Senior Category Leader - Direct Spend

The Senior Category Leader – Direct Spend is responsible for sourcing, purchasing, and managing direct materials and services required to support Operations. This role owns supplier strategy for assigned direct spend categories, ensures continuity of supply, drives cost optimization, and partners closely with the Operations, Finance, and Legal teams. The position leads supplier negotiations, demand alignment, contract management, and continuous improvement initiatives across the direct supply base.

Key Responsibilities

Direct Sourcing & Category Management

• Own sourcing strategy and supplier management for assigned direct material and service categories, including repair labor (union and non‑union), parts, tires, new‑build chassis, heavy equipment, and other operational inputs.
• Lead RFQs/RFPs, supplier evaluations, negotiations, and contract execution to ensure competitive pricing, quality, and service levels.
• Perform total cost of ownership (TCO) analyses and recommend best‑value sourcing decisions aligned with operational and financial objectives.

Supplier & Performance Management

• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with key direct suppliers.
• Establish and monitor supplier KPIs, including cost, quality, delivery, responsiveness, and contractual compliance.
• Lead resolution of supply disruptions, quality concerns, and delivery delays.
• Partner with Operations on supplier corrective actions and escalation management as needed.

Operational Execution

• Oversee purchase order accuracy, pricing compliance, and post‑order issue resolution, including invoices, credits, shortages, and returns.
• Ensure all direct procurement activities comply with company policies, contractual obligations, and audit requirements.
• Support month‑end and quarter‑end close activities related to direct spend, GRNI, and inventory.

Process Improvement & Systems

• Develop, document, and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for direct procurement processes using industry best practices.
• Leverage ERP systems (Oracle preferred) to improve visibility into demand, spend, inventory, and supplier performance.
• Identify and implement opportunities to reduce cost, shorten lead times, mitigate risk, and improve operational efficiency.

Reporting & Leadership

• Track, analyze, and report key performance metrics related to direct spend, cost savings, supplier performance, and inventory health.
• Provide data‑driven insights and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Hire, train, coach, and develop team members supporting direct procurement activities, as applicable.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Finance, Engineering, or a related field.
• 3 years of experience in direct procurement, sourcing, or supply chain management.
• Strong experience with supplier negotiations, RFQs/RFPs, and contract management.
• Advanced analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience using data analytics to drive sourcing, inventory, and supplier performance decisions.
• Proven ability to interpret data using AI‑assisted analysis tools and apply insights to real‑world procurement and operational challenges.

Preferred

• Experience managing direct spend categories closely tied to operations.
• ERP system experience (Oracle strongly preferred).
• Professional certification (CPSM, CPIM, CSCP, or similar).
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including Power Query, Power Pivot, complex formulas, scenario modeling, and dashboards.
• Experience leveraging AI‑supported analytics within Microsoft Excel and the Microsoft 365 ecosystem to accelerate analysis, identify trends, and support decision‑making.
• Experience building and maintaining analytical models to support sourcing strategies, cost‑reduction initiatives, supplier negotiations, and demand planning.
• Ability to translate large, complex datasets into clear, actionable insights and executive‑ready summaries.
• Demonstrated ability to continuously identify opportunities to improve analytical efficiency and decision quality through automation, AI‑assisted tools, and improved data structures.

Key Competencies

• Direct sourcing and category strategy
• Supplier negotiation and performance management
• Demand planning and inventory alignment
• Financial analysis and total cost of ownership (TCO)
• Cross‑functional collaboration
• Operational execution and accountability

Benefits

We understand that your role at DCLI is only part of who you are. Our comprehensive compensation and benefits package provide resources for you to be your best self, grow professionally and personally, and reach your full potential.

• Excellent health, dental, and vision insurance options for you and your family
• Ample PTO and paid holidays
• 401k with company match
• Flexibility to support a healthy work-life balance
• Wellness resources
• Company-sponsored parties, outings, and other perks

Development Opportunities

At DCLI, you’ll find that everyone – from your coworkers and managers to the senior leadership team – wants to see you succeed and there are opportunities available for you to develop in your current role and prepare to take that next step in your career:

• Tuition reimbursement
• Internal training and educational resources
• Quarterly and annual awards for outstanding performance
• Pathways to promotions and access to advice, feedback, and mentorship
• Participation in professional organizations
• Internships

Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screening.