Procurement Category Manager

Hiring a Sr. Buyer for a large tech client! If interested, please apply directly.

Job Description

We are seeking a dedicated Procurement Category Manager to join our Strategic Procurement and Supply Chain department. This role is pivotal for driving procurement and operational value for Material Handling Equipment (MHE) systems. The successful candidate will lead the development and execution of capital sourcing strategies for equipment and components, ensuring consistency and scalability across our network.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category sourcing strategies for equipment and components that form the overall MHE system or sub-systems, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and objectives.
• Lead cross-functional sourcing events, negotiate with suppliers, and execute contracts to optimize competitive positioning for procured equipment.
• Manage internal and external relationships with key stakeholders, including suppliers, business units, and other procurement teams.
• Drive supplier performance management, focusing on transparency, quality, innovation, and overall supplier performance.
• Collaborate with global and local teams to deploy and manage the implementation of defined strategies.
• Influence suppliers’ roadmaps, design, processes, technology decisions, and strategies to align with procurement objectives.
• Lead complex and cross-functional projects to drive productivity and innovation within the category.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activities, and industry best practices to inform category strategies and decision-making.
• Develop and maintain category-specific metrics and reporting to track performance, savings, and supplier compliance.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in procurement, supply chain, or a related field, with a focus on equipment, industrial automation/robotics, CAPEX or similar complex categories.
• Proven experience in developing and executing category sourcing strategies, negotiating contracts, and managing supplier relationships.
• Demonstrated skills in building procurement and supply chain processes from scratch. Knowledge of supply agreement construction and understanding of key contracting provisions/requirements.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across multiple teams and levels.
• Experience with procurement tools and technologies, such as e-sourcing platforms and contract management systems.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in the MHE industry, with a deep understanding of equipment procurement processes.
• Experience with data analytics and visualization tools to drive insights and decision-making.
• Certification in procurement or supply chain management (e.g., CPSM, CSCP) is a plus.

Work Environment

This role is based in Seattle, WA, Nashville, TN, Houston, TX, or Arlington, VA. Work is conducted onsite five days a week within a new business group, One MHS. The environment is dynamic and requires a professional demeanor and the ability to partner with people at every level, both internally and externally.

This is a Contract position based out of Arlington, VA.

The pay range for this position is $41.00 - $45.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Arlington,VA.

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 23, 2026.

About Aston Carter:

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® double diamond winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com for other accommodation options.