Category Manager

Category Manager / Senior Category Manager – Professional Services

Position Overview

American Airlines is seeking a Category Manager / Senior Category Manager to join its Professional Services Procurement organization. This individual will lead strategic sourcing initiatives, supplier negotiations, contract management, and vendor performance across multiple indirect procurement categories, with a significant focus on employee benefits sourcing and vendor management .

The ideal candidate brings experience managing indirect sourcing activities, developing category strategies, evaluating supplier proposals, and negotiating contracts to drive cost savings and operational value. This role will partner closely with cross-functional stakeholders, including Legal, Finance, HR, IT, and business leadership, to optimize supplier relationships and deliver strategic procurement solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing & Category Management

• Lead end-to-end strategic sourcing initiatives, including category strategy development, market research, RFIs, RFPs, RFQs, supplier evaluations, and contract renewals.
• Manage sourcing activities across employee benefits vendors, including medical carriers, pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), third-party administrators, brokers, consultants, wellness providers, and benefits administration platforms.
• Conduct supplier benchmarking and market analysis to identify competitive opportunities and improve procurement outcomes.
• Develop sourcing recommendations and strategies that align with business objectives and organizational priorities.

Contract Negotiations & Financial Analysis

• Lead supplier negotiations involving pricing, administrative fees, service-level agreements, performance guarantees, rebates, and contract terms.
• Analyze supplier proposals, pricing structures, renewal projections, and total cost of ownership to support informed sourcing decisions.
• Utilize Excel to perform financial analysis, evaluate cost-saving opportunities, and track sourcing results.
• Identify opportunities for cost reduction, cost avoidance, vendor consolidation, and contract optimization.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Finance, Procurement, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or indirect category management, excluding IT and contingent labor categories.
• Experience with supplier negotiations, contract management, and strategic sourcing processes.
• Basic financial and cost-savings analysis experience using Microsoft Excel.
• Strong project management, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, influencing, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Understanding of supply chain concepts, procurement strategies, and business operations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work independently, navigate ambiguity, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong business acumen, professionalism, and high ethical standards.