Category Manager

Company: Merchants Fleet
Location: Hooksett, NH (Hybrid)

About Merchants Fleet:

Merchants Fleet is the fastest-growing and most electric fleet management company in North America, serving over 20 diverse industries. With over 60 years of history and an entrepreneurial spirit, Merchants Fleet is dedicated to innovation, growth, and employee development. We offer a collaborative work environment, real career paths, and a strong benefits package, recognized by "Great Companies to Work For in NH" for 10 consecutive years.

The Opportunity:

Join Merchants Fleet as a Category Manager and play a key role in shaping procurement strategies for high-impact categories with spend ranging from $80MM to $1.3B. This is an exciting opportunity for a procurement professional to influence sourcing strategy, supplier performance, and operational excellence within the automotive and fleet management industry.

What You'll Do:

• Lead procurement initiatives across critical business categories including: Upfitters, OEMs, Auto dealers, Transportation, Storage, Maintenance & repair, IT, Marketing, and Automotive services.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute category-specific sourcing and procurement strategies.
• Analyze market trends, supplier capabilities, risks, and opportunities within the automotive and fleet management sectors.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships while negotiating favorable pricing, contracts, and service agreements.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal stakeholders to align procurement strategies with business objectives.
• Continuously evaluate and optimize the supplier base for quality, innovation, and cost-effectiveness.
• Monitor supplier performance against KPIs and contractual benchmarks.
• Lead contract negotiations and ensure compliance with company standards and policies.
• Forecast budget impacts and support overall financial performance goals.
• Stay informed on emerging technologies, industry trends, and supplier innovations.
• Utilize procurement systems and tools to manage sourcing activities, contracts, renewals, and reporting.

What We're Looking For:

• Qualifications & Skills:
• Strong project management and leadership capabilities.
• Demonstrated success negotiating high-value, enterprise-level contracts.
• Deep understanding of the automotive and fleet management industry.
• Exceptional supplier relationship management and negotiation skills.
• Strong analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and market insights.
• Experience managing budgets and conducting financial analysis.
• Ability to influence stakeholders and drive strategic initiatives across the organization.
• Education & Experience:
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• Procurement or supply chain certification preferred.
• Proven experience as a Category Manager or similar procurement role within automotive or fleet management industries.
• Track record of delivering cost savings, value creation, and operational improvements.

Why Join Us?

• Opportunity to make a measurable impact on enterprise procurement strategy.
• Collaborative and innovative team environment.
• Real career paths and tools for growth and development.
• Great benefits package.

Note: Merchants Fleet utilizes AI-assisted tools in the recruiting process for efficiency. All candidate evaluations are reviewed by people, and hiring decisions are made by our team. Merchants Fleet does not accept unsolicited resumes from third parties.