Hybrid Associate Category Manager, Indirect Spend

Topco; Itasca (IL); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage through Blue Cross/BC

Health Savings Account

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Annual flexible spending accounts

Tuition Reimbursement

Competitive 401(k) match

Generous PTO

Job summary

Topco Associates seeks an Associate Category Manager to join the Indirect Spend team in a hybrid role based in the Quincy, MA area. The candidate will support Third Party Supply Distribution, develop sourcing strategies, manage supplier relationships, and deliver value-driven solutions to member-owners.

The role combines strategic thinking with hands-on execution, requiring strong data analysis, negotiations, and cross-functional collaboration to drive cost savings and operational efficiency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
• 3-5 years of category management, purchasing, strategic sourcing, procurement, or related function.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with data-driven recommendations.
• Experience negotiating with suppliers and managing business relationships.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills to influence stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Manage indirect spend categories, including Third Party Supply Distribution, to support growth and supplier performance.
• Develop category strategies, objectives, and action plans aligned with member needs.
• Lead competitive RFPs, supplier negotiations, and contract renewals.
• Prepare forecasts, analyze market conditions, and recommend sourcing strategies.
• Lead supplier selection, award recommendations, and implementation activities.
• Identify cost-reduction opportunities and supplier consolidation initiatives.
• Monitor category performance and identify opportunities to improve programs and member value.
• Track industry, competitive, and consumer trends for long-term planning.
• Build and maintain relationships with suppliers; negotiate pricing and terms.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Supplier negotiations

Communication skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Excel

Presentation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Marketing, Finance, or related field

Tools

Salesforce

Tableau

Fastmarkets

Job description

Topco Associates seeks an Associate Category Manager to join the Indirect Spend team in a hybrid role based in the Quincy, MA area. The candidate will support Third Party Supply Distribution, develop sourcing strategies, manage supplier relationships, and deliver value-driven solutions to member-owners.

The role combines strategic thinking with hands-on execution, requiring strong data analysis, negotiations, and cross-functional collaboration to drive cost savings and operational efficiency.