Category Manager

Why Join Us?

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  Ability to communicate effectively, verbally, in writing and via telephone regarding sensitive and confidential issues and maintain a positive professional image.

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  Ability to assess, analyze, plan, and evaluate situations.

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  Ability to self-direct, make independent decisions, and prioritize daily activities.

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  Ability to handle sensitive situations in a positive, professional manner.

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  Must be comfortable discussing reimbursement/financial arrangements.

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  Schedule could require alternative work hours, which may include evenings, weekends, availability 365 days per year.

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business, Mathematics, Statistics, computer sciences, or a related field preferred. 

• In lieu of degree, three (3) years of experience in strategic sourcing, vendor management, and/or category management, with direct involvement in strategic sourcing and category management required.

• Indirect sourcing experience with SaaS, CCaaS, BPaaS, XaaS, software, technology, services, or related supplier categories preferred.

• Knowledge of category management principles and strategic sourcing methodologies, with the ability to develop and execute category strategies that align with organizational goals and optimize supplier value.

• Proven project management expertise, including leading cross-functional teams, managing competing priorities, meeting deadlines, and driving successful business outcomes through effective planning and execution.

• Expertise in contract negotiation and lifecycle management, including drafting, redlining, conflict resolution, and fostering mutually beneficial agreements that balance business objectives and supplier relationships.

• Proven ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, facilitate strategic discussions, and deliver clear, actionable insights to executive audiences that support informed decision-making and business outcomes.

• Strong financial and analytical acumen, with experience leveraging data, metrics, scorecards, and performance insights to support strategic decision-making and value optimization.

• Digital dexterity to quickly adapt to new technologies, tools, and platforms to improve efficiency.

• In-depth knowledge of Supplier, Procurement, and Vendor Management protocols, policies, and procedures, and government frameworks.

• Knowledge of regulatory compliance, supplier performance management, SLA and KPI development, performance goal implementation, and change management practices.

• Demonstrate business judgment, integrity, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess risk, balance competing priorities, and drive sound business decisions.

• Standard remote, hybrid, or office-based, work environment with routine use of a computer and standard office equipment.

Compensation

• Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas offers excellent competitive compensation with the goal of retaining and growing talented team members. The compensation range for this role is a good faith estimate, it is estimated based on what a successful candidate might be paid.  All offers presented to candidates are carefully reviewed to ensure fair, equitable pay by offering competitive wages that align with the individual's skills, education, experience, and training. The range may vary above or below the stated amounts.

At Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, we are committed to fostering a culture of connection and belonging, where mutual respect is at the foundation of our workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, belief, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military or veteran status, family or parental status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas conducts pre-employment drug screening, criminal conviction check, employment verifications and education as part of a conditional offer of employment.