Job Title: Category Manager – Strategic Sourcing
Location: 488 8th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
Work Arrangement: 4 Days/Week Onsite preferred; flexibility may be available for the right candidate
Rate: $60/hr
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
Contract: Potential opportunity for FTE conversion based on performance and business needs
Interview Process: 1 round with the Hiring Manager and two current Category Managers
Equipment: Provided by SDG&E
Job Summary
We are seeking an experienced Category Manager / Strategic Sourcing professional with 4–8 years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, supply chain, or category management.
The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in contracting, strategic sourcing, RFP development, supplier negotiations, market analysis, cost reduction, and stakeholder management. This role will manage multiple cross-functional categories and projects while developing sourcing strategies that deliver measurable savings and improved service levels.
Key Responsibilities
Manage category portfolio spend and develop short- and long-term cost-reduction strategies.
Conduct detailed market analysis, supplier evaluations, competitive assessments, and market intelligence.
Develop and execute strategic sourcing strategies, including requirements gathering and RFP processes.
Draft, negotiate, assemble, and manage contracts for strategic purchases and large spot buys.
Lead supplier evaluations, negotiations, and change-management initiatives.
Manage cost-reduction programs focused on Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) savings.
Lead multiple concurrent cross-functional projects and teams.
Develop project plans for moderately complex sourcing and procurement initiatives.
Track and report category performance, savings, supplier performance, and portfolio changes.
Partner closely with business stakeholders, Legal, Risk, and Senior Management.
Develop and maintain efficient sourcing and procurement processes and procedures.
Identify and execute opportunities to improve cost, quality, service levels, and supplier performance.
Top Desired Skills
Strong strategic sourcing and contracting experience.
Hands-on experience drafting, negotiating, assembling, and strategizing contracts and RFPs.
Strong ability to interact with business stakeholders, Legal, Risk, and Senior Management.
Customer-focused, highly organized, and detail-oriented.
Strong negotiation, communication, interpersonal, and project management skills.
Experience with SAP Ariba or the ability to quickly learn the Ariba platform.
Demonstrated success leading sourcing projects that achieved measurable cost savings.
Strong knowledge of strategic sourcing methodologies and procurement processes.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required in Business, Supply Chain, Procurement, or a related field.
4–8 years of experience in strategic sourcing, category management, procurement, or supply chain.
Proven experience managing cross-functional sourcing projects.
Demonstrated success achieving quantifiable savings through strategic sourcing methodologies.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Strong project management and negotiation capabilities.
Preferred Qualifications
MBA strongly preferred.
Insurance industry experience preferred.
Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) certification is a plus.
Experience with eProcurement and eSourcing systems.
Experience managing categories such as Travel, IT, Facilities, and Marketing.
Experience with SAP Ariba.
Strong understanding of supplier markets, pricing, cost drivers, and competitive landscapes.
Additional Role Details
Internal Job Title: Category Manager
Onsite: 4 days per week preferred at 488 8th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101.
Some flexibility may be available for a highly qualified candidate.
Business Hours: 8:00 AM–4:00 PM.
Interview: One interview round with the Hiring Manager and two Category Managers.
FTE Conversion: Potential opportunity based on performance and available headcount at the end of the contract.
Equipment: Provided by SDG&E.
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