Senior Category Manager, Indirect Procurement

Position Summary

The Category Lead – Indirect Procurement is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies for assigned indirect spend categories such as IT, Marketing, Professional Services, Facilities, or HR. This role directly supports company objectives related to cost savings, cash management, and working capital efficiency.

Reporting to the Director of Indirect Procurement, the Category Lead will partner with business stakeholders to deliver high-impact sourcing solutions, negotiate supplier agreements, and ensure optimal vendor performance. The ideal candidate combines hands-on sourcing expertise with strong analytical, commercial, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Key Responsibilities

Category Strategy & Execution

• Own assigned indirect spend categories and build sourcing strategies aligned to business and financial priorities.
• Conduct market research, supplier benchmarking, and spend analysis to identify savings and improvement opportunities.
• Lead RFx processes, supplier evaluations, and competitive bidding efforts.

Cost, Cash & Working Capital Focus

• Negotiate contracts and supplier agreements that drive cost savings, improve payment terms, and support working capital goals.
• Collaborate with Finance to track realized savings, cash impact, and adherence to budget targets.
• Identify opportunities to consolidate suppliers, simplify vendor management, and optimize TCO.

Stakeholder & Supplier Engagement

• Act as a key procurement liaison for internal clients (e.g., IT, Marketing, HR, Legal) within your category scope.
• Partner with stakeholders to define requirements, manage expectations, and deliver procurement value.
• Manage supplier relationships, performance reviews, and corrective action plans as needed.

Compliance & Process Discipline

• Ensure contracts and purchases are compliant with procurement policies and internal controls.
• Maintain accurate records in sourcing systems and support contract lifecycle management.
• Help drive continuous improvement in procurement processes and standardization.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Finance, or a related field.
• Additional certifications (CPSM, CIPS, or Six Sigma) are a plus.

Experience

• 5–7 years of procurement or sourcing experience, with at least 3 years in indirect spend categories.
• Proven ability to manage category strategies, sourcing projects, and supplier negotiations.
• Experience in mid-sized or privately held companies with a focus on cost and cash efficiency is strongly preferred.

Key Skills and Competencies

• Solid understanding of category management principles and sourcing best practices
• Strong financial acumen and knowledge of TCO, payment terms, and cash flow levers
• Excellent negotiation and contract management skills
• Analytical mindset with the ability to use data for decision-making
• Self-starter with strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Comfortable working in a lean team and adapting to changing priorities
• Effective communicator and influencer with internal clients and vendors

Travel Requirement

• Less than 10%

We offer the following benefits for you to take advantage of while you are here provided you meet the eligibility requirements under each governing program:

• 401k savings & company match

• Paid time off

• Paid holidays

• Maternity leave

• Parental leave

• Military leave

• Other leaves of absence

• Health, dental, and vision benefits

• Health savings accounts

• Flexible spending accounts

• Life & disability benefits​

• Identity theft protection

• Pet insurance

• Certain positions may include eligibility for a short-term incentive plan

Salary may vary depending on factors such as confirmed job-related skills, experience, and location. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top end of the range for their role. Compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each case. Sales Positions are eligible for a Variable Incentive.

The pay range for this position is as follows:

Covetrus is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.