Category Manager, Indirect Procurement, WWGS

This role is responsible for facilitating the global indirect buying programs and related procurement opportunities. This role works with various internal business and external partners to streamline how WFM sources products and services, focusing on partnership, transparency, integrity, and ease of procurement. Strives to maximize process effectiveness and minimize costs.

Key job responsibilities

• Partner with Facilities, Store Operations, and Construction teams to develop and support standardized repair processes, equipment specifications, and maintenance programs.
• Initiates RFx events
• Leads contract negotiations with facilities service providers, repair contractors, equipment vendors, and distributor partners to secure competitive pricing, service-level commitments, and operational efficiencies.
• Conducts regular business reviews with major R&M suppliers to evaluate service levels, response times, asset performance, cost trends, and opportunities for preventive maintenance savings.
• Initiates vendor audits and performs onsite facility visits to validate service quality, safety compliance, equipment standards, and adherence to company maintenance protocols.

Basic qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field or equivalent work experience
• 2+ years of negotiations and vendor management experience
• 2+ years of relevant strategic sourcing and category management in indirect categories such as professional services, support or maintenance spend, supply chain, forecasting, manufacturing, sourcing/procurement, or vendor management experience

Preferred qualifications

• 5+ years in indirect procurement or category management, specifically within facilities maintenance, MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Operations), or building services
• Proven experience managing large-scale RFP processes from scope development through supplier selection and award
• Experience managing national or multi-site service contracts (e.g., HVAC, plumbing, electrical, general maintenance) across a portfolio of 100+ locations
• Demonstrated success in supplier performance management, including conducting formal audits and enforcing SLA/KPI compliance
• Experience using Microsoft Excel for data analysis, formula, and data visualization