Procurement Category Manager – Seattle, WA

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$149,000 -185,000 per year

This is a Hybrid role and consists of a combination of WFH In Person work

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The Procurement Category Managers will work across business units, regions, and teams to develop, plan, and continuously improve on the goods and services that Carrix/SSA procures and utilizes. This role will report to another Category Manager and requires someone comfortable rolling up their sleeves to handle small operational tasks, while also driving high-level category strategies. The ideal candidate thrives in ambiguity, shows grit and resilience, and can navigate seamlessly between day-to-day execution and long-term planning.

Category Managers are responsible for defining the category strategy, leading sourcing efforts, managing contracts, driving deal implementation and communication, standardizing processes, overseeing supplier performance across the network and developing a roadmap that meets both company goals and end user needs.

• Category Strategy Development: Develop and execute comprehensive category strategies that align with the organization’s goals and objectives. Identify cost optimization opportunities, analyze market trends, and define sourcing approaches.
• Strategic Sourcing: Lead the sourcing process for designated categories, including conducting market research, identifying potential suppliers, and negotiating contracts. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather requirements and ensure alignment with business needs.
• Supplier Relationship Management: Build and fortify relationships with key suppliers. Monitor supplier performance, conduct regular supplier evaluations, and implement supplier development initiatives to ensure quality, cost, and delivery targets are met.
• Supply Chain Continuity: Proactively identify and mitigate risks related to critical items, working closely with suppliers to establish contingency plans and ensure uninterrupted supply. Monitor market conditions, assess supplier capabilities, and develop strategies to address potential supply chain disruptions.
• Cost Optimization: Drive cost reduction initiatives through effective negotiation, value engineering, and total cost of ownership analysis. Identify opportunities for strategic partnerships, supplier consolidation, and process improvements to achieve cost savings without compromising quality and service levels.
• Contract Management: Develop and manage contracts with suppliers, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Negotiate favorable terms and conditions, review contract performance, and drive contract renewals or amendments as necessary.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including engineering, operations, and quality teams, to understand technical specifications, requirements, and quality standards for critical items. Foster effective communication and collaboration to ensure alignment and support for category management initiatives.
• Issue Resolution: Manage operational issues and escalations, ensuring prompt resolution of vendor-related concerns
• Culture & Mindset: Foster collaboration, transparency, and results-oriented thinking among diverse stakeholders. Encourage constructive debate to arrive at optimal solutions.

• 8+ years of experience owning program strategy, end to end delivery, and communicating results to senior leadership.
• 5+ years of work experience in procurement or supply chain management.
• Bachelor’s degree, master’s degree preferred: in supply chain, business, engineering, finance or related technical or quantitative field.
• High emotional intelligence and an ability to collaborate with and engage stakeholders.
• Experience using data and metrics to determine and drive improvements.
• Experience being responsible/leading large and complex negotiations.
• Experience working cross functionally with tech and non-tech (e.g. operations, maintenance) teams.
• Ability to perform in high-pressure, fast-paced environments.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic sourcing, including RFP creation and management.
• Strong vendor management and oversight capabilities.
• Proven ability to use data and metrics to measure and drive improvements.
• Experience in complex problem solving and working in a tight schedule environment.
• Strong communication (both written and oral) and interpersonal skills
• Familiarity with continuous improvement techniques such as Lean, Six Sigma, or equivalent
• Technical procurement skills, including:
  • Category management (strategy, sourcing, supplier management)
  • Operational effectiveness (purchase-to-pay, controls, inventory, logistics)
  • Negotiation skills
  • Contracting
  • Risk management

Work Environment:

• Exposure to computer screens.
• Required hybrid work schedule, at least 3 days/week in office.
• Required job duties are performed in a professional office environment.
• The noise level in work environment is occasional.

Eligible employees (and their families) may qualify for medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as having basic life and accidental death insurance, paid disability insurance, including paid parental leave if eligible, and an Employee Assistance Program. Employees will receive paid sick and vacation time, and company holidays if eligible. The company also offers paid bereavement leave, and paid jury duty. Eligible employees can enroll in our company’s 401k plan, as well as a retirement plan. Employees will be eligible for discretionary and/or metric-based bonuses dependent on their position.