Remote Category Manager - Strategic Sourcing FMCG

Placements24; United States; Remote; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Highly competitive salary and benefits

Remote/international team

Professional development opportunities

Flexible hours

Diverse international team

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Category Manager for a remote procurement leadership role in the FMCG sector. You will develop and execute sourcing strategies for raw materials, packaging and services, while managing global supplier relationships and risk.

This remote-first position requires strong negotiation, market analysis, and cross-functional collaboration with R&D, Marketing, and Operations to support product innovation and cost savings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field.
• A Master's degree is a plus.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or category management in FMCG.
• Proven experience managing multi-million dollar procurement categories and negotiating complex contracts.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret market data and financial information.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills for remote stakeholder management.
• Proficiency in e-sourcing tools, ERP systems, and advanced Excel.
• Ability to work independently, manage priorities, and deliver results in a remote environment.
• Knowledge of global supply chains and international sourcing practices.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies for key procurement areas within FMCG, aligning with business objectives.
• Conduct market intelligence, supplier research, and analysis to identify sourcing opportunities and cost savings.
• Lead complex negotiations with suppliers to secure favorable terms, pricing, and SLAs.
• Manage supplier relationships, performance, and risk to ensure reliable supply and quality inputs.
• Collaborate with R&D, Marketing, and Operations to understand product needs and support innovation pipelines.
• Drive continuous improvement in the supply base and procurement processes.
• Ensure compliance with policies, ethical sourcing, and regulations.
• Prepare and present reports on category performance, savings, and market dynamics to senior leadership.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

FMCG knowledge

Negotiation

Remote stakeholder management

Supplier relationship management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

ERP systems

Excel

e-sourcing tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent global player in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) arena, is seeking an accomplished and strategic Category Manager to join their procurement team. This position is fully remote, offering the flexibility to manage key sourcing categories from anywhere. You will be responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies for a diverse range of raw materials, packaging, and services essential to our client's extensive product portfolio. This role demands a deep understanding of global supply markets, strong negotiation acumen, and the ability to drive cost savings and supply chain resilience. As a remote-first role, effective virtual collaboration and communication are paramount. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in strategic sourcing within the FMCG sector, adept at identifying and mitigating risks while fostering strong supplier relationships to ensure optimal value and quality for our client's innovative product lines.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies for key procurement areas within FMCG, aligning with business objectives.
• Conduct market intelligence, supplier research, and analysis to identify optimal sourcing opportunities and cost-saving initiatives.
• Lead complex negotiations with suppliers to secure favorable terms, pricing, and service level agreements.
• Manage supplier relationships, performance, and risk, ensuring reliable supply and high-quality inputs.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders (R&D, Marketing, Operations) to understand product needs and support innovation pipelines.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the supply base and procurement processes.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, ethical sourcing standards, and relevant regulations.
• Prepare and present regular reports on category performance, savings achieved, and market dynamics to senior leadership.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field.
• A Master's degree is a plus.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or category management, with a significant focus on the FMCG industry .
• Proven experience in managing multi-million dollar procurement categories and negotiating complex contracts.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret market data and financial information.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills, essential for remote stakeholder management.
• Proficiency in e-sourcing tools, ERP systems, and advanced Excel skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage priorities, and deliver results in a remote work environment.
• Knowledge of global supply chains and international sourcing practices.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package for remote employees.
• Opportunity to make a significant impact on global sourcing strategies for a leading FMCG brand.
• Flexible working hours and location independence.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Engage with a diverse and talented international team in a remote setting.