Procurement Category Manager

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Management, or a related field.
Minimum of 3 years of Procurement Category Management experience.
Legal authorization to work in the U.S. indefinitely (employer work permit sponsorship is not available).

Leading and executing long-term agreements through formal RFx methodologies.
Analyzing spend data and industry dynamics to identify, prioritize, and launch sourcing initiatives.
Identifying value and savings opportunities, process improvements, and best practices.
Establishing positive relationships across business units to ensure proactive participation in supplier-related matters.
Leading financial and business negotiations, including commercial terms and risk mitigation for strategic contracts.
Collaborating with business stakeholders to understand requirements, budgets, and challenges to develop effective strategic sourcing strategies.
Supporting strategic sourcing best practices, including driving supplier segmentation, scorecards, and facilitating strategic business reviews with business partners.
Leading supplier contract renewals and leveraging competitive pricing, quality, and customer service.
Developing strategic relationships with existing and new key suppliers to drive partnership objectives.
Identifying and implementing process improvements to increase efficiencies and maximize spend opportunities.
Providing guidance to internal stakeholders on business initiatives and procurement strategies.
Developing relationships with senior leadership.
Providing subject matter expertise on complex purchasing, legal, and contractual issues.
Performing supplier relationship management and reviews.

Strong budget planning skills.
Proven cost reduction expertise.
Expert-level negotiation skills, with a track record of securing favorable terms for complex, high-value contracts.
Foundational understanding of engineering services and manufacturing equipment procurement.
Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
Preferred certifications: Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), Certified member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (MCIPS), Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) from the Institute of Supply Chain Management (ISM), Project Management Professional (PMP) from the Project Management Institute.
Ability to travel, up to 25%.
Preferred location: Chicago, IL.