Category Manager-Indirect Services

Job OverviewWe are looking for an experienced Indirect Procurement Manager to lead strategic sourcing, category management, supplier relationships, contract negotiations, and cost optimization across multiple indirect procurement categories. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in indirect sourcing, energy procurement, subcontracted manpower, equipment leasing, audit & certification services, and other business services, with a proven track record of delivering savings and managing complex supplier contracts.Key Responsibilities1. Strategic Sourcing & Category ManagementDevelop and execute strategic sourcing plans for key indirect categories, including manpower outsourcing, energy, leasing, telecommunications, professional services, and facilities.Conduct market research, supplier benchmarking, and spend analysis to identify cost-saving and value-creation opportunities.Develop category strategies with defined KPIs, cost targets, sourcing plans, and risk mitigation measures.Lead competitive bidding, RFQs/RFPs, supplier evaluations, and commercial negotiations.2. Supplier ManagementIdentify, evaluate, qualify, and onboard reliable suppliers and service providers.Develop and maintain strong strategic supplier relationships.Monitor supplier performance through SLAs, KPIs, scorecards, and periodic business reviews.Identify and mitigate supplier financial, operational, compliance, and continuity risks.3. Contract ManagementLead commercial and contractual negotiations to secure competitive pricing and favorable terms.Review and manage procurement contracts in line with company policies and legal requirements.Ensure contracts clearly define SLAs, KPIs, service standards, penalties, pricing structures, and performance expectations.Monitor contract compliance, renewals, and supplier obligations.4. Cost Optimization & Budget ManagementDrive cost reduction, cost avoidance, and value optimization initiatives across indirect spend categories.Track procurement savings and prepare regular performance reports.Manage procurement budgets and ensure alignment with financial targets.Identify opportunities for supplier consolidation, renegotiation, and process efficiencies.5. Stakeholder ManagementPartner with HR, Operations, Finance, IT, Facilities, Compliance, and other business functions to understand procurement requirements.Translate business requirements into effective sourcing and procurement strategies.Provide procurement expertise and advisory support to internal stakeholders.Ensure alignment between procurement strategies and overall business objectives.6. Compliance & GovernanceEnsure procurement activities comply with internal policies, procedures, contractual requirements, and applicable regulations.Support internal and external procurement audits.Maintain accurate sourcing, contract, supplier, and procurement documentation.Ensure appropriate approvals and governance processes are followed.7. Process Improvement & DigitalizationIdentify opportunities to streamline and improve procurement processes.Drive the adoption of e-procurement, automation, and digital procurement solutions.Promote procurement best practices, standardization, and continuous improvement.Leverage procurement systems and data analytics to improve visibility and decision-making.Key Categories ManagedManpower Services: Subcontracted manpower, staffing agencies, outsourcing contractsEnergy & Utilities: Electricity, gas, water, and related optimization contractsEquipment Leasing: Forklifts, material handling equipment, AGVs, and AMRsTelecommunications: Mobile plans, internet, connectivity, and related IT servicesAudit & Certification: ISO certifications, compliance audits, and certification servicesOther Indirect Services: Facility management, cleaning, security, travel, and professional servicesQualifications & ExperienceBachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Procurement, Business Administration, or a related field; MBA is preferred.7–12+ years of procurement experience, with significant exposure to indirect procurement and strategic sourcing.Strong experience in energy procurement, subcontracted manpower, audit & certification services, and indirect categories.Proven experience managing multiple service categories and complex commercial contracts.Strong expertise in supplier management, contract negotiation, cost optimization, and category management.Excellent stakeholder management, negotiation, analytical, and communication skills.Experience with procurement platforms such as SAP Ariba, Oracle, Coupa, or similar systems.Strong understanding of procurement governance, compliance, and risk management.Preferred Candidate ProfileCandidates with experience in large-scale manufacturing, industrial, automotive, logistics, or other complex operational environments will be preferred, particularly those who have managed significant indirect spend and multiple service providers.