Category Manager

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas is looking to add to our Vendor Management office and has new opportunities for Category Managers. The Category Manager is responsible for developing and executing category strategies to drive operational efficiencies, value, and long-term success. This role involves managing relationships with internal stakeholders, suppliers, and team members, focusing on tier 1 suppliers to meet performance expectations through effective contract negotiations and issue resolution.

The Category Manager ensures adherence to policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements set by the Vendor Management Office (VMO). They support internal teams, promote collaboration, and implement supplier segmentation strategies based on vendor criticality and strategic importance. The role includes reporting on supplier performance, driving continuous improvement, and contributing to the Supplier Experience Cohort Task Force.

“This position is eligible to work hybrid (9 or more days a month onsite) in accordance with our Telecommuting Policy. Applicants must reside in Kansas or Missouri or be willing to relocate as a condition of employment.”

Why Join Us?

·        Family Comes First: Total rewards package that promotes the idea of family first for all employees; including paid time off and family first leave.

·        Professional Growth Opportunities: Advance your career with ongoing training and development programs both through our internal Blue University and external opportunities.

·        Dynamic Work Environment: Collaborate with a team of passionate and driven individuals.

·        Trust: Work for one of the most trusted companies in Kansas.

·        Lead and Inspire: Guide and mentor your team to achieve their full potential and success.

Compensation

Exempt Grade 16

·        Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas offers excellent competitive compensation with the goal of retaining and growing talented team members. The compensation range for this role is a good faith estimate, it is estimated based on what a successful candidate might be paid. All offers presented to candidates are carefully reviewed to ensure fair, equitable pay by offering competitive wages that align with the individual's skills, education, experience, and training. The range may vary above or below the stated amounts.

What you’ll do

·        Development and implementation of category strategy and plans that identify opportunities for operational efficiencies, drive cost savings, manage risk, improve safety, drive innovation, and ensure the continuous development of categories managed.

·        Monitor, plan, manage, and assume oversight ownership for activities and processes associated with the categories assigned.

·        Provide solutions and strategies for continuous improvement in supplier relationships and internal business partner best practices to drive ongoing enhancements and value creation.

·        Foster continuous improvement in vendor management practices by implementing effective reporting, tracking, and analytics processes.

·        Act as an educational resource for internal business partners, guiding them in best practices for vendor management, sourcing strategies, and policy adherence.

·        Maintain supplier relationships and build strong, collaborative partnerships with key suppliers, ensuring their performance aligns with organizational goals and objectives.

·        Address vendor issues to ensure the highest level of service delivery

·        Negotiate and amend complex contracts and agreements with new and existing suppliers, leveraging vendor management expertise in areas such as IT services, infrastructure, enterprise applications, and indirect spend, to achieve the best total value and quality while meeting savings objectives.

What you need

·        Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business, Mathematics, Statistics, or a related field.

In lieu of degree, minimum of 8 years' progressive, relevant experience within direct or related field.

·        Three (3) to five (5) years of experience in procurement, vendor management, and/or category management, with direct involvement in strategic sourcing and category management.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

·        Strong project management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines across multiple projects.

·        Proven ability to collaborate with and influence stakeholders at all levels to drive successful outcomes.

·        Skilled in building and maintaining effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

·        Financial acumen with experience in data analytics and scorecard creation. Automating reporting processes using PowerBI or similar platforms to support strategic decision-making is a plus.

·        Proficient in research, critical thinking, and presenting actionable insights.

·        Digital dexterity to quickly adapt to new technologies, tools, and platforms to improve efficiency.

·        In-depth knowledge of Supplier, Procurement, and Vendor Management protocols, policies, and procedures, with experience creating policies and procedures being a plus.

·        Expertise in contract negotiation, redlining, and managing contract lifecycle from negotiation to renewal.

·        Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills to manage relationships and ensure mutually beneficial agreements.

·        Ability to lead cross-functional projects independently and communicate effectively across teams.

·        Knowledge of regulatory compliance and the ability to monitor vendor performance and drive continuous improvement.

·        Demonstrate strong business judgment, integrity, financial acumen, and project management skills to drive successful outcomes.

·        Project management and process improvement experience preferred.

·        Experience in identifying and implementing lean principles into workflows is a plus.

Bonus if you have

·        Relevant certifications (e.g., Certified Purchasing Manager, Certified Professional in Supply Management, Certified Professional in Supplier Diversity, Certified Purchasing Professional) preferred.

Benefits & Perks

·        Base pay is only one component of your competitive Total Rewards package:

o   Incentive pay program (EPIP)

o   Health/Vision/Dental insurance

o   6 weeks paid parental leave for new mothers and fathers

o   Fertility/Adoption assistance

o   2 weeks paid caregiver leave

o   5% 401(k) plan matching

o   Tuition reimbursement

• o   Health & fitness benefits, discounts and resources