Assistant Procurement Category Manager

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for an Assistant Procurement Category Manager based in India.

This role supports the execution of global procurement strategies across assigned spend categories, combining sourcing, supplier management, analytics, and contract support. You will work closely with Category Managers and stakeholders across Finance, Legal, HR, IT, and business functions to identify savings and value-creation opportunities. The position provides exposure to strategic sourcing, supplier performance, spend analysis, negotiations, and procurement transformation initiatives. You will contribute to sourcing projects from initial analysis through supplier evaluation, contracting, and performance management. Strong analytical and communication skills will be important for turning procurement data into actionable recommendations and supporting informed business decisions. The role offers an opportunity to develop category management expertise within a global, collaborative procurement environment.

Accountabilities:

• Support end-to-end sourcing and procurement projects across assigned categories, helping ensure activities are completed efficiently and in line with procurement objectives.
• Assist with RFx processes, including preparation, supplier evaluation, analysis, negotiation support, and contract renewal activities.
• Conduct market research, supplier benchmarking, and opportunity assessments to identify potential savings and value-creation opportunities.
• Develop spend analyses and review procurement data to identify trends, efficiencies, cost-saving opportunities, and areas for category improvement.
• Maintain supplier relationships and performance scorecards, supporting regular reviews and follow-up on performance commitments.
• Monitor supplier risks and assist with mitigation activities, supplier rationalization, and governance initiatives.
• Support contract compliance activities and supplier performance reviews, ensuring relevant commercial and procurement requirements are followed.
• Track sourcing pipelines, procurement savings, category performance metrics, and other key indicators through accurate reporting and analysis.
• Prepare procurement reports, presentations, dashboards, and executive updates to communicate performance and opportunities clearly.
• Maintain accurate procurement data, sourcing documentation, dashboards, and other category management records.
• Partner with Finance, Legal, HR, IT, and business stakeholders to support category planning, demand management, sourcing, and contracting activities.
• Ensure sourcing and procurement activities comply with established policies, governance requirements, and internal processes.
• Facilitate timely execution of sourcing and contracting activities by coordinating stakeholders, suppliers, and internal teams.
• Contribute to broader procurement transformation initiatives and support the achievement of category management objectives.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Procurement, Finance, or a related discipline.
• 2-5 years of experience in procurement, sourcing, supply chain, commercial operations, or a closely related field.
• Practical experience supporting supplier negotiations, sourcing events, procurement projects, and related commercial activities.
• Strong analytical and financial skills, with the ability to interpret spend data and identify cost and value opportunities.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint for analysis, reporting, presentations, and stakeholder communication.
• Strong understanding of strategic sourcing, spend analysis, supplier management, contract management, and procurement reporting.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across functions and levels of an organization.
• Strong problem-solving and project management capabilities, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver activities on time.
• High attention to detail and a structured approach to maintaining accurate procurement data, documentation, and reporting.
• Procurement certification such as CIPS, CPSM, or an equivalent qualification is preferred.
• Experience with procurement systems, spend analytics tools, and contract management platforms is preferred.
• Experience supporting procurement activities within a global or multinational organization is advantageous.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively while taking ownership of assigned activities and outcomes.

Benefits:

• Competitive total rewards package.
• Health coverage supporting employee wellbeing.
• Wellbeing programs designed to support overall health and work-life balance.
• Paid leave, including vacation, sick, and parental leave.
• Retirement plans to support long-term financial wellbeing.
• Learning and development opportunities, including continuing education and training.
• Professional growth through exposure to global procurement, strategic sourcing, supplier management, and procurement transformation.
• Opportunity to collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders across Finance, Legal, HR, IT, and business teams.
• Exposure to international procurement operations and category management practices.
• Opportunity to contribute to meaningful procurement initiatives within a growing global organization.
• Inclusive and collaborative work environment focused on employee development, problem solving, and continuous improvement.