Senior Specialist, Category Management (R&D Services)

Scorpion Therapeutics; North Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance

401(k) with employer match

Short-term incentive

Job summary

Scorpion Therapeutics is seeking a Senior Specialist in Category Management to drive subcategory procurement strategies and SRM across functions. You will support contracting, supplier relationships, and continuous improvement while aligning with broader category goals.

The role emphasizes collaboration with Category Directors and cross-functional teams to deliver cost savings, governance, and sustainable sourcing initiatives. 5+ years in procurement is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Mgmt, or related field.
• 5+ years in procurement, supply chain, or related area.
• Experience in category management, contract negotiation, and supplier relationship management.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Power Platform).

Responsibilities

• Partner with Category Directors and Associate Directors to execute subcategory-specific procurement strategies.
• Implement and monitor effectiveness of strategies; ensure alignment with business goals.
• Report on supplier process/operational health to inform strategic decisions.
• Monitor initiatives to drive value with suppliers; track cost savings.
• Enable sustainability and ESG measures with suppliers for sustainable sourcing.
• Execute Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) strategies; manage relationships.
• Manage procurement risk mitigation while maintaining compliance.
• Lead cross-functional projects; support process optimization and continuous improvement.
• Support end-to-end procurement from sourcing strategy to contract negotiation/execution.

Skills

Category management

Contract negotiation

Supplier relationship management

Cross-functional collaboration

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration / Supply Chain Mgmt

Tools

Microsoft Office

Power Platform

Job description

Senior Specialist, Category Management executes sub-category procurement strategy as part of the larger category management team, reporting to Category Managers and Directors. Contributes to end-to-end procurement including contracting and supplier relationship management, ensuring activities comply with defined processes and broader category strategy. Enables execution of procurement projects and continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities:

• Partner with Category Directors and Associate Directors to execute subcategory-specific procurement strategies.
• Implement and monitor effectiveness of strategies; ensure alignment with business goals.
• Report on supplier process/operational health to inform strategic decision-making (industry trends, emerging technologies, market dynamics).
• Monitor initiatives to drive value with suppliers; track cost savings and enhance procurement value.
• Enable sustainability and ESG measures with suppliers to enhance sustainable sourcing.
• Execute Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) strategies; manage relationships and develop creative solutions for long-term needs.
• Implement mitigation strategies to proactively manage procurement risk while maintaining compliance.
• Manage projects from initiation to completion with cross-functional teams; support process optimization and continuous improvement.
• Support end-to-end procurement from sourcing strategy to contract negotiation/execution (analysis and data for negotiations).
• Develop capabilities and category expertise; support team goals and performance targets.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Mgmt, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum 5 years in procurement, supply chain, or related business/operations.
• Experience in category management, contract negotiation, and supplier relationship management.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Power Platform).
• Fast learner across industries; strong cross-functional collaboration.
• Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.
• Strong executive functioning and autonomous work ethic.

Benefits:

• Paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick); medical/dental/vision insurance; 401(k) (eligible employees).
• Short-term incentive program eligible.