Indirect Spend Category Manager

Description:

Culligan is seeking an experienced Indirect Spend Category Manager to lead strategic sourcing initiatives, optimize supplier relationships and right-size scope requirements of services across various business units. This role is critical in ensuring the effective management of indirect spend categories such as Marketing, HR services, Real Estate and IT. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker with strong procurement experience, strong negotiation skills, and a track record of delivering cost savings through category management.

 

Specific Job Function:

Category Strategy & Planning

• Develop and execute category strategies for indirect spend to drive cost savings, improve service levels, and reduce risk.
• Analyze spend data, supply markets, and business requirements to identify sourcing opportunities and develop improvement plans.
• Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to align category strategies with business objectives.

Supplier Management

• Identify, evaluate, and onboard suppliers while managing ongoing relationships for performance, compliance, and innovation.
• Lead supplier negotiations to secure favorable pricing, service levels, terms, and conditions.
• Conduct regular supplier performance reviews and manage supplier risk, contracts, and service level agreements (SLAs).

Sourcing & Procurement Execution

• Lead end-to-end procurement processes: RFP development, bid analysis, contracting, and implementation.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, legal requirements, and corporate governance.
• Implement process improvements to streamline purchasing activities and enhance efficiency.
• Align with Finance stakeholders to validate/interlock financials

Cost Optimization & Reporting

• Drive continuous cost reduction initiatives and value delivery through strategic sourcing and demand management.
• Monitor and report key performance metrics such as cost savings, supplier performance, and contract utilization.
• Provide strategic insights and reporting to senior leadership

 

Competencies:

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies in this position:

Customer Focus                    Negotiation                                               Organization and Planning                                                                           

Strategic Planning                Communication                                       Analytical                                                                       

Detail Oriented                      Resourcefulness                                     Judgement/Decision Making                                                                  

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Supply Chain, Finance or related field; MBA preferred
• 7+ years of experience in strategic souring / category management
• 3+ years experience in developing strategies in Marketing, HR/Benefits, Travel, Insurance and MRO
• Experience supporting a global business, particularly with North American and European footprint
• Proven results of delivering cost savings through category management
• Proficient in procurement tools such as SAP, Oracle, etc.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Ability to lead through influence and work autonomously, managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Professional certifications are a plus (CPSM, CIPS, PMP, etc.)

Target Salary Range: $145,000 - $170,000 per year plus bonus. Exact pay will be based on factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, level, geographic location, and business and organizational needs. Full-time positions are eligible for competitive benefits, including paid time off, health, dental, vision, life, disability benefits and 401(k).