Associate Category Manager, Indirect Procurement - Technology

Job Summary:

The Associate Category Manager plays a pivotal role in executing and optimizing category strategies for indirect goods and services, with execution of short-term and long-term strategies that align directly with the business cost reduction and work scope or service objectives. This position partners closely with cross functional teams such as Operations, Legal, IT, and Finance to identify sourcing opportunities, drive supplier performance, and ensure alignment with both short and long-term business goals. This individual would be responsible for less complex negotiating, coordinating, and assuring that supplier priorities balanced with business needs; consults with Management, and other subject experts to develop alternative solutions; advises on options, risks, total cost of ownership, and business impacts. Leveraging strong analytical skills and market insights, the Associate Category Manager manages supplier relationships, conducts negotiations, and implements best-in-class sourcing practices. The role is responsible for tracking and reporting on key performance indicators, supporting the development of business plans, and proactively identifying opportunities for process improvement and cost savings.

This role is based in our Deerfield, IL office and is on‑site four days a week. #LI-NL1

Job Responsibilities:

• Manages day-to-day on-going category supplier relations and seeks outgrowth or revision opportunities within supply base. Acts as the internal point of contact for supplier management and complaint resolution; conducts regular supplier meetings and implements improvement strategies with suppliers. Creates, nurtures, and enhances supplier relationships.
• Under the direction of Category Manager, develops and executes category sourcing strategies, including development and execution of RFI’s and RFP’s, documents bid events through correspondence to suppliers; develops selection criteria; conducts supplier negotiations and ongoing supplier management.
• Assists with development and implementation of business plans, performance goals and metrics for each assigned category. Collaborates with Operations, Legal, Supply Chain and others as needed on cross-functional sourcing opportunities. Actively seeks ways to streamline business processes; researches and provides information on industry category trends and best practices.
• Collaborates on inventory control, including lifecycle of product, and assists in project management of all sourcing activities. Makes suggestions for opportunities to reduce product and service costs.
• Drives tracking and reporting for assigned spend areas; assists with tracking mechanics and supplier key performance indicators with Category Manager. Performs data analysis and modeling.
• Participates in weekly category review meetings with cross-functional teams to manage category performance.
• Assists with the management of category performance by adhering to internal Savings goals and reviewing financial models for commodity type items. Supports the balancing of spend portfolio for reoccurring managed spend through coordinated sourcing activities that leverage both Expanse and Capital work streams.
• Monitor supplier performance to ensure that delivery dates and technical and contractual requirements are met. Participate in strategic meetings with suppliers and business leaders to ensure execution of defined strategies.
• Cultivates team morale, motivation, and loyalty through continuous training and mentorship, proving clear communication and constructive feedback.

About Walgreens
Founded in 1901, Walgreens ( has a storied heritage of caring for communities for generations and proudly serves nearly 9 million customers and patients each day across its approximately 8,500 stores throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico, and leading omni channel platforms. Walgreens has approximately 220,000 team members, including nearly 90,000 healthcare service providers, and is committed to being the first choice for retail pharmacy and health services, building trusted relationships that create healthier futures for customers, patients, team members and communities.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree and at least 2 years of experience in Retail, Sales, and/or Category Management and/or analyzing related data such as sales trends, assortment selections, or financial planning OR High School GED and at least 4 years of experience in Retail, Sales, and/or Category Management and/or analyzing related data such as sales trends, assortment selections, or financial planning.
• Knowledge of the procurement lifecycle and procurement best practices.
• Experience in supplier negotiations and developing/executing sourcing strategies.
• Experience collaborating with internal and external resources to develop strategies that meet department goals within budget and established timelines.
• Intermediate level skill in Microsoft Excel (for example: using SUM function, setting borders, setting column width, inserting charts, using text wrap, sorting, setting headers and footers and/or print scaling).
• Intermediate level skill in Microsoft PowerPoint (for example: applying a theme, formatting character spacing, inserting a picture, changing slide layout and theme colors, adding transitions, customizing slide numbers, changing chart style and/or formatting font).
• Intermediate level skill in Microsoft Word (for example: inserting headers, page breaks, page numbers and tables and/or adjusting table columns).
• Willing to travel up to 10% of the time for business purposes (within state and out of state).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in coaching, mentoring, and training staff.
• At least 2 years of experience in negotiating deals.
• Experience in financial planning and analysis.

We will consider employment of qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Salary Range: $86400 - $138200 / Salaried