Category Manager

The Planet Group; Columbia (MD); On-site; USD 106,000 - 118,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company as a Category Manager in Facility Services, where you'll manage a significant indirect spend of approximately $60 million. This role involves developing and executing strategies to optimize costs and enhance supplier relationships while ensuring compliance with procurement best practices. With a focus on sustainability and risk management, you'll collaborate with stakeholders to align sourcing decisions with operational goals. If you're ready to make a significant impact in a dynamic environment, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Relocation Assistance

Flexible Work Options

Professional Development Opportunities

Qualifications

• 7+ years in global industrial or manufacturing environments.
• 5+ years in procurement, sourcing, or category management.

Responsibilities

• Lead sourcing and category management for Facility Services.
• Develop long-term strategies to improve cost efficiency.

Skills

Strategic Sourcing

Supplier Relationship Management

Financial Modeling

Market Trend Analysis

Contract Negotiation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management

Master’s degree in Business or Supply Chain

Tools

SAP

Ariba

SharePoint

eProcurement Systems

Job description

2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Category Manager, Facility Services – Indirect Procurement - 627909

Location: Columbia, MD

Relocation Assistance Available

Job Description:

As part of the Procurement Organization, this position is responsible for managing indirect spend categories with a focus on Facility Services. The role will develop and execute short- and long-term strategies to optimize costs, create value, enhance supplier relationships, and manage risk.

This role leads all sourcing activities related to Facility Services, which includes global waste disposal, bulk gases, and typical contracts associated with building and grounds maintenance. The objective is to reduce the total cost of ownership while maintaining or improving service levels and product quality.

The Category Manager will work closely with stakeholders and the global procurement team to ensure effective strategy execution and compliance. The annual spend for Facility Services is approximately $60 million.

This position requires a strategic mindset and the ability to think transformational about building operations, sustainability, and risk, while executing procurement processes in alignment with organizational policies and best practices.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the sourcing and category management process for Facility Services, end-to-end.
• Develop and implement long-term category strategies to improve cost efficiency, quality, service, and supplier reliability.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across business units to align sourcing decisions with operational and financial goals.
• Review and approve purchase requisitions; manage supplier selection, contract negotiations, and issue resolution.
• Analyze market trends, category data, and supplier performance to identify and execute value-creation initiatives.
• Participate in budgeting and financial forecasting processes by providing relevant category and market insights.
• Ensure continuous improvement and innovation in procurement practices and supplier engagement.
• Monitor supplier performance and enforce contract compliance and service level agreements.
• Communicate procurement strategies, activities, and outcomes clearly to leadership and other stakeholders.
• Promote transparency, collaboration, and strategic alignment across procurement and business functions.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Operations, or a related field.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in a global industrial or manufacturing environment.
• At least 5 years of direct experience in procurement, sourcing, or category management.
• Proficiency in Excel, including financial modeling, pivot tables, and large dataset navigation.
• Strong background in indirect spend and strategic sourcing.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 10%.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, or Operations.
• Professional certifications such as CPSM, CSCP, CPIM, or CFPIM.
• Experience with procurement systems and enterprise tools like SAP, Ariba (preferred), and SharePoint.
• Strong negotiation skills and a solid understanding of supply contracts and procurement law.
• Ability to assess supplier financial health and manage associated risks.
• Demonstrated leadership and project management capabilities within a supply chain function.
• Experience using eProcurement systems and conducting eAuctions.

Manufacturing

At The Planet Group, we connect Manufacturing experts with opportunities that match their skills, goals, and ambition. From fast-moving startups to global enterprises, we partner with top organizations across industries—giving you access to roles where your contributions make a difference. Explore flexible options including contract, direct hire, and contract-to-hire, all supported by a team that puts people first.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Management and Manufacturing

• Industries

  Chemical Manufacturing

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