Category Manager

Role: Category Manager – Maintenance & Services (MRO)

Location: Chicago, IL
Experience: 8–10 Years
Job Type: Full-Time

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Category Manager – Maintenance & Services (MRO) to lead strategic sourcing and category management across maintenance, spare parts, supplies, facilities, and technical services. The ideal candidate will have strong procurement experience, supplier management skills, and a proven track record of cost optimization within manufacturing, FMCG, or CPG environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies for MRO, maintenance, facilities, and technical services.
• Manage end-to-end strategic sourcing activities, including spend analysis and total cost of ownership (TCO) optimization.
• Lead RFP, RFQ, and RFI processes, supplier selection, and contract negotiations.
• Negotiate pricing, commercial terms, Service Level Agreements (SLAs), and Master Service Agreements (MSAs).
• Identify cost-saving, cost-avoidance, supplier consolidation, and standardization opportunities.
• Manage supplier performance and develop strategic relationships with national and regional vendors.
• Collaborate with Operations, Engineering, Facilities, Finance, EHS, and other stakeholders.
• Track and report annual savings, cost reductions, and overall procurement performance.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 8–10 years of experience in Category Management, Strategic Sourcing, or Procurement, preferably within the MRO space.
• Strong experience in maintenance, facilities, spare parts, and technical services procurement.
• Hands-on experience with RFP, RFQ, RFI, contract negotiations, and supplier management.
• Experience with US-based suppliers and service providers.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in FMCG, CPG, or Manufacturing industries.
• Professional certifications such as CPSM, CPSD, CIPS, or PMP.
• Experience developing category strategies, sourcing plans, and business cases.
• Experience managing national service providers and regional vendors.