Category Manager

Ladders; United States; Remote; USD 160,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% remote work from within the U.S.

Up to 50% travel to Reston, VA office

Opportunity to work in a highly reg­u­

Engagement with cross-functional teams

Job summary

Ladders is seeking a Category Manager to lead category strategy, strategic sourcing, and supplier performance in a highly regulated IT environment. This remote role partners with internal stakeholders to align sourcing with business needs, manage competitive procurements, and negotiate terms supporting cost, quality, and risk objectives.

The role emphasizes hands-on execution, cross-functional collaboration, and meaningful impact on supplier relationships and contract outcomes within a compliant

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 15+ years of related experience, or a Master's with 13+ years; further experience may substitute for a degree.
• 8+ years in procurement, strategic sourcing, or category management.
• 5+ years developing and executing category strategies and leading supplier negotiations.
• Experience in aerospace, defense, or highly regulated industries.
• Knowledge of FAR/DFARS and government contracting practices.
• Familiarity with ITAR, EAR, and export-controlled procurement.
• Strong skills in market analysis, cost analysis, and supplier performance management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ERP or supplier management systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies aligned with business objectives and market conditions.
• Conduct market intelligence and risk evaluations to identify sourcing opportunities.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to define business requirements and sourcing plans.
• Lead competitive sourcing processes from planning to supplier selection.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and performance commitments with suppliers.
• Support contract development and administration with internal stakeholders.
• Manage strategic supplier relationships and monitor performance metrics.

Skills

Market analysis

Cost analysis

Supplier performance management

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree + 15+ years experience OR Master's + 13+ years experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

ERP systems

Job description

For our client, we are seeking a Category Manager to join the team of a leader in the Information Technology space. This role will drive category strategy, strategic sourcing, and supplier performance for a complex and highly regulated environment. The Category Manager will partner closely with internal stakeholders to align sourcing plans with business needs, manage competitive procurement processes, and negotiate commercial terms that support cost, quality, and risk objectives. This is a hands-on, cross-functional position with meaningful impact on supplier relationships, contract outcomes, and continuous improvement across the category. Location: Remote. Compensation: $160,001 – $200,000 annually.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies aligned with business objectives and market conditions
• Conduct market intelligence and risk evaluations to identify sourcing opportunities
• Collaborate with stakeholders to define business requirements and sourcing plans
• Lead competitive sourcing processes from planning to supplier selection
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and performance commitments with suppliers
• Support contract development and administration with internal stakeholders
• Manage strategic supplier relationships and monitor performance metrics

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 15+ years of related experience, or a Master's degree with 13+ years of related experience; additional experience may substitute for a degree
• 8+ years in procurement, strategic sourcing, or category management
• 5+ years developing and executing category strategies and leading supplier negotiations
• Experience in aerospace, defense, or highly regulated industries
• Knowledge of FAR/DFARS and government contracting practices
• Familiarity with ITAR, EAR, and export-controlled procurement
• Strong skills in market analysis, cost analysis, and supplier performance management
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ERP or supplier management systems

Benefits

• 100% remote work opportunity from within the U.S.
• Up to 50% travel, primarily to the corporate office in Reston, VA
• Opportunity to work in a highly regulated and impactful industry
• Engagement with cross-functional teams and stakeholders
• Continuous improvement initiatives and supplier relationship management

Our client is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every qualification—your background could be exactly what this team needs.