Category Manager

The Category Manager provides guidance to business areas, supports supplier segmentation initiatives, ensures compliance with Vendor Management Office (VMO) policies and regulatory requirements, and contributes to enterprise governance and strategic initiatives. Support continuous improvement and change management by identifying process gaps, coordinating practical improvements, documenting changes, and supporting adoption with business areas and suppliers.

Are you ready to make a difference? Choose to work for one of the most trusted companies in Kansas.

Why Join Us?

• Make a Positive Impact: Your work will directly contribute to the health and well-being of Kansans.
  
• FamilyComes First: Total rewards package that promotes the idea of family first for all employees. Paid vacation and sick leave with paid maternity and paternity available immediately upon hire
  
• Professional Growth Opportunities: Advance your career with ongoing training and development programs.
  
• Dynamic Work Environment: Collaborate with a team of passionate and driven individuals in a work environment that promotes flexibility.
  
• Trust and Stability: Work for one of the most trusted companies in Kansas with over 80 years of commitment, compassion and community.
  
• Inclusive Work Environment: We pride ourselves on fostering a workplace where everyone is valued and respected.
  

Benefits & Perks

• Base compensation is only one component of your competitive Total Rewards package
  
• Incentive pay program (EPIP)
  
• Health/Vision/Dental insurance
  
• 6 weeks paid parental leave for new mothers and fathers
  
• Fertility/Adoption assistance
  
• 2 weeks paid caregiver leave
  
• 401(k) plan matching up to 5%
  
• Tuition reimbursement
  
• Health & fitness benefits, discounts and resources
  

Job Summary

The Category Manager serves as a strategic business partner, developing and executing category strategies that drive operational efficiencies, value, and long-term success. This role collaborates with internal stakeholders and suppliers to achieve business objectives through effective contract negotiations, supplier performance management, issue resolution, and continuous improvement. The Category Manager provides guidance to business areas, supports supplier segmentation initiatives, ensures compliance with Vendor Management Office (VMO) policies and regulatory requirements, and contributes to enterprise governance and strategic initiatives.

"This position is eligible to work remotely, hybrid or onsite in accordance with our Telecommuting Policy. Applicants must reside in Kansas or Missouri or be willing to relocate as a condition of employment."

What you'll do

• Integrate with business areas as a strategic business partner to understand needs, provide expertise, and deliver solutions that align with organizational goals.
  
• Develop and execute long-term engagement strategies with business areas to ensure sustained value and continuous improvement.
  
• Establish category roadmap, strategies, and plans to drive operational efficiencies, cost savings, risk management, innovation, and ongoing category development.
  
• Negotiate and amend complex contracts and agreements with suppliers to achieve optimal value and quality.
  
• Oversee activities and processes for assigned categories, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
  
• Support continuous improvement and change management by identifying process gaps, coordinating practical improvements, documenting changes, and supporting adoption with business areas and suppliers.
  
• Foster continuous improvement in vendor management by developing and implementing effective reporting, tracking, analytics, SLAs, KPIs, performance goals, and related performance management practices.
  
• Act as an educational resource for internal business partners on vendor management, sourcing strategies, and policy adherence.
  
• Build and maintain strong, collaborative partnerships with key suppliers, ensuring performance meets organizational goals.
  
• Address vendor issues to ensure high service delivery.
  

What you need

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally, in writing and via telephone regarding sensitive and confidential issues and maintain a positive professional image.
  
• Ability to assess, analyze, plan, and evaluate situations.
  
• Ability to self-direct, make independent decisions, and prioritize daily activities.
  
• Ability to handle sensitive situations in a positive, professional manner.
  
• Must be comfortable discussing reimbursement/financial arrangements.
  
• Schedule could require alternative work hours, which may include evenings, weekends, availability 365 days per year.
  

Education and Experience

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Knowledge of category management principles and strategic sourci