Category Manager in Alpharetta, Georgia at Wheels, Inc.

The Category Manager II will be responsible for providing category management expertise for a group of assigned categories by incorporating best practice strategic sourcing principles. Lead and manage cross-functional teams to ensure optimal value in the supply chain for Wheels and its clients. Requires experience in category management techniques, strategic supplier relationship management, RFx processes, contracting processes, and sourcing strategies.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Responsible for leading the strategic sourcing activities for assigned categories to include market analysis, commercial lever identification, strategy development, RFX process, bid evaluation, supplier selection, contract, price & terms negotiations, performance evaluation, etc.
• Responsible for organizing and leading cross-functional Category Teams as part of category strategy development, to optimize value, including cost savings, cost avoidance, rebate enhancements, and KPI monitoring
• Responsible for developing in-depth operational knowledge of assigned category areas to ensure an understanding of the supply market dynamics and how they relate to the requirements of Wheels and its clients
• Lead Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) activities for assigned categories.
• Evaluate new and existing strategic suppliers, fostering relationships to create innovative and collaborative partnerships that achieve competitive advantage
• Responsible for achieving annual value objectives
• Support the annual planning process by developing category forecasts for spend, volumes and rebates.
• Create and/or improve policies and processes to support improved Procurement and supplier relations.
• Other duties are assigned to ensure overall departmental efficiency
• Other Duties
  • Maintain a solid understanding of the overall business and operational needs.
  • Support implementation of departmental sourcing initiatives.
  • Assist in the implementation of Procurement software needs, including ERP.
  • Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

• This position’s leadership responsibilities involve demonstrating ethics and integrity, developing adaptability, displaying drive and purpose and exhibiting leadership stature

COMPETENCIES - SKILLS

• Entrepreneurial attitude with the ability to take initiative and work independently
• Demonstrated ability building relationships and strategic alliances that motivate internal teams and suppliers to meet strategic objectives
• Proficient in all phases of procurement and possess analytical ability to evaluate strategic options and the impact on the business
• Strong analytical skills to develop complex category strategies, evaluate competing offers, and determine best value
• Detail oriented, with ability to see the big picture

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Business/Finance/Accounting preferred
• CPM, CPSM, CPSC certification a plus
• 4-6 years of Category Management experience in a Procurement role
• Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) experience
• Experience reading and understanding supply and service contracts
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PowerBI)
• Ability to work independently, creatively, and efficiently in a dynamic environment
• Strong listening, communication (verbal, written), planning and organizational skills
• Mastery of Strategic Sourcing concepts
• Strong negotiation techniques, ability to interface/present with all levels of management, ability to understand financial benefits

CORE VALUES

At Wheels, we believe in fostering a culture that is built on our Core Values and Guiding Principles. We cultivate a culture of excellence and innovation by upholding these values, driving our collective success and growth.

• Integrity – Always act with integrity and honesty.
• One Team – Treat others with dignity and respect; act as a cohesive, inclusive and accountable team that is making a difference.
• Innovation – Drive continuous improvement, spark creativity and embrace next generation thinking.
• Customer Success – Ensure that customer and driver success is at the heart of everything we do.

CULTURAL ATTRIBUTES

At Wheels, our culture guides us how we work every day, and we look for team members who show these behaviors:

• Discipline Drives Quality – Plan the Trip: Think proactively, hold a high bar, follow through by leveraging experience and systems. To produce quality outcomes, we must be intentional and deliberate in everything we do, from big bets to daily execution.
• Intellectually Curious – Fuel Your Minds: Be bold, challenge assumptions, think differently, look outside the box. Strive to unlock your own thinking and create new possibilities.
• Commit and Deliver – Own It: Take responsibility for your work, from start to finish, and be accountable for the results. Think and act like an owner of the business.
• Relationships Matter – Share the Ride: Trust is central, both with key internal and external stakeholders. Relationships are not a side effect of work but a driver of success.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS, PHYSICAL DEMANDS and WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work Environment: This position is in Alpharetta, GA and operates in a professional office environment. We offer a flexible work environment including work from home opportunities.
• Position Type/Standard Schedule: This is a full-time position, Monday through Friday (in office Tuesday-Thursday 8a-5p)
• Travel: Limited travel is expected for this role (10% or less)
• Physical Demands: Speak, hear, and see, and to use hand and fingers for computer keyboard and phone. Sit or stand for extended periods of time. Reach above head to pull paper attachments.

DISCLAIMER

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Wheels recognizes benefits are a significant part of your employee experience, and we've created a robust benefits package that is market-leading, competitive offerings so you and your family can receive outstanding care. Please click here for an overview of the benefits available to you and your family.

Pay Range:

The base salary range for this position is listed above. This position is eligible to participate in the annual incentive plan which is based on company performance and individual performance. Compensation ranges are based on several factors including job function, level, and geographic location. Final offer amounts are determined by multiple factors including candidate experience, education, certifications, skill level and expertise, and may vary from the amounts listed here.

As one of the largest fleet management companies in North America, Wheels features a portfolio of 900,000+ vehicles under management across the continent, a global alliance in 61 countries, and a client base that consists of some of the best-known businesses in the world. No matter the industry type or business size, we’re proud to work across sales and service fleets, trucks and equipment, and last mile delivery to ensure we power your potential.

The culture at Wheels is the secret to our 80+ years of success. And the reason people choose to join — and stay with — our team.

When you join the team, you'll work with professionals who are passionate, friendly and smart. We foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for all, combined with the encouragement to continuously learn and grow. From day one, we invest in your long-term development through annual performance goals and reviews, educational and wellness programs, awards and celebrations, and more.

Ready to experience the Wheels culture for yourself?

• 10 years average employee tenure

• 10 times recognized as one of Chicago's Best and Brightest Companies to Work For

• 50+ health, wellness and engagement benefits

• 2,500+ online learning programs

Diversity: Wheels deeply values the strength of diversity both in the communities we serve and our own employee base. This includes treating everyone as equal, respecting and valuing diversity, providing equal opportunity and fostering a safe space to work.

Community: We are heavily involved in the communities where we operate. We offer opportunities for employees to make a positive impact through mentorship and tutoring elementary school students, participating in blood drives, donating to United Way and other charitable organizations in the greater Chicagoland and Toronto areas.

Sustainability: Wheels is actively committed to becoming a cleaner fleet management company through recycling programs, public transportation support and more.

We Are Dedicated to the Safety and Health of our Employees

Our employees are critical to delivering on our commitment to client success, which is why we offer a variety of programs focused on the health and wellness of our people.

We hire people who have a customer-focused mindset and a strong collaborative nature. Because at Wheels, customer service and teamwork don't just happen in the office. It is during the informal moments when employee trust is strengthened and friendships are made. We value these moments, which is why we host departmental contests, summer gatherings, family events, holiday celebrations and more.

At Wheels, your well-being is our priority. As part of our commitment to your health and well-being, we’re proud to offer access to the Advocate Health Care Wellness Portal—a personalized platform designed to help you take charge of your health journey.

The 2026 Wellness Program is designed to support you in achieving your personal health goals. Best of all, it’s flexible and fits into your busy lifestyle.

This program is designed to support your overall well-being—physically, emotionally, and financially—by providing tools and incentives that encourage healthy living.