Demo

Category Sourcing Manager

Kenna Group
North Chicago, IL Full Time
POSTED ON 3/20/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/20/2026

Job Description

The Category Sourcing Manager will be responsible for developing and driving category management strategies and all activities throughout the program and supplier lifecycle. 

Responsibilities Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Develop sourcing strategies for corporate indirect services spend by conducting analysis of market trends and potential suppliers, leading requests for proposals, analysis of TCO, and opportunities to leverage changes in processes, systems and product/services, and estimating timing and level of savings

Negotiates contracts for corporate indirect services and participate in vendor management activities with internal business teams

Manage business relationships with key suppliers including routine enhancements to agreements, communication of demand/volume changes, updating contracts, and sharing end-user feedback

Develop recommendations and strategies to ensure adequate compliance monitoring, and benefits tracking

Responsible for effective risk and compliance management with regards to category management

Follow the uniform implementation of category management strategies and sourcing approaches

Responsible for conducting proper financial analysis and due-diligence to support benefits estimation and documentation

Deliver category or project-specific presentations to internal and external stakeholders

Negotiate all elements of assigned supplier relationships to ensure lowest total cost of procurement, including: product cost, performance, rebates, etc.

Resolve quality/service issues and ensure best customers experience through working with suppliers and internal business partners

Define, execute, and/or monitor specific performance metrics and goals relevant to each supplier relationship

Lead and/or support cross-functional continuous improvement initiatives and other special projects to improve the overall business

Serve as the subject matter expert for the product categories by leveraging demonstrated industry knowledge/insight and through ongoing customer interaction, market research, and participation in industry trade events

 

Qualifications The ideal candidate possesses the following qualifications:

BA/BS required, MBA preferred

Experience with traditional indirect categories, i.e. Corporate Travel, Energy, Information Technology, Temporary Labor, etc.

Experience in category management or strategic sourcing and pricing and contract T&Cs negotiations; negotiation aptitude

Superior communication skills

Service-oriented mindset, with a desire to ensure client satisfaction

Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally and influence without direct authority

Strong project management skills

Demonstrated analytical skills and intellectual curiosity

Financial acumen

Detail orientation

A proven problem solver

International experience a plus

Qualifications

Qualifications The ideal candidate possesses the following qualifications:


BA/BS required, MBA preferred


Experience with traditional indirect categories, i.e. Corporate Travel, Energy, Information Technology, Temporary Labor, etc.


Experience in category management or strategic sourcing and pricing and contract T&Cs negotiations; negotiation aptitude


Superior communication skills


Service-oriented mindset, with a desire to ensure client satisfaction


Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally and influence without direct authority


Strong project management skills


Demonstrated analytical skills and intellectual curiosity


Financial acumen


Detail orientation


A proven problem solver


International experience a plus

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Salary.com Estimation for Category Sourcing Manager in North Chicago, IL
$126,481 to $159,788
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