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Category Lead Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Moonshot

Category Lead

Denton, TX

Category Lead Department: Supply Chain Reports to: Director of Supply Chain Position Summary The Category Lead is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies that deliver cost ...

Medica

Category Lead

Minnetonka, MN · On-site

The Category Lead is accountable for category performance, vendor outcomes, and strategic alignment across assigned business functions. Rather than focusing on RFx execution alone, this role ...

Medica

Category Lead

Madison, WI · On-site

The Category Lead is accountable for category performance, vendor outcomes, and strategic alignment across assigned business functions. Rather than focusing on RFx execution alone, this role ...

Medica

Category Lead

Minnetonka, MN · On-site

The Category Lead is accountable for category performance, vendor outcomes, and strategic alignment across assigned business functions. Rather than focusing on RFx execution alone, this role ...

Manifest Solutions

Category Lead

Columbus, OH · On-site

Manifest Solutions is currently seeking a Category Lead for a hybrid position in Columbus, OH. * Responsible for helping drive value through the strategic sourcing and the supplier relationship ...

Colas

Category Lead

Duncan, SC · On-site

Category Lead Company: COLAS USA Job Location: DUNCAN, SOUTH CAROLINA, USA Type of Contract: Regular Posting Start Date: 1/29/26 Reeves Construction Company, the Colas USA subsidiary that operates ...

Laborie

Category Lead

Plymouth, MN

$110K - $120K/yr

As a key member of the Category team, the Category Lead is responsible for developing and executing global category strategies that ensure a competitive, resilient, and high-performing supply base ...

Goodyear

Category Lead

Akron, OH · On-site

The Category Lead drives sourcing strategies across multiple commodities, ensuring alignment with broader category objectives and regional business needs. This role serves as the regional procurement ...

National Grid

Category Lead

Brooklyn, NY · Hybrid

As a Category Buyer Lead, the role will deliver category strategies aligned to National Grid's procurement objectives, driving cost optimization, risk reduction, supply security, and supplier ...

AllSTEM Connections

Category Lead

Columbus, OH · On-site

$93K - $124K/yr

The Category Lead is a high-impact strategic sourcing and supplier management role focused on driving enterprise value through category planning, supplier negotiations, contract management, and ...

AllSTEM Connections

Category Lead

Columbus, OH · On-site

$89K - $129K/yr

Independently lead the development and execution of category plans. Use data-driven insights (market analysis, spend analysis, and cost modeling) to identify and capture opportunities for performance ...

Manifest Solutions

Category Lead

Columbus, OH · Hybrid

Manifest Solutions is currently seeking a Category Lead for a hybrid position in Columbus, OH. * Responsible for helping drive value through the strategic sourcing and the supplier relationship ...

AllSTEM Connections

Category Lead

Columbus, OH · Hybrid

$60/hr

The Category Lead is a high-impact strategic sourcing and supplier management role focused on driving enterprise value through category planning, supplier negotiations, contract management, and ...

Colas

Category Lead

Duncan, SC

Job Summary The Category Lead will be responsible for managing categories of goods or services purchased by Colas USA. They will serve as an expert on these categories, understanding the entire ...

CommScope Inc.

Category Lead

Shakopee, MN

$118K - $153K/yr

CommScope is recruiting a Category Lead to join our growing team! Candidates will be based in Shakopee, MN, Catawba, North Carolina, or Apex, North Carolina This role will lead aspects of development ...

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Category Lead information

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How much do category lead jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for category lead in the United States is $25.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a category lead typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive category performance?

As a Category Lead, you will regularly work with cross-functional teams such as marketing, supply chain, sales, and finance to develop and execute category strategies. Collaboration often involves leading meetings to discuss product launches, promotional plans, inventory management, and performance analytics. You’ll act as the main point of contact for your category, ensuring alignment across departments and that everyone is working toward shared goals. Strong communication and project management skills are essential for coordinating these efforts and adapting plans based on market trends or internal feedback.

What is the difference between Category Lead vs Category Manager?

AspectCategory LeadCategory Manager
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, industry-specific certifications often preferredBachelor's degree, certifications like CPM or CSM beneficial
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, cross-functional collaboration, leadership rolesOperational focus, vendor management, market analysis
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in retail, manufacturing, and consumer goods companiesCommon in retail, e-commerce, and supply chain sectors
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding leadership roles in category managementOperational responsibilities and day-to-day management

In summary, a Category Lead typically focuses on strategic oversight and leadership within a category, often guiding teams and setting long-term goals. A Category Manager handles the operational aspects, including vendor relations and market analysis. Both roles are essential in retail and consumer industries but differ mainly in scope and strategic versus operational focus.

What is a category lead?

A Category Lead is a professional responsible for overseeing the performance and strategy of a specific product category within a company. This role involves analyzing market trends, managing supplier relationships, and developing initiatives to maximize sales and profitability for their category. Category Leads often collaborate with marketing, sales, and procurement teams to ensure their category's growth aligns with overall business goals. They play a key role in assortment planning, pricing, promotions, and inventory management.

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

To thrive as a Category Lead, you need expertise in category management, strategic sourcing, market analysis, and a relevant degree such as in business or supply chain management. Familiarity with procurement systems like SAP Ariba, data analytics tools, and industry-specific certifications (e.g., CIPS or CPSM) are typically required. Strong negotiation, leadership, and stakeholder management skills help you drive results and foster collaboration across teams. These skills and qualifications are crucial for optimizing category performance, achieving cost savings, and aligning procurement strategies with business goals.
What job categories do people searching Category Lead jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Category Lead jobs are:
Category Lead jobs near you
Infographic showing various Category Lead job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,524 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

Category Lead

Moonshot

Denton, TX

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Category Lead 

Department: Supply Chain  

Reports to: Director of Supply Chain 

Position Summary 

The Category Lead is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies that deliver cost savings, supply continuity, quality, and innovation across assigned categories. This role partners cross-functionally with sales, engineering, operations, finance, and quality teams to manage supplier relationships, negotiate contracts, and ensure procurement activities align with broader business objectives. 

Key Responsibilities 

  • Develop and implement category sourcing strategies aligned with company goals, market dynamics, and total cost of ownership analysis. 
  • Lead supplier identification, qualification, RFx processes (RFI, RFP, RFQ), and award decisions for assigned categories. 
  • Negotiate pricing, terms, service-level agreements, and master purchase agreements with current and prospective suppliers. 
  • Build and maintain strategic supplier relationships, including conducting business reviews, performance scorecards, and continuous improvement initiatives. 
  • Analyze spend data, market trends, commodity indices, and supplier financials to identify cost reduction, consolidation, and risk-mitigation opportunities. 
  • Manage supplier risk, including supply continuity planning, dual-sourcing strategies, geopolitical exposure, and compliance monitoring. 
  • Partner with engineering and product teams on new product introduction (NPI), early supplier involvement, and value engineering opportunities. 
  • Track and report savings, KPIs, and category performance to leadership. 
  • Resolve supplier disputes, quality issues, delivery escalations, and contract compliance matters. 
  • Stay current on market intelligence, industry benchmarks, and emerging sourcing technologies. 
  • Travel 20% of the time for Supplier meetings, Customer sites or industry conferences 

Required Qualifications 

  • Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Finance, or a related field. 
  • 5+ years of progressive procurement, sourcing, or category management experience. 
  • Demonstrated success leading strategic sourcing events and complex contract negotiations. 
  • Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Excel, ERP systems (M1 or similar), and e-sourcing tools. 
  • Solid understanding of contract law fundamentals, INCOTERMS, and procurement compliance. 
  • Experience in sourcing electrical components including breakers, meters, Kirk Keys, etc. 
  • Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills. 

Preferred Qualifications 

  • Masters degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Industrial Engineering, Business, or a related field (equivalent experience considered). 
  • Professional certification such as CPSM, CIPS, or CPM. 
  • Familiarity with setting up Kanbans, consignment, safety stock, VMI, etc 

Core Competencies 

  • Strategic thinking and business acumen 
  • Negotiation and persuasion 
  • Data-driven decision-making 
  • Cross-functional collaboration 
  • Risk management and problem-solving 
  • Ownership and accountability 

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