Indirect Category Manager
confidentialHelp shape how a global manufacturer buys what it needs to run.Apex Systems is partnering with a well-established Minnesota manufacturer to find an Indirect Category Manager for their team in Rogers, MN.This is a chance to move procurement from reactive purchasing toward a proactive, category-led partnership with the business. Have 5+ years in category management or strategic sourcing? Message me
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to learn more. Indirect Category ManagerOur client is a well-established Minnesota manufacturer of industrial equipment used across a wide range of industries. Their products are part of everyday life, even if you don't see them.As an Indirect Category Manager, you'll help shape the next evolution of indirect procurement. The goal is to move the function beyond reactive purchasing support toward a proactive, category-led, data-driven partnership with the business.You'll own a portfolio of corporate services categories, including Logistics, Human Resources, Engineering Services, and Travel & Entertainment. You'll partner with stakeholders early to shape requirements, lead sourcing strategy, negotiate strong agreements, and deliver measurable value across cost, risk, service, and stakeholder experience. You'll be accountable for annual savings and value targets and will report to the Manager, Strategic Sourcing.What you'll doOwn the strategy, performance, and value delivery for your categories, with multi-year plans tied to business objectives, risk, supplier markets, and total cost of ownershipOwn annual savings, cost avoidance, and value targets, including a qualified opportunity pipeline, validation with Finance, and reporting to leadershipUse market intelligence, spend analytics, and benchmarking to find savings, standardization, supplier consolidation, and demand-management opportunitiesLead full-cycle sourcing events from intake through award, including requirements, RFx, commercial analysis, and supplier onboardingLead fact-based negotiations on pricing, service levels, contract terms, renewals, data protection, IP, liability, indemnification, and audit rightsServe as the primary procurement partner for your stakeholder groups, engaging early in planning cyclesAlign business leaders, Legal, Finance, IT, and Operations on decision rights, tradeoffs, risks, timing, and outcomesManage strategic supplier relationships through clear expectations, KPIs, business reviews, and improvement plans, and support renewals, renegotiations, amendments, and transitionsAdvance procurement transformation by improving pipeline visibility, data integrity, reporting, workflow automation, and governance, using Microsoft 365, Oracle, and AI-enabled toolsWhat you'll bringBachelor's degree in Business, Economics, Supply Chain, or a related field (MBA preferred)5+ years in strategic sourcing, category management, or supplier management across indirect categories such as logistics, professional services, HR, travel, engineering services, IT, or facilitiesStrong understanding of category strategy, total cost of ownership, supplier market analysis, RFx execution, commercial negotiation, contract structure, and supplier governanceProven success negotiating complex contracts, managing supplier performance, and delivering measurable cost optimizationStrong project management, analytical, communication, and influencing skills, with the ability to turn ambiguous business needs into clear sourcing plans and adapt as priorities changeIf you're passionate about driving innovation and making a real impact, we'd love to hear from you. Message me or send your resume to learn more.Everforth Apex is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Everforth Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in