Senior Manager, Category

Digital Federal Credit Union; Marlborough (MA); On-site; USD 131,000 - 157,000; Full time

Job summary

First Tech Federal Credit Union seeks a Sr. Manager, Category to lead a team of Category Managers in Vendor Management, driving enterprise category strategies, cost optimization, and supplier performance across spend portfolios.

This role delivers measurable business value through leadership, market expertise, supplier innovation, and collaboration with cross-functional partners while ensuring governance and risk management compliance.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in contract management, procurement, legal operations, or related areas.
• 2+ years of experience leading a diverse team including hiring, coaching and performance management.
• Proven leadership capabilities with experience managing teams and driving performance in a dynamic, cross-functional environment.
• Ability to influence stakeholders and communicate complex contractual concepts clearly to diverse audiences.
• Knowledge of contract law fundamentals, risk management practices, and compliance requirements.
• Experience with contract management systems and tools for tracking, reporting, and document management.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and contribute to broader business planning efforts.
• Bachelor's degree in field relevant to role (or 4 additional years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree), advanced degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Leads the development and execution of category strategies, sourcing roadmaps, and supplier portfolios to deliver sustainable value, cost optimization, and business outcomes.
• Provides leadership, coaching, and performance management to build a high-performing procurement team with strong capabilities in sourcing, supplier management, analytics, and stakeholder engagement.
• Oversees complex sourcing initiatives, contract negotiations, and supplier selection activities to maximize value, mitigate risk, and support business goals.
• Acts as a trusted advisor to business leaders by providing strategic procurement expertise, market insights, and data-driven recommendations.
• Ensures compliance with procurement policies, governance standards, and risk management practices while delivering savings, budget objectives, and performance targets.

Skills

Category management

Leadership

Vendor management

Sourcing strategy

Stakeholder engagement

Contract management

Analytics

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Contract management systems

Job description

Description

The Sr. Manager, Category provides leadership and strategic oversight to a high-performing team of Category Managers in Vendor Management responsible for creating and executing enterprise category strategies that optimize cost, quality, service, risk management, and supplier performance across assigned spend portfolios. This Sr. Manager will drive category maturity, develop sourcing capabilities, and deliver measurable business value through effective leadership, market expertise, supplier innovation, and cross-department collaboration.

Here's what you can expect from the job and what you need to be successful:

Job Duties

• Leads the development and execution of category strategies, sourcing roadmaps, and supplier portfolios to deliver sustainable value, cost optimization, and business outcomes. Drives market intelligence, innovation, and strategic planning to align category priorities with organizational objectives.
• Provides leadership, coaching, and performance management to build a high-performing procurement team with strong capabilities in sourcing, supplier management, analytics, and stakeholder engagement. Fosters a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous professional development.
• Oversees complex sourcing initiatives, contract negotiations, and supplier selection activities to maximize value, mitigate risk, and support business goals. Leads supplier governance and performance management programs to strengthen strategic partnerships and drive continuous improvement.
• Acts as a trusted advisor to business leaders by providing strategic procurement expertise, market insights, and data-driven recommendations. Builds strong cross-functional partnerships to align sourcing strategies with operational and organizational priorities.
• Ensures compliance with procurement policies, governance standards, and risk management practices while delivering savings, budget objectives, and performance targets. Proactively identifies and mitigates supplier, operational, financial, and market risks through effective oversight and reporting.

Essential Skills

• Required Experience: 6+ years of experience in contract management, procurement, legal operations, or related areas.
• 2+ years of experience leading a diverse team including hiring, coaching and performance management
• Proven leadership capabilities with experience managing teams and driving performance in a dynamic, cross-functional environment
• Ability to influence stakeholders and communicate complex contractual concepts clearly to diverse audiences
• Knowledge of contract law fundamentals, risk management practices, and compliance requirements
• Experience with contract management systems and tools for tracking, reporting, and document management
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and contribute to broader business planning efforts.
• Required Education: Bachelor's degree in field relevant to role (or 4 additional years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree), advanced degree preferred.

Location

Hillsboro Corporate Office | Hillsboro OR 97124 OR Marlborough Corporate Office | Marlborough, MA

Target Compensation

$131,000 to 157,000 base pay + Annual Bonus

Who We Are

Every great journey begins with a bold idea-and ours is no different. First Tech and DCU were founded on the belief that financial solutions should put people first. That belief has fueled decades of innovation and service, rooted in the tech sector and expanding to support members from all walks of life.

Employees are eligible for

• Traditional medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Generous 401(k) match
• Paid Time Off: You'll accrue up to 15 days in your first year. In addition, you'll receive 40 hours of sick time and 3 personal days, which refresh annually
• Paid federal holidays
• Special employee pricing on lending products such as mortgage, auto, and personal loans (eligibility subject to standard account requirements and underwriting criteria)

Employment Statements

First Tech is an equal opportunity employer, and we value diversity, inclusion, and equity at our company. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

First Tech is not currently offering Visa transfer/sponsorship for this position.