Senior Category Manager – HR/Benefits

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Virginia.

📋 Description

• Formulate and implement multiyear category strategies that align with business goals and procurement value objectives.

• Create strategic sourcing plans, initiative pipelines, and category roadmaps for designated indirect categories.

• Analyze market intelligence, supplier segmentation, business demand trends, and risk mitigation strategies.

• Oversee categories related to contingent labor, MSP, VMS, RPO, talent management and development, benefits, learning, and HR services.

• Manage end-to-end sourcing processes, which include aligning with stakeholders, selecting suppliers, executing RFP/RFQ, conducting analysis, negotiating deals, and making award recommendations.

• Formulate negotiation strategies that address commercial value, service expectations, risk, contract flexibility, and supplier performance metrics.

• Collaborate with the CHRO and HR leadership on workforce strategies and focused negotiations.

• Assist in benefits sourcing and initiatives aimed at optimizing the workforce.

• Partner with Legal, Finance, Compliance, and business stakeholders for contract reviews and business decisions.

• Cultivate key supplier relationships, conduct performance reviews, resolve issues, and drive continuous improvement.

• Achieve annual P&L Reduction and P&L Protection targets through sourcing, negotiations, demand management, supplier optimization, working capital, savings pipelines, benefit validation, and budget impact analysis.

• Monitor sourcing outcomes, confirm benefits with Finance, and support reporting for leadership.

• Directly oversee Category Managers, Analysts, Specialists, and other assigned procurement team members.

• Provide coaching, feedback, talent development planning, workload prioritization, governance, and performance management.

• Guide team members on category strategy, sourcing practices, stakeholder engagement, and negotiation preparation.

• Foster collaboration, accountability, process alignment, and uniform procurement standards.

• Build executive stakeholder relationships with the CHRO and HR leadership.

• Promote organizational alignment concerning labor rate management, supplier consolidation, and governance of contingent labor.

• Lead intricate cross-functional initiatives and influence senior leadership to fulfill enterprise objectives.

• Advocate for the implementation of procurement strategies, processes, and technologies.

• Utilize digital procurement technologies, data analytics, and process automation to enhance decision-making and stakeholder results.

• Employ procurement platforms and analytical tools for category strategy development, sourcing execution, supplier management, and performance reporting.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree is preferred.

• Over 10 years of experience in procurement, sourcing, supply chain, category management, finance, or a related field.

• At least 3 years of direct people management experience preferred or required based on organizational needs.

• In-depth knowledge of indirect procurement, category management, strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, contract negotiations, and procurement best practices across various spending categories.

• Proven expertise in leading complex sourcing events, supplier negotiations, and cross-functional procurement projects.

• Experience in managing business stakeholders and indirect supplier relationships while delivering measurable savings or value outcomes.

• Office-based working conditions.

• No environmental hazards are associated with this classification.

🏝️ Benefits

• Comprehensive healthcare plan: medical, dental, and vision coverage begins on the first day for full-time employees.

• Educational assistance for eligible employees enrolled in an approved, accredited collegiate program.

• Employer-paid life insurance and disability coverage.

• Voluntary supplemental life, hospitalization, critical illness, and various other insurance programs.

• Adoption assistance available.

• Fertility benefits offered through the medical plan.

• Parental leave policy in place.

• Health Savings Account (HSA) options.

• 401(k) retirement savings plan.

• Sick days and short-term leave provisions.

• Holidays, vacation days, personal days, and various other types of leave available.

• Teammate Assistance Program (TAP) offered.

• Access to Calm Health resources.

• Cancer Resources Services available.

• Discount programs at no additional cost.