Category Manager

Category Manager at Net2Source (N2S) Category Manager at Net2Source (N2S) in Saint Paul, Minnesota Posted in about 4 hours ago.

Type:

full-time

Job Description:

Job Title:

Category Manager Location:

Minneapolis, MN Duration:

6 Months Contract with Possible Extensions Hybrid schedule: Tuesday-Thursday onsite, Monday and Friday remote.

Position Overview:

The Category Manager is responsible for developing and executing sourcing and category strategies for complex, high-value spend categories, with a primary focus on Professional Services. This role leads strategic sourcing initiatives, supplier relationship management, contract negotiations, risk management, and stakeholder engagement to deliver cost savings, operational efficiencies, and business value.

Key Responsibilities:

Category Strategy & Strategic Sourcing:

Develop and implement category strategies aligned with business objectives. Lead competitive sourcing events, supplier evaluations, and supplier selection processes. Conduct market, supplier, spend, demand, and cost analyses to support sourcing decisions. Monitor industry trends and supplier risks to ensure category strategies remain effective. Manage multiple sourcing initiatives and procurement projects simultaneously.

Supplier & Stakeholder Management:

Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders and suppliers. Partner with business leaders to understand requirements and align procurement strategies. Drive supplier performance improvements through scorecards, reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives. Resolve supplier-related issues and disputes. Contract Negotiation & Risk Management Lead contract negotiations and commercial discussions. Review, negotiate, and manage contract amendments, work orders, and claims. Ensure supplier compliance with contractual obligations. Identify and mitigate commercial, operational, and supplier-related risks. Support contract administration and governance activities. Project & Portfolio Management Manage multiple procurement projects and competing priorities. Coordinate sourcing activities across business functions and programs. Develop implementation plans and track progress against objectives. Support enterprise initiatives requiring supplier engagement and procurement support. Technology & Professional Services Procurement Preferred experience includes sourcing and managing: Professional Services and consulting engagements. Staff augmentation programs. Cloud, software, platform, and emerging technology agreements. AI-related technology and services initiatives.

Required Qualifications:

8+ years of Category Management, Strategic Sourcing, Procurement, or Supply Chain experience. Strong experience in strategic sourcing and supplier management. Proven contract negotiation experience. Experience managing complex sourcing initiatives and enterprise stakeholders. Strong communication, influencing, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

Professional Services category management experience. Supply Chain background. Experience supporting large, complex organizations. CPSM certification. Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, Engineering, Project Management, or a related field. Experience with sourcing and procurement systems.