Category Lead

Primarily responsible for managing and optimizing key product and service categories, ensuring cost efficiency, supplier performance, and overall category profitability. The functions include strategic planning, supplier negotiations, market intelligence, total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to execute category strategies.

Our Team

As an ideal candidate, you will bring your expertise in category management, procurement, and supply chain, demonstrating strong analytical skills, strategic thinking, and proactive problem-solving. Excellent communication and collaboration skills are crucial for effective stakeholder management.

You will have the opportunity to work at a global organization with a dynamic and collaborative culture. We are seeking highly motivated individuals who can drive cost optimization, supplier performance, and transformational initiatives while fostering strong cross-functional partnerships.

What You Will Do

• Develop and execute category strategies that improve profitability, mitigate risk, and drive cost savings.
• Analyze market trends, competitor activity, and supplier performance to identify opportunities for growth and improvement.
• Lead supplier negotiations, including price, terms, and service level agreements, leveraging TCO insights.
• Own and monitor category spend, supplier base, savings initiatives, and pricing mechanisms.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Finance, Operations, Engineering, and Project Management to align category strategies with business objectives.
• Manage supplier relationships end-to-end, including performance management, risk mitigation, dispute resolution, and development initiatives.
• Champion change and transformation initiatives that improve category performance and business outcomes.
• Provide actionable insights and recommendations using data-driven analysis to support business decisions.

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain, Business, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in category management, procurement, or consulting.
• Proven track record in delivering cost savings, TCO management, and transformational change initiatives.
• Proficiency in procurement platforms such as Ariba or Coupa and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize, manage competing demands, and work effectively in a collaborative environment.
• High degree of integrity, accountability, and problem-solving mindset.

• Experience in multiple products or spend categories and driving measurable cost savings.
• Expertise in advanced category management tools, financial analysis, and should-cost modeling.
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams and stakeholders effectively.
• Knowledge of global supply markets and competitive benchmarking.
• Proven ability to drive supplier development and performance improvement initiatives.

All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers. Learn more about our hiring philosophy.

Who We Are

At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company.