Category Manager

Job Description

The Category Manager will strategically manage and optimize the Procurement process. You will be responsible for developing and implementing category strategies to efficiently source software, goods, and services, negotiate contracts and collaborate with internal stakeholders to deliver high-quality sourcing solutions, while achieving cost savings. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of Procurement and the overall S2P process.

The position requires a strategic and operational leader, responsible for driving category strategy, sourcing execution, contract negotiations, and procurement transformation across key enterprise spend areas, with a primary focus on Marketing, HR, and Finance categories, while supporting broader business needs as a flexible generalist.

This role will partner closely with executive stakeholders to develop and execute category strategies, lead complex sourcing initiatives, and optimize supplier performance. In parallel, this leader will play a critical role in implementing and operationalizing an AI-driven intake-to-pay procurement platform, driving adoption, workflow design, and process standardization across the organization.

The ideal candidate brings a blend of category expertise, operational agility, and procurement technology leadership, with a strong understanding of end-to-end Source-to-Pay (S2P) processes.

Key Responsibilities

Category Strategy & Sourcing Leadership

• Develop and execute category strategies aligned with business priorities

• Act as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders across various categories of spend

• Lead complex sourcing initiatives end-to-end, including RFPs, supplier selection, and negotiations

• Operate as a flexible procurement partner, supporting day-to-day sourcing and contracting needs across additional categories as business demand requires

• Triage and prioritize incoming requests, balancing strategic initiatives with tactical execution

• Establish and manage preferred supplier programs and rationalized supplier portfolios

• Drive total cost of ownership, value creation, and risk mitigation strategies

• Ensure consistent application of procurement policies, processes, and controls across all engagements

Supplier & Contract Management

• Lead strategic supplier relationship management, including performance reviews and governance models

• Independently lead commercial negotiations and contract redlining in partnership with Legal, InfoSec, and Finance

• Identify opportunities for supplier consolidation, cost optimization, and innovation

Procurement Transformation

• Serve as a key team member in the implementation and rollout of an AI-based intake-to-pay procurement platform

• Partner with cross-functional teams to design and optimize intake workflows, approval routing, and user experience

• Drive system adoption and change management across the managed departments across the organization

• Translate business needs into system requirements and continuously improve procurement processes through technology

• Identify and lead initiatives to improve procurement efficiency, scalability, and user experience

• Develop and deliver stakeholder education and enablement programs

• Provide mentorship to procurement professionals

Supervisory Responsibilities Directly supervises 1 - 4 Full-time Equivalent (FTE) regular employees and/or contractors.  Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Five (5) years in various Procurement category leadership roles, with track record of successfully managing complex Procurement categories and partnering with executive level stakeholders

• Three (3) years of management experience

Other Required Qualifications

• Strong negotiation skills and a demonstrated ability to drive cost savings

• In depth knowledge of Procurement best practices, category management, market trends, and contracting

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with stakeholders and cross-functional teams

• Strong analytical, problem solving and project management skills

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain or related field, MBA highly preferred

• Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)

• Experience in Education Technology industry

• Experience consolidating / integrating subsidiary and affiliate strategic contracts

• Experience with AI-based intake to pay procurement systems and NetSuite a plus

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• This position is virtual and open to residents of the 50 states, D.C. 

• Must be available during East Coast work hours (8am-5pm) in addition to after hours as needed. 

Compensation and Benefits: Stride, Inc considers a person’s education, experience, and qualifications, as well as the position’s work location, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value when determining a new employee’s salary level.  Salaries will differ based on these factors, the position’s level and expected contribution, and the employee’s benefits elections.  Offers will typically be in the bottom half of the range. 

We anticipate the salary range to be $102,229.00 and 136,305.00.  Eligible employees may receive a bonus.  This salary is not guaranteed, as an individual’s compensation can vary based on several factors.  These factors include, but are not limited to, geographic location, experience, training, education, and local market conditions. Stride offers a robust benefits package for eligible employees that can include health benefits, retirement contributions, and paid time off. 

Job Type

The above job is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned by their supervisor. All employment is “at-will” as governed by the law of the state where the employee works.  It is further understood that the “at-will” nature of employment is one aspect of employment that cannot be changed except in writing and signed by an authorized officer.

If you are a job seeker with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to apply for one of our jobs, you can request the appropriate accommodation by contacting stridecareers@k12.com.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

Stride, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants receive consideration for employment based on merit without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law. Stride, Inc. complies with all legally required affirmative action obligations. Applicants will not be discriminated against because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.