Job DescriptionThis role owns the development and execution of multi-year category strategies that drive measurable enterprise value across cost optimization, demand management, supplier performance, risk mitigation, and innovation. The Category Manager acts as the enterprise category expert-aligning business, technology, finance, and risk stakeholders around a common strategic direction.
Success in this role requires strong commercial acumen, executive presence, negotiation leadership, and the ability to operate effectively in a regulated banking environment.
We are seeking Core Banking Services Category Manger to support the sub categories of Payments & Money Movement, Cash Management, and Investment Products & Processing.
Key ResponsibilitiesCategory Strategy & Value Delivery- Develop and execute multi-year category strategies aligned to business and enterprise objectives.
- Define category vision, value targets, performance expectations, and strategic guardrails.
- Maintain a comprehensive category strategy that includes demand forecasts, supplier and contract landscapes, market intelligence, and a savings and value roadmap.
- Own annual category value targets, including cost savings, cost avoidance, and productivity improvements.
- Identify opportunities for demand management, specification optimization, and supplier rationalization.
- Track, measure, and report realized savings and category performance outcomes.
Inform Contract Negotiation- Participate complex, cross-functional sourcing initiatives, including RFIs, RFPs, and supplier negotiations.
- Inform fact-based negotiation strategies supported by financial analysis and market insights.
- Partner closely Business, Strategic Sourcing, Risk, and Compliance teams to ensure appropriate commercial, regulatory alignment and performance levels and penalties.
Supplier & Risk Management- Manage strategic supplier relationships through structured governance, including performance scorecards and regular business reviews.
- Define and monitor supplier KPIs aligned to business outcomes.
- Proactively address supplier performance issues and mitigate operational, financial, concentration, and resiliency risks.
- Collaborate with third-party risk, compliance, and information security partners to support effective risk management in a regulated environment.
Stakeholder Partnership & Influence- Serve as a trusted advisor to senior business leaders.
- Influence sourcing and demand decisions early in the planning cycle.
- Constructively challenge demand and assumptions to optimize enterprise outcomes.
- Present clear, executive-ready insights and strategic recommendations.
What You BringRequired Qualifications- 7-10+ years of progressive experience in category management or vendor management.
- Demonstrated experience leading complex negotiations and enterprise-wide sourcing initiatives.
- Strong commercial acumen and financial modeling capability.
- Advanced analytical skills with the ability to translate data into actionable insights.
- Experience working cross-functionally and driving consensus across stakeholders.
- Structured, organized, and methodical planning skills.
- Executive-level communication and presentation skills.
Preferred Qualifications- Experience in financial services or other regulated industries.
- Knowledge of third-party risk management frameworks and regulatory environments.
- Experience managing large, complex spend portfolios.
- MBA or professional certification (CPSM, CIPS, or similar).
Core Competencies- Strategic thinking and long-term planning
- Negotiation and influencing skills
- Financial and analytical rigor
- Risk-aware decision making
- Stakeholder management and executive presence
- Change leadership in matrixed environments
Hours & Work Schedule- 40 hours per week
- Monday - Friday
Pay Transparency The salary range for this position is $139,680- $248,320 per year, plus an opportunity to earn an annual discretionary bonus. Actual pay is based on various factors including but not limited to the work location, and relevant skills and experience.
We offer competitive pay, comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage, retirement benefits, maternity/paternity leave, flexible work arrangements, education reimbursement, wellness programs and more. Note, Citizens' paid time off policy exceeds the mandatory, paid sick or paid time-away policy of every local and state jurisdiction in the United States. For an overview of our benefits, visit https://jobs.citizensbank.com/benefits .
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