Senior Category Manager

POSITION SUMMARY

Vertiv is seeking a Senior Category Manager to drive category strategy execution, delivering total cost optimization, supply continuity, and operational excellence. This role works cross-functionally with Marketing, Engineering, Operations, and strategic suppliers to lead complex sourcing initiatives, manage critical supplier relationships, and produce measurable financial and operational results, while advancing procurement integration and continuous improvement efforts.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Category Strategy & Cross-Functional Leadership

• Develop, communicate, and refine category strategies in collaboration with Marketing, Engineering, Materials Management, Regional Operations, and key suppliers.
• Build strong cross-functional relationships to align sourcing strategies with business and product priorities.
• Lead strategic and tactical sourcing initiatives to support growth, innovation, and cost competitiveness.
• Act as the primary interface between Vertiv’s category management organization, key stakeholders, and local purchasing teams to ensure consistent execution of category strategies for Direct and Indirect (including CapEx) categories.

Supplier & Commercial Management

• Manage commercial relationships with strategic suppliers, including contracts, pricing, lead times, inventory, and quality performance.
• Ensure all required legal and supplemental agreements are executed to support supply continuity and optimization.
• Lead negotiations supported by cost analysis and should-cost models assessments.
• Manage program budgets and lead initiatives to reduce waste and improve sourcing efficiency.

Performance Management & Reporting

• Oversee and report category performance, including: 
  • Technology and innovation trends
  • Material inflation planning, risk mitigation, and cost reduction aligned to Annual Operating Plan (AOP) targets
  • Supply base strategy, preferred supplier lists, and tier-2 supply planning
• Partner with Quality to drive continuous improvement and supplier performance feedback.
• Monitor, evaluate and report monthly KPI summary to ensure alignment with short-term and long-term strategy for each category.

Process Optimization & Integration

• Lead procurement integration initiatives, deliver synergy targets, and provide regular updates to leadership.
• Champion best practices and continuous improvement while ensuring compliance with Vertiv procurement policies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or related field preferred.
• 10–12 years of experience in direct and indirect category management.
• Experience with ERP systems (Oracle, SAP) and advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Expertise in Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), market analysis, and KPI development.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, presentation, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage complex initiatives and build strong relationships in a global, cross-functional environment.

PHYSICAL & ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS

• N/A

TIME TRAVEL REQUIRED: 

• 10%

The successful candidate will embrace Vertiv’s Core Principals & Behaviors to help execute our Strategic Priorities.  

OUR CORE PRINCIPALS:  Safety.  Integrity. Respect.  Teamwork.  Diversity & Inclusion.

OUR STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

• Customer Focus
• Operational Excellence
• High-Performance Culture
• Innovation
• Financial Strength

OUR BEHAVIORS

• Own It
• Act With Urgency
• Foster a Customer-First Mindset
• Think Big and Execute
• Lead by Example
• Drive Continuous Improvement
• Learn and Seek Out Development
• Promote Transparent and Open Communication

At Vertiv, we’re on a mission to empower the people that will power the future. From a simple swipe to life-changing medicines, from push notifications to generative AI. We design, manufacture, and service the products and solutions that keep the world connected.  With $6.9 billion in revenue, a strong customer base and global reach spanning nearly 70 countries, we are uniquely positioned to deliver greater value to our customers and create new opportunities for our people. 

Vertiv is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We promote equal opportunities for all with respect to hiring, terms of employment, mobility, training, compensation, and occupational health, without discrimination as to age, race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity / expression (including transgender status or sexual stereotypes), genetic information, citizenship status, national origin, protected veteran status, political affiliation, or disability. If you have a disability and are having difficulty accessing or using this website to apply for a position, you can request help by sending an email to help.join@vertivco.com. If you are interested in applying for or learning more about this role, please visit the company’s career page located on Vertiv.com/Careers

Work Authorization

No calls or agencies please. Vertiv will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States. This is not a position for which sponsorship will be provided. Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1, H-1, H-2, L, B, J, or TN or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire.