Associate Category Management Specialist-Packaging & Specialty Materials
The Associate Category Management Specialist at Confidential Client supports global category strategies within the packaging and specialty materials sector, driving cost savings, managing supplier relationships, and mitigating supply chain risks. This role requires strong business acumen and collaboration across functions to execute sourcing strategies, support negotiations, and enhance category performance, contributing directly to Confidential Client's mission of improving patient outcomes through innovative healthcare technology.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, HR & Recruitment.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You’ll Do
Confidential Client is seeking an Associate Category Management Specialist to support Packaging & Specialty Materials category work. This role supports category strategy development and execution, supplier relationship management, negotiations, and cost-savings initiatives that directly influence continuity of supply and supplier performance across the enterprise.
- Support Supplier Relationship Management
- Strengthen supplier relationships and partner closely with internal stakeholders
- Engage suppliers to support performance, alignment, and issue resolution
- Execute category strategies and convert implementation plans into business results
- Support strategy development and execution across defined sub-categories and initiatives
- Monitor market intelligence and industry trends to anticipate risks and opportunities
- Convert market insights into proactive sourcing strategies
- Negotiate supplier price changes and tariff requests to limit inflationary impact
- Prepare RFx packages, cost models, and negotiation strategies to enable high-impact negotiations
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives, apply benchmarking and industry best practices
- Identify and mitigate supply chain risks (capacity, financial, geopolitical, regulatory)
- Ensure supplier adherence to regulatory, quality and ESG/sustainability objectives
Who You Are (Qualifications)
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain or related field (or equivalent)
- Entry-level role welcome — 0+ years experience acceptable with demonstrated internship or project exposure
Preferred:
- Internship, co-op, or academic project experience in Supply Chain, Procurement, Operations, Engineering, or related functions
- Exposure to cost analysis, financial modeling, data analysis, or business case development
- Experience supporting contract review, supplier engagement, or commercial negotiations through internships or projects
- Demonstrated problem-solving, project management, and process improvement experience
- Strong analytical skills and ability to synthesize data into actionable recommendations
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel; experience with enterprise systems, supply chain technologies, or data visualization tools a plus
- Interest in leveraging AI-enabled tools and emerging technologies to improve sourcing and analysis
Location & Work Model
- Onsite in Minneapolis, MN (minimum 4 days per week onsite expected)
- This role requires in-person collaboration to support cross-functional and global stakeholders
Compensation & Benefits
- U.S. salary range (USD): $56,000 - $84,000 per year (eligible for short-term incentive plan)
- Confidential Client offers a competitive benefits package including health, dental, vision, 401(k) match, paid time off, tuition assistance, and additional benefits for regular employees working 20+ hours/week. Benefits and eligibility details may vary by location.
Other Important Details
- U.S. work authorization: this role requires unrestricted U.S. work authorization at the time of hire (sponsorship is not available for this level).
- Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. Contact local HR for accommodation requests.
- Recruitment fraud alert: apply only through official channels. Confidential Client will not ask for payment or sensitive financial information during early stages of hiring.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind.
To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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