Category Manager Hybrid (KY/PA) Contract Role
Job Role: Category Manager
Location: Louisville, KY or Allentown, PA (Hybrid 3 days onsite)
Duration: Contract (May 2026 May 2027)
Work Hours: 8:00 AM 5:00 PM
Job Description
We are seeking an experienced Category Manager to support supply chain and procurement operations for a wide range of corporate requirements. This role is heavily focused on contract negotiation and management (not a transactional buying role) and involves handling complex, high-value agreements up to $100M annually.
The ideal candidate will bring strong expertise in contract negotiation, redlining, supplier management, and strategic sourcing, with the ability to work cross-functionally and independently in a fast-paced environment.
Key Responsibilities
Contract Strategy & Negotiation
• Develop and execute negotiation strategies for complex, multi-million-dollar contracts
• Lead contract negotiations, including redlining and tracking changes in Microsoft Office tools
• Partner with legal teams to ensure appropriate commercial protections are included
• Interpret and negotiate contractual language effectively
Supply Chain Management
• Manage end-to-end supply chain lifecycle from requirement definition to contract administration
• Determine optimal sourcing strategies and supply chain models
• Procure services and goods including construction, engineering, IT/software, and indirect services
Market & Financial Analysis
• Conduct market research and financial analysis to assess supplier risk and pricing
• Implement risk mitigation strategies such as bonds, guarantees, or hedging
• Evaluate supplier performance and drive continuous improvement initiatives
Stakeholder & Supplier Management
• Act as the primary liaison between internal stakeholders and suppliers
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, and project management teams
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships aligned with ethical business practices
Project & Category Ownership
• Support capital projects including software, SaaS, hardware, and services procurement
• Serve as a category expert, understanding market trends, supplier landscape, and cost drivers
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously while ensuring quality, cost, and schedule compliance
Required Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, or related field
(or equivalent experience)
• Minimum 2+ years of experience in procurement, sourcing, or supply chain
• Strong experience in:
o Contract negotiation and redlining (mandatory)
o Understanding commercial terms & legal language
o Microsoft Office (especially track changes / redlining)
• Knowledge of supply chain processes, sourcing strategies, and supplier management
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience negotiating IT contracts, software, or services agreements
• Certifications such as C.P.M. (Certified Purchasing Manager) or C.P.S.M.
• Background in Lean, Six Sigma, or process improvement methodologies
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders simultaneously
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills