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Global Category Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Xylem

Global Category Product Manager

Charlotte, NC · On-site

The Global Category Product Manager will lead the strategy and innovation of a critical global ... • Direct influence on technology direction in areas such as energy efficiency, VFDs, motor ...

millenniumsoft

NC · On-site

The Global Category Manager is also responsible for key strategic supplier management including ... Ability to influence without direct authority * Written and verbal communication skills * Problem ...

Attindas - US

Category Specialist

Raleigh, NC · On-site

... direct-to-consumer channels under brands including Attends, Indas, and Comfees as well as a wide ... To be a global leader in absorbent hygiene by meeting consumers' diverse needs through effective ...

Attindas - US

Category Specialist

Raleigh, NC

... direct-to-consumer channels under brands including Attends, Indas, and Comfees as well as a wide ... To be a global leader in absorbent hygiene by meeting consumers' diverse needs through effective ...

Attindas - US

Category Specialist

Raleigh, NC · On-site

... direct-to-consumer channels under brands including Attends, Indas, and Comfees as well as a wide ... To be a global leader in absorbent hygiene by meeting consumers' diverse needs through effective ...

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Global Category Director information

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$72K

$114.4K

$192.5K

How much do global category director jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for global category director in the United States is $114,363.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,000.00 and $126,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Global Category Director, you need expertise in strategic sourcing, category management, and global supply chain operations, often supported by a degree in business or supply chain management. Familiarity with procurement platforms (such as SAP Ariba or Coupa), data analytics tools, and relevant certifications like CPSM or CIPS is highly beneficial. Exceptional negotiation, leadership, and cross-cultural communication skills help drive collaboration and effective stakeholder management. These competencies are essential for optimizing category performance, managing risk, and achieving organizational procurement objectives on a global scale.

How does a Global Category Director typically collaborate with regional teams to ensure category strategies are effectively implemented worldwide?

A Global Category Director works closely with regional procurement and business teams to align global category strategies with local market needs and regulatory requirements. Regular coordination meetings, cross-functional workshops, and clear communication channels are established to share best practices and monitor progress. The Director often acts as a bridge, ensuring that global objectives are tailored and executed on a local level, while also gathering feedback to refine strategies. This role requires strong stakeholder management skills and adaptability to different business cultures.

What are Global Category Directors?

Global Category Directors are senior professionals responsible for overseeing and managing a specific product or service category across all regions where a company operates. They develop and implement global sourcing strategies, drive supplier relationships, and ensure consistency in procurement and supply chain processes. Their goal is to optimize costs, quality, and performance by aligning category management with the company's overall business objectives.

What is the difference between Global Category Director vs Category Manager?

AspectGlobal Category DirectorCategory Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple categories globally, sets strategic direction, manages large teamsManages specific category(s) within a region or country, focuses on execution and optimization
CredentialsTypically requires extensive experience in procurement or marketing, often with advanced degreesRequires relevant experience in category management, often with certifications like CPM or CSCP
Work EnvironmentCorporate headquarters, global offices, cross-functional teamsRegional offices, retail or supplier environments, focused on specific markets

The Global Category Director holds a strategic, high-level role overseeing multiple categories worldwide, while the Category Manager focuses on managing and optimizing individual categories within specific markets. Both roles require industry-specific knowledge and relevant certifications, but differ mainly in scope and scale.

More about Global Category Director jobs
What cities are hiring for Global Category Director jobs? Cities with the most Global Category Director job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Global Category jobs? The most popular types of Global Category jobs are:
What states have the most Global Category Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Global Category Director jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Global Category Director jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Global Category Director jobs are:
Global Category Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Global Category Director job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,363 per year, or $55 per hour.
Global Category Manager

Global Category Manager

Harman International Industries

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

A Career at HARMAN
As a technology leader that is rapidly on the move, HARMAN is filled with people who are focused on making life better. Innovation, inclusivity and teamwork are a part of our DNA. When you add that to the challenges we take on and solve together, you'll discover that at HARMAN you can grow, make a difference and be proud of the work you do every day.
Introduction: A Career at HARMAN Lifestyle
We're a global, multi-disciplinary team that's putting the innovative power of technology to work and transforming tomorrow. As a member of HARMAN Lifestyle, you connect consumers with the power of superior sound.
  • Contribute your talents to high-end, esteemed brands like JBL, Mark Levinson and Revel
  • Unite your passion for audio innovation with high-tech product development
  • Create pitch-perfect, cutting-edge technology that elevates the listening experience
About the Role
The position will manage and execute category sourcing strategies and savings objectives. The successful candidate will manage all activities relating to global supply base including contracts, commercial/pricing, supply assurance, innovation and conflict resolution. The successful candidate will oversee and implement category strategies through alignment with HARMAN business units, engineering, quality and manufacturing activities. Requires knowledge of the business units technology and product roadmaps and specific expertise in the procurement of mechanical, electrical parts and manufacturing cost structure.
What You Will Do
  • Oversee, conduct, and actively manage the end-to-end strategic sourcing and procurement process of the assigned categories, globally
  • Provide thought leadership and innovative strategies for optimizing sourcing effectiveness; identify and mitigate potential supply chain risks
  • Work as the interface of Pro division with global sourcing on procedures, processes and strategy definition/implementation as well as tools implementation. Including creation and maintenance of Purchase Info Records, Master Data and ERP files that drive the business
  • Develop and execute category sourcing strategies in alignment with product roadmaps and cross functional stakeholders at HARMAN that fosters the highest level of commitment to continuous improvement in product quality, (total) cost, and delivery
  • Organize and lead regular QBR with strategic suppliers to track, report and drive continuous improvement on vendor performance metrics
  • Coordinate and work with both corporate and regional stakeholders to standardize corporate-wide product specifications and establish and implement long-term strategic goals to continually enhance HARMAN's market position
  • Lead corporate-wide teams to establish specifications, processes, policies, and procedures to manage demand for assigned categories
  • Lead initiatives to reduce the environmental impact of the supply chain, including waste reduction, energy efficiency, and sustainable material sourcing
  • Establish strong vendor relationships, effectively manage category supply base, perform advanced and intricate negotiations, RFx to realize annual savings, and oversee selection of key vendors, in line with category strategies
  • Ensure expedient and compliant implementation of new contracts throughout organization
  • Actively monitor vendor and internal performance against contracts, industry benchmarks, and previous baselines on a quarterly basis. Develop and submit reports for senior management
  • Identify and evaluate market changes and new technologies -- make appropriate fact-based recommendations for adoption by HARMAN stakeholders
  • Track and report on performance metrics
  • Ensure all sourcing activities comply with local, national, and international regulations and standards, conduct regular audits and assessments to verify supplier compliance with legal and ethical requirements
What You Need to Be Successful
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Minimum 8+ years of procurement experience
  • Outstanding communication and presentation abilities in English
  • Prior experience in sourcing and negotiating direct materials (focusing on metal components sourced out of NA region) in a consumer electronics or professional products environment using strategic category management techniques to achieve results
  • Must possess the social intelligence to influence and lead at the most senior levels within the organization
  • Strong skills with: Supplier management, negotiation, contract development/analysis, supplier evaluation, price/cost analysis, TCO
Bonus Points if You Have
  • Prior experience in sourcing raw materials, tooling and sourcing complex services, e-mech component and/or raw PCB
  • Master's degree in business administration
  • 5+ years of working experience with OEM, JDM or ODM on complex products or subassembly from new Product Development through End of Life
  • Experience in the professional lighting industry is a plus
  • Experience in successfully using benchmarking and cost analysis tools to deliver negotiation outcomes to exceed the market index
  • Thorough program/project management skills
  • Good temperament and ability to work with suppliers and customers from different cultures
  • Solid understanding of risk management techniques
  • Excellent market research and trend analysis skills
  • Strong strategic/long-range planning skills
What Makes You Eligible
  • You are willing to travel, if necessary, up to 25%
  • Eligible to work in the US
  • Hybrid Role
  • Successfully complete background investigation and drug screen as a condition of employment.
What We Offer
  • Flexible work environment, allowing for full-time remote work globally for positions that can be performed outside a HARMAN or customer location
  • Access to employee discounts on world-class products (JBL, HARMAN Kardon, AKG, and more)
  • Extensive training opportunities through our own HARMAN University
  • Competitive wellness benefits
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • "Be Brilliant" employee recognition and rewards program
  • An inclusive and diverse work environment that fosters and encourages professional and personal development

Salary Ranges:
$ 117,000 - $ 171,600

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