Category Manager

ABOUT THE ROLE Reporting to the Director of Procurement Category Management, the Category Manager develops professional sourcing approaches to generate significant savings while maintaining or improving service levels. This role ensures the district is not exposed to undue risks due to non-compliance, supply chain issues, or unethical behavior. This is a full-time, exempt position paid on a salary basis. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Proactively manage categories and develop short and long-term sourcing strategies and plans - Manage team members, including assigning, organizing, and directing the work of Category Buyers - Identify suppliers, solicit and review contracts, and perform spend, contract, and market analysis - Lead negotiations with suppliers to ensure the best quality, service, and cost - Partner with stakeholders to develop and launch procurement strategies, timelines, and goals - Communicate sourcing decisions to stakeholders and complete necessary system updates - Maintain knowledge of market trends, cost structures, and technical improvements - Generate materials for vendor presentations, workshops, and negotiations - Support contract management, monitor compliance, and manage key supplier relationships and performance MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university is required. Degrees in Business Administration, Supply Chain, or related fields are preferred. Master's degree and Certified Public Procurement Buyer or Officer credentials are also preferred. - Experience: Minimum of 5 years of procurement or supply chain experience in a leading private or public organization. Experience with Oracle is preferred. - Skills: Strong analytical, organizational, negotiation, and influencing skills. Proficiency in MS Office, Google Workspace, and ERP systems like SAP or Oracle. - Abilities: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, problem-solving, decision-making, leadership, and team-building. Ability to interface with all levels of management, build collaborative relationships, and analyze data to outline valid conclusions. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Chicago Residency: Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within 6 months of their hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment. - Illinois Residency: All CPS employees must be residents of Illinois. SELECTION PROCESS - Candidates will be evaluated based on their education, procurement and supply chain experience, and relevant skills provided in the application. - Specific selection process steps are not detailed in the provided job description. HOW TO APPLY - Apply using Job Number: 260001YV - Posting Date: July 29, 2026 - Submit application and required documentation through the official Chicago Public Schools employment portal EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Employer: Chicago Public Schools (CPS) - Department: Procurement and Contracts - Primary Location: Central-42 West Madison Street - Position Type: Non-Union Position (Job Grade S09) - Overtime Status: Exempt - Benefits: Comprehensive health coverage (Medical, Pharmacy, Dental, Vision, Behavioral Health, EAP, Wellness Program), financial security options (Basic Life, Disability, Pension, 403(b), 457(b), FSAs, Pet Insurance), and work-life balance support (Paid Leave, Sick Leave, Vacation, Parental Leave, Short-Term Disability, Religious Holidays)