Category Manager
The Category Manager at Confidential Client is responsible for developing and executing indirect procurement strategies for chemical, packaging, and service categories to deliver optimal sourcing value. This role involves managing the end-to-end procurement process, supplier selection, contract negotiation, and performance management while collaborating with internal stakeholders and ensuring compliance with company policies. The position is based at the Northbrook, IL headquarters and focuses on driving cost savings, supplier partnerships, and alignment with corporate objectives.
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, Consultancy.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Role Summary
Confidential Client (via Careertakes) is hiring a Category Manager to lead indirect procurement and category management activities for chemical, packaging, and service categories. This is a full-time position based in Northbrook, IL. You will work cross-functionally to develop sourcing strategies, manage suppliers, run RFI/RFP processes, negotiate commercial terms, and deliver measurable value to the business.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute commercial go-to-market and sourcing strategies for assigned indirect categories (chemical, packaging, services).
- Drive the end-to-end procurement lifecycle: sourcing, supplier qualification, negotiation, contracting and supplier performance management.
- Lead RFI/RFP processes, supplier evaluations, and risk-aligned contract execution.
- Negotiate pricing, terms, service levels and optimize total cost of ownership.
- Partner with internal stakeholders (manufacturing, operations, legal, finance, sustainability) to define requirements and procurement solutions.
- Monitor category and supplier performance across cost, quality, delivery and service; run corrective actions and continuous improvement.
- Analyze market trends, price drivers and supply conditions to inform sourcing decisions.
- Track and deliver year-over-year value creation (cost savings, cost avoidance, rebates, improved payment terms, inventory optimization).
- Maintain strong vendor relationships and ensure compliance with company procurement, safety and environmental policies.
Qualifications
Required
- Exposure to category management, procurement, sourcing, or supply chain through work experience, internships, academic projects or related activities.
- Strong organizational, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills with attention to detail.
- Demonstrated ability to analyze costs and identify savings opportunities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis; experience with SAP ERP or similar enterprise systems preferred.
Preferred
- Direct category management or procurement experience — ideally in chemicals, packaging, or contract manufacturing.
- Experience developing sourcing strategies, managing RFXs, negotiating commercial agreements, and managing supplier performance.
- Strong project and time management skills; ability to handle multiple RFPs and contract negotiations simultaneously.
- Ability to extract and analyze large datasets and present actionable findings to leadership.
- Strong stakeholder management, influencing and communication skills.
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required — preferably in economics, business, chemical engineering, supply chain management, or a related field.
Compensation & Benefits
- Pay Range: $77,300 - $115,500 (annual). The range is based on skills, experience, qualifications and the job location.
- Benefits include (examples): discretionary bonus, medical/dental/vision, 401(k) with match, profit sharing, PTO, STD/LTD, FSA/HSA, paid parental leave, adoption assistance, recognition programs, and employee assistance program.
Location & Employment Type
- Location: Northbrook, IL (on-site / hybrid as determined by the client)
- Employment type: FULL_TIME
Work Authorization
- Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire. Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
About the Client
Confidential Client is a longstanding organization in the Consultancy sector seeking procurement talent to help optimize supply chains and sourcing for their US operations. The role offers exposure to complex indirect categories and opportunities to work cross-functionally to deliver measurable commercial value.
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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