Category Manager- Indirect

About us

LSG Sky Chefs is one of the world’s largest airline catering and hospitality providers, known for its outstanding reputation and dynamic approach in the industry. Voted “Airline Caterer of the Year in North America” for 2023 and 2024, we are committed to excellence and innovation, driven by the dedication and expertise of our talented employees. Our team members are the heart and soul of our success, consistently delivering exceptional culinary experiences and outstanding service to our clients and their passengers across North and Latin America.

Role Purpose Statement

The Procurement Sourcing Manager is responsible for developing and executing strategic sourcing initiatives to drive cost savings, enhance supplier performance, and ensure the timely delivery of goods and services. This role involves managing the sourcing lifecycle, including supplier selection, negotiation, and contract management, while fostering strong supplier relationships to support organizational goals. The manager will collaborate with cross-functional teams to align sourcing strategies with business needs and will act as a sparring partner for the Business stakeholders owning the budget for the categories he/she manages, - providing leadership, guidance, and expertise to ensure high performance and achievement of the supported function and overall business objectives

Main Accountabilities

• Strategic Sourcing: Design and implement sourcing strategies for assigned categories to optimize cost, quality, and delivery performance while supporting overall business objectives.
• Supplier Management: Oversee the identification, qualification, and selection of suppliers; build and maintain strong supplier relationships to drive performance and innovation.
• Negotiation & Contracting: Lead negotiations on pricing, terms, and conditions, ensuring favorable outcomes and compliance with company policies; manage contract lifecycle activities.
• Market Insights: Conduct comprehensive market research and benchmarking to identify trends, risks, and opportunities, ensuring category strategies remain competitive.
• Cost Management: Deliver cost-saving initiatives through strategic procurement and value engineering while maintaining or enhancing service levels. Calculate and track benefits achieved on own categories.
• Risk Mitigation: Develop and implement supplier risk management strategies, including contingency planning and monitoring supplier financial health and compliance.
• Collaboration: Partner with cross-functional stakeholders, including finance, operations, and legal teams, to align sourcing activities with organizational goals.
• Performance Measurement: Define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for sourcing activities, ensuring objectives are met and areas for improvement are addressed.
• Team Leadership: Collaborate with business stakeholders, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages professional growth and high performance.
• Compliance: Ensure all procurement activities comply with company policies, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Reporting: Prepare and present sourcing strategies, performance updates, and recommendations to senior leadership and other stakeholders.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Skills

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and implement effective sourcing strategies that align with organizational goals.
• Negotiation: Strong negotiation skills to secure favorable pricing, terms, and conditions.
• Analytical Skills: Proficient in analyzing data, market trends, and supplier performance metrics to inform decision-making.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for stakeholder engagement and reporting.
• Relationship Management: Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Leadership: Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop a team, fostering a high-performing culture.
• Technical Proficiency: Proficiency in procurement systems (e.g., SAP, Ariba, Coupa), and tools like Excel and PowerPoint.
• Compliance Awareness: Knowledge of regulatory and ethical standards in procurement and supply chain management.
• Category expertise: Experience in sourcing Indirects required (within some of the following categories - IT, Professional services, FM, Utilities, Fleet, HR, Capex, etc.) and working in the Food industry preferred.

Education

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Procurement, or a related field (Masters preferred)
• Professional certifications such as Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), or equivalent (preferred).

Experience

• 5-8 years of procurement or strategic sourcing experience, preferably in a managerial role.
• Proven track record of delivering cost savings and driving supplier performance improvements.
• Experience managing sourcing activities across multiple categories or regions.
• Knowledge of supply chain principles, contract law, and procurement best practices.
• Experience in managing stakeholders and developing trustful relationships.
• Familiarity with global sourcing, supplier risk management, and sustainable procurement practices (preferred).