Category Manager

Role: Category Manager

Location: Chennai
Experience: 8–10 Years
Band: BPO 4/5
Salary: 11–12 LPA (₹91,667–₹1,00,000 per month)
Job Code: 423309

Education & Qualification

• Minimum 15 years of regular, full-time education (10 + 2 + 3).
• B.Tech preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Finance, or a related field.
• Certification in Procurement (e.g., CPSM, CIPS) is an added advantage.

Job Role

The Category Manager is responsible for developing a Category Management strategy and a comprehensive plan using deep domain expertise in the respective category.

The role involves analysing market trends, material indices, cost structures, Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) applicability, procurement data, and supplier performance while supporting strategic sourcing initiatives.

The position focuses on optimising purchasing decisions, reducing costs, and improving supply chain efficiency through data-driven insights and market intelligence.

Understanding the Kraljic Matrix and driving strategic decisions in the right direction will add maximum business value.

Required Skills

• Strong sourcing background with analytical skills.
• Proficiency in Excel, Power BI, or similar tools.
• Familiarity with ERP systems such as Ariba, SAP, Oracle, and Coupa.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Knowledge of procurement regulations and contract management.

Key Responsibilities

1. Data Analysis & Reporting

• Analyse procurement data to identify trends, cost-saving opportunities, and process improvements.
• Develop dashboards and reports to monitor procurement KPIs and supplier performance.

2. Supplier Evaluation & Management

• Assess supplier capabilities, pricing, and compliance with contractual terms.
• Support vendor selection and onboarding processes.
• Strategise and ensure on-time delivery performance while meeting all quality specifications.

3. Strategic Sourcing & Project Planning

• Create sourcing projects within the ERP system.
• Conduct negotiations.
• Manage stakeholders.
• Perform risk analysis.
• Conduct market analysis.
• Perform spend analysis.
• Drive savings across both Capex and Opex, which will be a key performance indicator.
• Conduct bid evaluations.
• Prepare savings reports using Power BI.
• Handle contract negotiations.

4. Process Optimization

• Identify inefficiencies in procurement workflows and recommend improvements.
• Support automation and digitisation initiatives in procurement operations.

5. Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure procurement activities comply with internal policies and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor contract terms and flag potential risks or deviations.

Additional Information

• Ex-TCS employees cannot apply.
• PAN and DOB are required for profile creation.