Senior Category Manager at Target

Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Target Logo
Not SpecifiedCompensation
Senior (5 to 8 years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Manufacturing, Sourcing, ProcurementIndustries

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Finance, Engineering, or related field (MBA preferred)
  • Minimum 5 years of experience in Sourcing, Production, R&D, or Engineering, ideally within a leadership or strategic capacity
  • Strong understanding of TCO and strategic sourcing methodologies
  • Ability to travel up to 25%
  • Proven success leading cross-functional teams within a multi-plant or enterprise environment (preferred)
  • Expertise in category management, from strategy development to execution (“cradle-to-grave”) (preferred)
  • Strong business acumen with the ability to develop fact-based business cases and influence senior stakeholders (preferred)
  • Demonstrated experience in market analysis, cost modeling, and supplier negotiations (preferred)
  • Knowledge of supply markets, cost drivers, and technology trends affecting direct materials (preferred)
  • Advanced project management skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives concurrently (preferred)
  • Skilled in the creation, negotiation, and administration of supplier contracts (preferred)
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to influence at all levels (preferred)
  • Results-oriented, analytical, and capable of driving measurable outcomes (preferred)

Responsibilities

  • Develop and execute category strategies that optimize cost, quality, risk, and sustainability performance across multiple material categories
  • Lead the full category lifecycle using the 7-Step Sourcing process—from business case development through strategy execution and ongoing supplier management
  • Drive total cost of ownership (TCO) improvements, applying market intelligence, cost modeling, and competitive benchmarking
  • Lead cross-functional stakeholder teams to align sourcing strategies with business goals and secure organizational buy-in
  • Negotiate complex supply agreements that secure long-term value and mitigate supply risk
  • Develop and manage category KPIs (cost, quality, service, productivity) and supplier scorecards to ensure measurable value delivery
  • Conduct supplier business reviews to drive continuous improvement and ensure performance against contractual commitments
  • Identify and implement innovative sourcing solutions that enable sustainability, value engineering (VA/VE), and risk reduction
  • Analyze market and cost driver dynamics to anticipate changes in raw material economics and capacity, developing mitigation strategies as needed
  • Measure and report category performance, establishing baseline benchmarks and tracking savings, lead time, and delivery improvements

Skills

Category Management
Sourcing Strategy
Total Cost of Ownership
Supplier Management
Negotiation
Cost Modeling
Market Intelligence
Risk Mitigation
Contracting
KPIs
Supplier Scorecards
Stakeholder Management
7-Step Sourcing Process

Target

Retailer offering diverse consumer goods

About Target

Target Corporation is a retail company that offers a wide range of products, including clothing, electronics, home goods, and groceries, through nearly 2,000 stores and an online platform. Its "Design For All" philosophy allows it to provide high-quality, affordable products that cater to diverse customer needs. Target differentiates itself from competitors with its owned brands and the Target Circle loyalty program, which enhances customer engagement. The company's goal is to support sustainability and community initiatives by giving back 5% of its profits to local communities.

Minneapolis, MinnesotaHeadquarters
2005Year Founded
N/ACompany Stage
Consumer GoodsIndustries
10,001+Employees

Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Life Insurance
Disability Insurance
Paid Sick Leave
Paid Holidays
Paid Vacation
401(k) Retirement Plan
Employee Discounts

Risks

Increased competition from online-only retailers like Amazon threatens Target's market share.
Rising labor costs due to new minimum wage laws could impact profit margins.
Supply chain vulnerabilities from geopolitical tensions may affect inventory and pricing strategies.

Differentiation

Target's 'Design For All' philosophy offers unique, high-quality products at affordable prices.
The Target Circle loyalty program enhances customer engagement and shopping experience.
Target's commitment to sustainability and community support sets it apart from competitors.

Upsides

Experiential retail and 'retailtainment' strategies can boost customer engagement and foot traffic.
Augmented reality integration offers immersive shopping experiences showcasing Target's unique designs.
Omnichannel retail strategies enhance customer experience by integrating online and offline shopping.

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