Strategic Category Management Director

Vizient; Missouri; Hybrid; USD 102,000 - 179,000; Full time

Job summary

Vizient is seeking a Category Management Director to lead and execute strategic category initiatives across portfolios. You will drive value through market intelligence, supplier negotiations, and stakeholder alignment, delivering measurable financial and operational outcomes for members and the organization.

You will guide complex sourcing, contract development, and value analysis with cross-functional teams and executive stakeholders, while mentoring others and representing Vizient in external

Qualifications

• Strong negotiation and contracting experience with complex supplier agreements.
• Advanced analytical skills with the ability to translate data into strategic recommendations.
• Excellent executive communication, presentation, and relationship management skills.
• Demonstrates deep knowledge of AI tools, capabilities, outputs, and limitations and applies AI effectively in complex business situations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead comprehensive category strategies for assigned portfolios that align with client priorities and organizational objectives.
• Serve as the primary category subject matter expert and strategic advisor for stakeholders across sourcing, contracting, and value analysis initiatives.
• Identify category opportunities through analysis of spend, utilization, supplier performance, market conditions, and member priorities.
• Establish strategic plans that drive value realization, standardization, innovation, risk mitigation, and cost optimization.
• Lead end-to-end sourcing initiatives including opportunity assessment, requirements development, RFI/RFP execution, supplier evaluation, negotiations, contract development, and implementation.

Skills

Executive communication

Analytical skills

Stakeholder management

Negotiation & contracting

AI tools awareness

Education

Relevant degree

Job description

Vizient is seeking a Category Management Director to lead and execute strategic category initiatives across portfolios. You will drive value through market intelligence, supplier negotiations, and stakeholder alignment, delivering measurable financial and operational outcomes for members and the organization.

You will guide complex sourcing, contract development, and value analysis with cross-functional teams and executive stakeholders, while mentoring others and representing Vizient in external