Category Specialist

Job Title: Category Specialist

Location: Remote

Position Overview

The Category Specialist plays a critical role supporting Vendor category strategy, vendor management and governance, as well as procurement operations.  In this role you will collaborate across the Horace Mann enterprise organization to ideate on sourcing strategies, process improvement initiatives and look for ways to reduce expense and reinvest in the business.  The ideal candidate will have a process improvement mindset, experience negotiating vendor contracts and administering RFPs, strong analytical skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities at once.

Key Responsibilities: 

Strategic Sourcing:

• Assist in the development and execution of vendor spend category strategies aligned with organizational goals.
• Conduct spend analysis, market research, and supplier performance evaluations.
• Support sourcing initiatives, including RFP/RFQ preparation, bid analysis, and contract negotiations.
• Monitor category performance metrics and identify opportunities for cost reduction and value creation.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to understand business needs and ensure supplier alignment.
• Maintain accurate data, reports, and documentation within Workday procurement systems.
• Track industry trends, pricing changes, and supplier and AI innovations relevant to assigned categories.
• Assist in managing supplier relationships, ensuring quality, compliance, and service-level performance.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field.
• Experience: 5+ years of experience in Indirect Sourcing and/or Procurement, or Consulting.
• Technical Skills:
• Experience leading sourcing initiatives or negotiating vendor contracts.
• Knowledge of procurement best practices and category management frameworks.
• Exposure to budget management or cost-optimization projects.
• Strong data analysis and Excel/Sheets skills; familiarity with procurement tools (e.g., Coupa, Ariba, Zycus, Workday) preferred.
• Soft Skills:
• Highly collaborative with the ability to drive results.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Capable of managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong presentation, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Highly organized.
• Team player with a can-do attitude.

Salary Range: $71,500.00 - $105,400.00