Category Manager, Services

About This Role

Develop and execute comprehensive category strategies for services, including industrial, maintenance, technical, and professional services, to optimize total cost of ownership and manage supply chain risk for mining and manufacturing operations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align strategies with business goals and drive continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies aligned with operational requirements, cost objectives, and long-term business goals
• Develop sourcing strategies for services-based categories focusing on labor-intensive, performance-based, and contract-driven scopes of work
• Lead sourcing activities including supplier identification, competitive bidding, negotiations, and contract execution
• Conduct economic analysis including cost modeling, TCO analysis, and business case development to support sourcing decisions
• Continuously monitor market conditions, supply markets, cost drivers, and commercial trends to inform category strategies and risk mitigation
• Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Planning, and Finance teams to forecast demand and ensure supply continuity
• Partner with Legal team to ensure alignment on commercial terms, risk allocation, and contract lifecycle management
• Manage supplier relationships through performance reviews, scorecards, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks through contingency planning, dual-sourcing strategies, and capacity/inventory buffers
• Maintain accurate supplier, pricing, and contract data within ERP and procurement systems, ensuring adherence to policies
• Prepare and present category strategies, KPIs, supplier performance, financial impacts, and risk assessments to leadership and stakeholders

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Finance or related field
• 5-8 years of progressive experience in category management, procurement, strategic sourcing, or supply chain
• Experience in industrial, manufacturing, mining, or heavy-asset environments, with specific experience managing industrial services categories
• Strong analytical skills, including spend analysis, cost modeling, and supplier evaluation
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Familiarity with ERP/procurement systems (SAP or similar)

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Finance or related field.
• 5-8 years of progressive experience in category management, procurement, strategic sourcing, or supply chain.

Nice to Have

• Master’s degree or advanced degree
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
• Strong business judgment and supply-chain acumen
• Proven negotiation skills and experience managing complex supplier relationships and contracts
• Demonstrated ability to lead change and drive continuous improvement
• Experience with supplier performance management, risk mitigation, and contingency planning
• Familiarity with capital projects, MRO, direct materials, or technical services sourcing
• Knowledge of procurement compliance and industry standards

Skills

* Required skills