Senior Category Specialist (Finance)

Senior Category Specialist

Requisition ID 2025-17126

Posting Date 19 hours ago (8/11/2025 11:30 PM)

Job Location(s) Bloomington IN United States

Job Locations US-IN-Bloomington

Position Type Full Time

Company Cook Inc - Bloomington

Category Purchasing/Supply Chain

Overview

The Senior Category Specialist will collaborate with Global Directors and Category Managers on sourcing initiatives, supplier management, cost optimization, and risk mitigation strategies for both Indirect and Direct Procurement, refining processes as needed to drive overall efficiencies.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Category Managers in the development and lead execution of comprehensive category management strategies for assigned categories and develop knowledge of devices/services for assigned suppliers globally.
• Conduct advanced market research and analysis to identify cost-reduction opportunities, emerging trends, and potential supply chain disruptions.
• Research industry best practices in procurement, category management, and market trends.
• Lead price analysis and cost increase remediation with the intention of benchmarking pricing.
• Build and manage strong, collaborative relationships with key suppliers, driving continuous improvement in performance, pricing, and innovation.
• Assist and provide support to Management with RFX strategic sourcing strategies, NPI, etc.
• Collaborate with Management on the RFP/RFQ process, including leading cross-functional teams, developing solicitation documents, evaluating proposals, and negotiating high-value contracts.
• May negotiate and manage Supplier contracts, including signatory process and monitoring adherence to contract obligations.
• Lead supplier priority of components with assistance from divisions for assigned suppliers globally.
• Lead supplier performance tracking and reporting for assigned suppliers globally and present out as needed.
• Collaborate with Management on supplier performance management programs to ensure adherence to quality standards and contractual obligations.
• Assist in deployment of procurement technology.
• Analyze, pull data and reports with finance, operations, quality, and others as needed and maintain category specific reports and documentation.
• Support Procurement Leadership & Category Managers daily, on demand projects and activities as required.
• Lead supplier order management for assigned suppliers globally including working with all entities on PO updates/guidance and providing forecasts to the supplier as needed.
• Participate in order management activities.
• Support category budgets and assist in the achievement of measurable cost savings and monitoring validation status of savings.
• Identify and implement process improvements to streamline procurement activities and drive overall efficiency.
• Provide strategic guidance and recommendations to senior management on procurement initiatives.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed. This position is expected to follow other job-related instructions and duties.

Qualifications

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:

• Requires a Bachelor's Degree or relevant experience.
• Minimum 5 years of prior relevant experience.
• CPSM or CPM or other certification preferred.
• Requires advanced knowledge of job area typically obtained through advanced education combined with experience.
• May have practical knowledge of project management.
• Knowledge of Procurement or Supply Chain systems, tools, policies, and procedures.
• Both Direct and Indirect Procurement experience a plus.

Qualification Requirements:

• Demonstrated understanding of negotiations, driving cost reduction strategies and day-to-day Procurement operations.
• Understand basics of demand planning and inventory management.
• Proficient in communication skills.
• Display effective communication skills and ability to work in a collaborative and independent work situations and environments with minimal supervision.
• Ability to remain calm and receptive in fast paced situations.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Work, PowerPoint, etc).

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"We are proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer for minorities, women, protected veterans, disabled individuals, and any other protected class."

Cook will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state/province and local law.