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Category Director Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

BAE Systems

Mgr II- Procurement

Falls Church, VA · On-site +1

Partner with the Global Category Director--Travel to translate global visions into specific US-based Travel & Meetings strategies, align program goals with broader objectives such as cost savings ...

Nestlé S.A.

Director Brand Marketing

Arlington, VA · On-site

$175 - $235/hr

The Marketing Director is responsible for uniting the demand levers on the category and for ... Create Category and Portfolio Strategy for Essentia, leading the cross‑functional team in ...

Nestle

Director Brand Marketing

Arlington, VA · On-site

The Marketing Director is responsible for uniting the demand levers on the category and for ... Create Category and Portfolio Strategy for Essentia, leading the cross-functional team in ...

Dufry

Retail Portfolio Director

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$127K - $159K/yr

The purpose of the Director, Retail Portfolio Development (Retail Portfolio Director) is to support ... Partners with Category Management (and CM-Revenue team) to negotiate new brand agreements and ...

Ag

Category Buyer in General Procurement

Herndon, VA

$29.25 - $38.75/hr

The Category Buyer is also accountable for cross-functional project management including ... Escalate blockages to Regional Director, as needed. * Team Leadership (10%) * Provide leadership ...

Airbus

Category Buyer in General Procurement

Herndon, VA · On-site

$29.25 - $38.75/hr

The Category Buyer is also accountable for cross-functional project management including ... Escalate blockages to Regional Director, as needed. * Team Leadership (10%) * Provide leadership ...

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Category Director information

See Reston, VA salary details

$74.9K

$119K

$200.3K

How much do category director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for category director in Reston, VA is $118,978.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,600.00 and $131,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a category director?

Category Directors are senior-level professionals responsible for overseeing a specific category of products or services within a company. They develop and implement strategies to maximize sales, profitability, and market share for their assigned category. Their role often involves analyzing market trends, managing supplier relationships, coordinating with marketing and sales teams, and optimizing product assortments. Category Directors play a key role in decision-making and are essential for driving business growth in retail, consumer goods, and similar industries.

How does a category director typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve category growth?

Category Directors play a pivotal role in working closely with cross-functional teams such as marketing, supply chain, sales, and finance. They regularly coordinate with these groups to develop and execute category strategies, analyze market trends, and optimize the product assortment. Regular meetings, joint planning sessions, and data-driven decision-making ensure alignment across departments. This collaborative environment not only drives category growth but also fosters innovation and efficiency within the organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Category Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Category Director, you need strong analytical skills, strategic planning abilities, and deep knowledge of category management, typically supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in business or a related field. Familiarity with category management software, data analytics tools, and ERP systems is commonly required, along with certifications like Certified Professional in Category Management (CPCM) being advantageous. Outstanding leadership, negotiation, and communication skills help drive cross-functional collaboration and supplier relationships. These qualifications are essential for developing effective category strategies, optimizing profitability, and maintaining a competitive edge in the market.

What is the difference between Category Director vs Product Manager?

AspectCategory DirectorProduct Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple product categories, develops category strategies, manages category teamsManages individual products or features, defines product vision, coordinates with cross-functional teams
Required SkillsStrategic planning, market analysis, leadership, cross-category coordinationProduct development, user experience, project management, technical understanding
Work EnvironmentCorporate, retail, or manufacturing settings focusing on broad category managementTech companies, startups, or any industry with product development focus

The main difference is that a Category Director oversees multiple product categories and develops broad strategies, while a Product Manager focuses on individual products or features. Both roles require strategic thinking and industry knowledge, but the scope and focus differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Category jobs in Reston, VA?

The most popular types of Category jobs in Reston, VA are:

What job categories do people searching Category Director jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Category Director jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Category Director jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Category Director job openings:

Category Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Category Director job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,978 per year, or $57.2 per hour.

Mgr II- Procurement

Falls Church, VA • On-site, Remote

BAE Systems
National Security and International Affairs • 10K+ employees

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 151 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 49 rated military and defense

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students

Learn more about BAE Systemsexternal

Other

Posted 29 days ago

Job description


The Sr. Category Manager, Travel is responsible for developing, executing, and overseeing the US-based Travel & Meetings Program and Travel Category Procurement strategies. This role ensures alignment with global strategies set by the Global Category Director and serves as the enterprise leader for travel operations, supplier management, policy governance, digital transformation, and program performance. The position engages with stakeholders across Finance, Security, Government Compliance, Insurable Risk, and regional/global travel teams to ensure a best-in-class, compliant, efficient, and traveler-focused program.
By integrating rigorous safety protocols, duty of care, and operational excellence, this role directly advances our corporate mission: "We Protect Those Who Protect Us." By ensuring the safety and well-being of our employees while they are deployed to support our customers, this position protects the very people who enable our mission of national security.
Key Responsibilities
Strategy & Leadership
  • Strategic Translation: Partner with the Global Category Director--Travel to translate global visions into specific US-based Travel & Meetings strategies, align program goals with broader objectives such as cost savings, Environmental, Social, & Governance (ESG) reporting, and employee well-being.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Secure alignment and provide quarterly progress updates to key stakeholders, including Inc Supply Chain Council, Finance, Security, Insurable Risk, and Government Compliance.
  • Governance & Policy: Design, update, and enforce US-based corporate travel policies and meetings processes, ensure they reflect industry's best practices and emerging technologies.
  • Innovation & Digital Transformation: Drive the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven solutions, mobile apps, and online tools; maintain expertise in industry trends (e.g., New Distribution Capability (NDC), remote work mobility, and wellness-focused travel).
  • Organizational Leadership: Lead the Travel Working Group (TWG), set the strategic direction, manage the action list, and obtain member buy-in.
  • People Management: Execute all managerial responsibilities, including hiring, goal setting, PDRs, and annual salary allocation; provide operational coverage during staff absences.
Procurement & Category Management
  • Supplier Management: Own and manage relationships with all travel and meetings suppliers, including the Travel Management Company (TMC) and Travel & Expense (T&E) Card provider, ensure Service Level Agreement (SLA) achievement.
  • Sourcing Execution: Lead procurement activities, including Request for Proposal (RFP) documentation, supplier business reviews, complex negotiations, and contract execution.
  • Financial Oversight:
    • Manage the annual rebate budget, including monthly updates, accruals, and budget planning.
    • Oversee the Non-Refundable Ticket (NRT) pool to ensure high re-usage percentage.
    • Deliver annual travel forecasts and manage Point of Sale (POS) fee forecasts and collections.
    • Drive the achievement of annual cost savings and cost avoidance targets, in coordination with the Vice President, Procurement.
  • Authorization: Serve as the designated approver for Travel and Corporate Jet purchase requisitions per the Delegation of Authority (DOA).
Travel Program Operations
  • Traveler Experience: Ensure seamless access to booking tools and negotiated rates; leverage "Welcome Home" survey data to reduce traveler friction and design training programs.
  • Compliance & Audit: Lead support for Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) and Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) Travel Audit requests and ensure strict adherence to the Fly America Act and Department of War (DoW) lowest available fare requirements.
  • Risk Mitigation & Duty of Care: Partner with Security to develop and implement travel risk management and crisis management plans; keep leadership informed of security incidents impacting travelers.
  • Specialized Support: Support Global Mobility (Visas/Tax reporting), the Infrequent Traveler Program, and the Applicant Travel program.
Data Analytics & Sustainability
  • Performance Metrics: Develop data and scorecard strategies to report category spend, Return on Investment (ROI), and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) (e.g., compliance, satisfaction, carbon emissions) to Senior Leadership and Finance.
  • ESG Reporting: Report quarterly travel emissions for the Annual Report and support Deloitte audit requests regarding emissions reporting.
Alignment with Corporate Mission & Global Structure
Contribution to "We Protect Those Who Protect Us"
This role is a cornerstone of our commitment to employee safety. By managing the "Duty of Care" and partnering with Security to mitigate traveler risk, the Sr. Category Manager, Travel ensures that our employees-who are essential to protecting our customers-are themselves protected. The focus on "reducing traveler friction" and enhancing "employee well-being" ensures our workforce remains resilient and supported.
Required Skills and Education
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Finance, or a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Experience: Extensive experience (min 10 years) in corporate travel management and procurement or category management within a large, complex organization.
  • Regulatory Knowledge: Proficiency in government travel regulations, specifically the Fly America Act, DCAA/DCMA audit standards, and FAR requirements.

Preferred Skills and Education
Desired Experience & Skills
  • Financial Stewardship: Proven track record of managing multi-million dollar budgets and delivering cost savings and cost avoidance targets.
  • Strategic Sourcing: Expertise in leading RFPs and managing high-level supplier relationships (TMCs, Airlines, Hotel chains).
  • Risk Management: Experience in developing business continuity and crisis management plans in coordination with corporate security.
  • Digital Fluency: Proficiency in travel technology (Concur, UATP, etc.) and data analytics for scorecard development.

About BAE Systems, Inc.
BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it's what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts - defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team-making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you'll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference.
This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.
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About BAE Systems

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At BAE Systems, we provide some of the world's most advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions. We employ a skilled workforce of more than 93,000 in around 40 countries. Working with customers and local partners, we develop, engineer, manufacture, and support products and systems to deliver military capability, protect national security and people, and keep critical information and infrastructure secure.

Industry

National security and international affairs and it services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

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