VP Category Mgmt Direct Categories

J  o  b    D  e  s  c  r  i  p  t  i  o  n

Job Profile Title:

VP Category Mgmt Direct Categories

Job Code:

12688

Business_Title

VP Category Mgmt Direct Categories

Profile Title:

12688 VP Category Mgmt Direct Categories

Grade / Band:

L5

FLSA Status:

Exempt

The Vice President Category Management (Direct Categories) is a key strategic leader responsible for developing and executing the category strategies for all direct spend categories, including beverage, food, OS&E (Operating Supplies & Equipment), grocery, distribution and hospitality. This role drives value creation by leveraging market intelligence, supplier innovation, and cross-functional collaboration to optimize cost, quality, and supply chain resiliency.

These executive leads category management teams to deliver sustainable, competitive advantage by aligning category strategies with business objectives and customer needs, while ensuring best-in-class supplier partnerships and category performance.

Collaborates with Sourcing, Operations, Marketing, Finance, and Quality Assurance teams to deliver category objectives.

Drives strategic supplier relationships, innovation, and risk mitigation.

Maintain, enhance, and drive continuous improvement of category management to increase efficiency, compliance, and value delivery across all indirect categories.

Manage over $900M+ spend across 1,700 suppliers.

Excels in building strong partnerships with internal teams and external suppliers to drive alignment and shared success.

Responsible for Beverage, Food, OS&E, Grocery & Distribution and Hospitality.

Responsible for driving year over year cost benefits and elevating spend under management.

Define and lead comprehensive category strategies that optimize total cost of ownership, innovation, risk, and supplier ecosystem value.

Conduct market and supplier landscape analysis to identify trends, disruptions, and opportunities.

Develop long-term category plans that include supplier segmentation, value creation roadmaps, and sourcing roadmaps.

Lead category management teams to identify strategic sourcing opportunities, supplier consolidation, and emerging market trends.

Partner with business stakeholders to align category strategies with operational and financial objectives.

Drive sustainability, diversity, and ESG goals within category strategies and supplier engagement.

Build and mentor a high-performing team of category managers and analysts with deep expertise in their categories.

Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, continuous learning, and customer focus.

Set clear performance objectives, conduct talent reviews, and implement succession plans.

Provide leadership development opportunities and succession planning within the organization.

Establish and nurture strategic partnerships with key suppliers, fostering collaboration to drive innovation, cost savings, and quality improvements.

Lead contract negotiation strategies in partnership with sourcing and legal teams, ensuring competitive terms and risk mitigation.

Monitor supplier performance against KPIs and drive corrective actions when needed.

Partner closely with sourcing teams to ensure alignment between category strategy and sourcing execution.

Collaborate with operations, quality, and finance to ensure category strategies support operational requirements and financial targets.

Engage with marketing and product teams to influence product development and customer experience through category expertise.

Integrate sustainability goals, ESG principles, and responsible sourcing practices into category strategies.

Proactively identify and mitigate supply chain risks including geopolitical, environmental, and supplier financial risks.

Performs other job-related duties as requested

Proof of eligibility to work in the United States

Bachelor's Degree

in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.

Preferred

Master's Degree

Preferred

12+ Years of Prior Relevant Experience

Progressive leadership experience in category management of direct spend in large, complex organizations.

Required

Proven track record managing multiple direct categories including beverage, food, OS&E (Operating Supplies & Equipment), grocery, distribution and hospitality.

Required

Experience leading cross-functional teams and managing supplier relationships at a senior level.

Required

Demonstrated success delivering cost savings, innovation, and risk reduction in direct categories.

Required

Experience in deploying procurement technology and analytics tools.

Preferred

Professional certifications such as CPSM, CSCP, or equivalent are a plus.

Preferred

Deep understanding of direct spend categories, supplier markets, and procurement best practices.

Expertise in market intelligence, spend analysis, and category strategy frameworks.

Knowledge of contract management, negotiation, and supplier performance management.

Familiarity with procurement technology platforms (e.g., SAP Ariba, Coupa) and analytics tools.

Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Effective communicator and influencer at all organizational levels.

Demonstrated ability to lead and develop diverse, high-performing teams.

Strong project management and execution focus with attention to detail.

Customer-centric mindset with the ability to balance stakeholder interests.

Drives category strategies that deliver competitive advantage and operational excellence.

Builds and inspires high-performing, agile teams.

Cultivates strong partnerships for mutual growth and innovation.

Aligns diverse stakeholders to common goals.

Delivers measurable business impact through disciplined execution.

Balancing

X

Bending

X

Carrying 10 pounds

X

Clear speech - simple

X

Clear speech - complex

X

Climbing

X

Distant vision

X

Driving

X

Flexibility - upper body

X

Flexibility - lower body

X

Hearing/Listening

X

Kneeling

X

Lifting 10 pounds

X

Near vision

X

Normal vision

X

Pushing/Pulling

X

Reaching

X

Sitting

X

Standing

X

Typing

X

Walking

X

Communication - verbal

X

Communication - written

X

Confined area

X

Contacts - works alone

X

Contacts - works around others

X

Contacts - works with others

X

Exposure to dust / dirt

X

Exposure to fumes / odors

X

Extreme cold

X

Extreme heat

X

Fast pace

X

Hazardous conditions - chemicals

X

Hazardous conditions - high structures

X

Hazardous conditions - high voltage

X

Indoors

X

Noise levels - low to moderate

X

Noise levels - high

X

Office conditions

X

Outdoors

X

Restricted area

X

Shifts

X

Smoke

X

Travel

X

Wet/Humid

X

Analytical

X

Clerical

X

Comprehension

X

Crisis incidents

X

Customer service

X

Decision making

X

High pressure

X

Judgment

X

Long hours

X

Math skills - advance

X

Math skills - basic

X

Organization

X

Reading - simple

X

Reading - complex

X

Repetition

X

Tight deadlines

X

Writing - simple

X

Writing - complex

X