Category Manager

Job Summary

The Category Manager in Procurement is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies for assigned categories to achieve cost savings, supplier performance, and risk mitigation. This role defines and communicates category plans, analyzes market conditions, manages key stakeholder relationships, and drives strategic value through category strategy. The Category Manager ensures alignment with company goals for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, supporting Sorenson's mission to connect and empower diverse communities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Define and communicate category plans to stakeholders and leadership.
• Analyze market conditions to identify trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Manage key stakeholder relationships to ensure alignment with business objectives.
• Drive strategic value through the development and execution of category strategies.
• Lead supplier/vendor management, including sourcing, negotiations, and performance evaluation.
• Develop and implement category strategies to optimize total cost of ownership and supplier value.
• Lead sourcing initiatives, including RFPs, negotiations, and contract management for assigned categories.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand requirements and deliver procurement solutions.
• Ensure procurement activities support company goals for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation in accordance with company policies.
• Complete other duties and projects as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position manages employees and is responsible for the performance management and hiring of the employees.

Travel Requirements

Travel Requirements: Less than 25%

Education

Minimum of a 4 Year / Bachelors Degree In Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field.

Preferred Graduate Degree In Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field.

Experience

Minimum of 6 years of experience with a mix of Procurement, Accounting, Finance or IT involving duties such as: category management, strategic sourcing, evaluating, negotiating and awarding contracts.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent communication skills
• Self-starter with the ability to use initiative to solve problems and resolve issues
• Team player; works well in a team environment
• Knowledge of procurement best practices and category management methodologies
• Strong critical thinking skills
• Advanced data analytics and management capability to interpret trends, assess supplier performance, and drive strategic decisions
• Comprehensive understanding of commercial terms and conditions and adept at conducting win-win negotiations with suppliers with tact and professionalism
• Ability to be flexible, while managing changing priorities and deadlines
• Strong analytical and negotiation skills
• Proficiency with ERP, procurement software, and Microsoft Office Suite

Company Summary

Our Mission...Harnessing the power of language, we connect diverse people and enrich the human experience.

Our Vision...To provide global language services that expand opportunities, nurture belonging, and empower the world to connect beyond words.

As one of the world's leading language services providers, Sorenson combines patented technology with human-centric solutions. We strive to increase accessibility and inclusion through communication solutions for all: call captioning and video relay services, over-video and in-person sign language and spoken language interpreting, translation, real-time captioning, and post-production language services. Sorenson's impact vision and plan extends to enhancing generational wealth and inclusive workplaces for our employees and the communities we serve.

We achieve great things together working "The Sorenson Way" with our employee values: Customer First, Can-Do Attitude, Collective Action, Growth Mindset, Ownership, and Connect Direct.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
Sorenson Communications is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer.