Category Manager

agcbio; Bothell (WA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

agcbio seeks a Category Manager to develop and execute category strategies for ~50 million annual spend, leading strategic sourcing, supplier performance, and cross-functional partnerships.

The role drives cost optimization, mitigates supply risks, and delivers high-quality, cost-effective solutions to support organizational objectives and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Engineering (Required).
• Experience in category management and strategic sourcing is preferred.
• Strong negotiation, analytics, and supplier management skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute short- and long-term category strategies for indirect and direct spend.
• Lead supplier identification, evaluation, and contract negotiations.
• Monitor supplier performance with metrics, scorecards and governance.
• Partner with stakeholders to align sourcing with business objectives.
• Manage procurement governance and risk across regions.

Skills

Category Management

Strategic Sourcing

Supplier Relationship Management

Stakeholder Management

Procurement Governance

Market Intelligence

Negotiation

MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering

Tools

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Job description

Join Us in Bringing Hope to Life

Our purpose is to bring hope to life by enabling life‑changing therapies for patients around the globe, creating a healthier and happier tomorrow. To advance this purpose, we rely on team members who value excellence, collaboration, and meaningful work. If this resonates with you

Job Summary

The Category Manager is responsible for developing and executing category strategies while managing approximately $50 million in annual spend. This role leads strategic sourcing initiatives, commercial negotiations, supplier performance management, and cross-functional stakeholder partnerships to deliver business value.

The Category Manager drives cost optimization, mitigates supply and operational risks, fosters supplier innovation, and ensures the delivery of high-quality, cost-effective solutions that support organizational objectives and operational excellence.

About our team

Our Category & Procurement team partners closely with site and business leaders to ensure the reliable and cost-effective sourcing of goods and services that support daily operations and long-term growth. While primarily focused on local business needs, the team also collaborates with global stakeholders and suppliers to leverage best practices, drive value, manage risk, and support strategic procurement initiatives across the organization.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Category Management
  • Develop and execute short-term and long-term category strategies for assigned spend categories, mainly indirect with selected direct categories.
  • Develop and improve category strategies and business processes to continuously improve cost, quality, service, and supply continuity.
  • Conduct supplier segmentation (Critical, Strategic, Preferred, Approved, Operational) and maintain approved supplier and product/service lists.
  • Maintain expertise in assigned categories, including supply market trends, commodity dynamics, supplier economics, regulatory developments, and sourcing best practices.
  • Maintain category metrics, reporting, process documentation, and supplier records.
• Strategic Sourcing
  • Lead supplier identification, evaluation, selection, qualification, and contract negotiations.
  • Lead key sourcing activities, including opportunity assessment, market analysis, strategy development, supplier negotiations, award recommendations, and contract execution.
  • Manage strategic sourcing initiatives considering total cost of ownership, lead times, supply continuity, and business risk.
  • Negotiate and administer contracts with global suppliers.
• Supplier Relationship Management
  • Develop and manage strategic supplier relationships to ensure reliable supply, cost effectiveness, and compliance with quality, service, and performance expectations.
  • Develop supplier performance metrics, reporting, and scorecards to proactively monitor supplier performance.
  • Lead productivity improvement initiatives with suppliers and internal stakeholders to optimize cost, improve operational efficiency, increase yields, and improve working capital.
  • Develop and execute supplier contingency plans to ensure continuity of supply and mitigate supplier risks.
• Stakeholder Management
  • Provide category management and sourcing expertise to business stakeholders.
  • Partner with stakeholders to develop sourcing strategies that support business objectives.
  • Influence sourcing decisions using market intelligence, supplier capabilities, and commercial recommendations.
• Procurement Governance
  • Develop and implement processes that communicate, monitor, and ensure compliance with sourcing strategies and procurement business processes.
  • Support procurement policies, preferred supplier programs, and sourcing governance initiatives.
  • Promote adoption of procurement best practices and standardized sourcing methodologies.
• Market Intelligence
  • Monitor supplier markets and pricing trends.
  • Identify commercial risks and sourcing opportunities.
  • Evaluate supplier capabilities and industry developments.
  • Recommend proactive sourcing strategies.

Your Skills & Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders and drive results through effective collaboration.
• Ability to communicate effectively with employees, leadership, suppliers, and external partners.
• Strong leadership, project management, and organizational skills.
• Business acumen with strong communication, change management, and customer service capabilities.
• Experience developing category strategies and leading strategic sourcing initiatives.
• Excellent negotiation and supplier management skills across global markets.
• Advanced analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a complex environment.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Your Qualifications

Required

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Engineering,