Indirect Category Manager

The Indirect Category Manager position is an intermediate level, category management role that is responsible for supporting sourcing and procurement for indirect spend with an emphasis on data analytics.  The role will be responsible for managing a combination of strategic and tactical responsibilities that fall primarily within IT shared services. This position delivers procurement value through employing procurement best practices, comprehensive data analytics and reporting while supporting stakeholders through securing the lowest total cost of ownership. This position reports to the Procurement Director, has no direct reports and is located onsite at the Mansfield Oil Company headquarters in Gainesville, Georgia.

Responsibilities: 

Procurement:

• Execute fiscal year category planning through strategic stakeholder alignment and leveraging prior year metrics
• Provide market analyses and recommendations for strategic supplier relationships to determine viable alternatives for competitive bids
• Evaluate new supplier capabilities measured against stakeholder requirements on an ad hoc basis
• Lead end to end market exercises (RFx) from requirements gathering to contract execution
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and recommend strategies for supplier consolidation and alternative procurement solutions. Develop and implement sourcing strategies in support of recommendations that align with business objective
• Build and maintain strong executive stakeholder relationships through consistent communication and delivering measurable results
• Provide cross functional support with security, architecture, PMO, and legal departments for all contract reviews to ensure comprehensive contract analysis and cost estimates
• Demonstrated ability to support implementation of source to pay solution

Analytics and Process Improvement:

• Use data analytics tools and techniques (e.g., Excel, Power BI, Tableau) to collect, analyze, and interpret procurement data to inform strategic decisions. Provide regular reporting and actionable insights to senior management on supplier performance, spending trends, KPIs, and budget data
• Work cross-functionally with internal teams, such as finance, operations, and marketing, to align procurement strategies with organizational goals
• Stay updated on market trends, industry developments, and new technologies to inform category management strategies and ensure competitive advantage
• Develop, publish, and present procurement best practices and processes

Supplier Management: 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers to ensure quality, cost efficiency, and continuous improvement in service delivery
• Manage supplier performance through KPIs and regular performance reviews
• Coordinate and host Quarterly business reviews with key suppliers
• Develop supplier scorecards to measure supplier delivery against contractual commitments
• Manage supplier escalations based on business priorities and impact

Procurement Operations: 

• Invoice validation, allocation, and approval to ensure timely processing
• Provide supplier escalation management
• Budget reporting in support of supplier invoice and payment tracking
• Oversee contract lifecycle management for managed suppliers
• Coordinate with legal department on contract terms and conditions best practices

Position Requirements:

Formal Education & Certification:

• Completion of a Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Procurement or a related field (or) completion of an Associate’s degree with relevant experience.
• Continuing education via industry conferences, certifications and online training

Knowledge & Experience:

• Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in procurement and category management utilizing data analytics to manage procurement processes.
• Proven experience in category management, with a thorough understanding of market analysis, sourcing, and supplier management.
• Experience with procurement software (e.g., SAP Ariba, Oracle, Coupa) and contract management systems. Familiarity with supplier performance management systems is a plus.
• Experience managing projects from inception to completion, ensuring alignment with business goals and timelines.

Qualifications & Characteristics:

• Strong skills in data analytics, with the ability to extract insights from large datasets, analyze trends, and produce data-driven reports.
• Proficiency with tools like Excel, Power BI, Tableau, or other analytics platforms is essential.
• Exceptional negotiation skills, with a track record of securing favorable terms and pricing agreements with suppliers.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and the capacity to think strategically to address procurement challenges and optimize processes.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex data and recommendations to senior management and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, meet tight deadlines and interact effectively in a team environment.

Work Environment:

• After completion of the introductory period of employment, this position is eligible for the Company’s 3x2 hybrid work schedule which consists of a 40-hour work week with 3 days in the office and 2 days remote, business conditions permitting.
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time.
• Able to view computer terminal for prolonged periods of time.
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse and other computer components.
• Close visual acuity needed to review spreadsheets and for discerning fine print.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.