualified designee.QualificationsTo perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.EducationBachelor's degree from four-year college or university preferred. (Supply Chain or Business preferred). 2+ years of procurement, sourcing, or supply chain experience required; indirect procurement experience strongly preferred.Certificates And LicensesCPP (Certified Purchasing Professional) or CPDW (Certified Professional in Distribution and Warehousing) is a plus, but not required.Skills/KnowledgeWorks on assignments that are complex in nature where considerable judgment, analysis, and initiative are required in resolving problems and making recommendations. Serves as a liaison with internal and/or external contacts. Must be experienced with balancing strategic and tactical business initiatives.Computer SkillsThe ability to work effectively in a Microsoft Windows environment (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and internal software programs), with advanced presentation skills and the ability to create and maintain spreadsheets. Prior experience with ERP systems (Infor, SAP, Oracle, MS Dynamics, etc.) is preferred.Physical DemandsThe Physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit and use hands to finger, handle and feel objects, tools, and controls. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, bend, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.