Indirect Sourcing Category Manager

Aston Carter; Eden Prairie (MN); On-site; USD 76,000 - 86,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) plan

Life insurance

Disability insurance

HSA eligible

Job summary

Aston Carter is seeking an experienced Indirect Sourcing Category Manager for a 12‑month contract in Eden Prairie, MN, onsite. The role focuses on transportation, logistics, freight, warehousing, and MRO, driving strategic sourcing initiatives and significant cost savings.

You will develop category strategies, run RFPs/RFQs, negotiate contracts, and manage supplier performance while partnering with internal stakeholders to align sourcing with business goals.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in strategic sourcing, procurement, or category management.
• Experience with indirect spend: transportation, logistics, freight, warehousing, MRO.
• Strong negotiation, contract management, and supplier relationship skills.
• Experience identifying and implementing cost‑savings initiatives.
• Strong financial, analytical, and cost‑modeling capabilities; spend analytics proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic sourcing across indirect spend categories such as transportation, logistics, warehousing, freight, and MRO.
• Develop and execute category strategies, sourcing pipelines, and cost-savings roadmaps.
• Conduct market research, supplier assessments, RFPs, RFQs, and competitive sourcing events.
• Identify and implement cost-reduction opportunities with measurable business value.
• Lead supplier selection, contract negotiations, and supplier performance management.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Procurement

Category management

Negotiation

Supplier management

Spend analytics

Cost modeling

Cross-functional collaboration

RFP/RFQ

Job description

Indirect Sourcing Category Manager

Location: Eden Prairie, MN (Onsite)

Schedule: Monday-Friday | Flexible core hours (typically 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)

Duration: 12 Month Contract

About the Opportunity

Our client is seeking an experienced Indirect Sourcing Category Manager to support strategic procurement initiatives focused on transportation, logistics, freight, warehousing, MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Operations), and other indirect spend categories. This role is ideal for a sourcing professional who enjoys building supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, identifying cost‑saving opportunities, and partnering with stakeholders to deliver measurable business impact. You'll play a key role in driving procurement strategies that improve efficiency, reduce costs, and support long‑term organizational goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead strategic sourcing initiatives across transportation, logistics, warehousing, freight, MRO, and other indirect spend categories.
• Develop and execute category strategies, sourcing pipelines, and cost‑savings roadmaps.
• Conduct market research, supplier assessments, RFPs, RFQs, and competitive sourcing events.
• Identify and implement cost‑reduction opportunities that generate measurable business value.
• Lead supplier selection, contract negotiations, and supplier performance management activities.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders to understand business needs and drive sourcing alignment.
• Monitor supplier performance, risk, pricing trends, and continuous improvement opportunities.
• Analyze spend data and market conditions to support sourcing decisions and category strategies.
• Provide regular updates to leadership regarding project status, sourcing initiatives, and realized savings.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, category management, or supply chain functions.
• Experience managing indirect spend categories such as:
  • Transportation
  • Logistics
  • Freight
  • Warehousing
  • MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Operations)
• Strong negotiation, contract management, and supplier relationship management skills.
• Experience identifying and implementing cost‑savings initiatives.
• Strong financial, analytical, and cost‑modeling capabilities.
• Experience utilizing spend analytics and sourcing tools.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and work cross‑functionally with business stakeholders.

Preferred Backgrounds

• Indirect Sourcing Category Manager
• Category Manager
• Strategic Sourcing Manager
• Procurement Manager
• Procurement Supervisor
• Procurement Analyst
• Sourcing Specialist
• Supply Chain Manager

What Makes This Opportunity Attractive?

• High-visibility role with significant impact on enterprise‑wide cost savings initiatives.
• Opportunity to own strategic sourcing projects from strategy development through implementation.
• Collaborative environment with strong cross‑functional partnerships.
• Ability to influence supplier strategy, procurement performance, and operational efficiency.
• Exposure to multiple indirect spend categories and complex sourcing initiatives.
• Professional environment that values innovation, continuous improvement, and career growth.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with strong sourcing and procurement experience who thrives on identifying opportunities for improvement, negotiating favorable supplier agreements, and delivering measurable results. They possess excellent communication skills, strong business acumen, and a proven ability to influence stakeholders while driving successful procurement initiatives.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Eden Prairie, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $55.30 - $62.50/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job‑related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre‑tax and Roth post‑tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long‑term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Eden Prairie, MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 23, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Eden Prairie,MN.

About Aston Carter

Aston Carter provides world‑class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry‑leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.