Job Description

The Senior Procurement Manager and Category Manager will strategically manage and optimize the Procurement process. You will be responsible for developing and implementing category strategies to efficiently source software, goods, and services, negotiate contracts and collaborate with internal stakeholders to deliver high-quality sourcing solutions, while achieving cost savings. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of Procurement and the overall S2P process.

The position requires a strategic and operational leader, responsible for driving category strategy, sourcing execution, contract negotiations, and procurement transformation across key enterprise spend areas, with a primary focus on Marketing, HR, and Finance categories, while supporting broader business needs as a flexible generalist.

This role will partner closely with executive stakeholders to develop and execute category strategies, lead complex sourcing initiatives, and optimize supplier performance. In parallel, this leader will play a critical role in implementing and operationalizing an AI-driven intake-to-pay procurement platform, driving adoption, workflow design, and process standardization across the organization.

The ideal candidate brings a blend of category expertise, operational agility, and procurement technology leadership, with a strong understanding of end-to-end Source-to-Pay (S2P) processes.

Key Responsibilities

Category Strategy & Sourcing Leadership

Develop and execute category strategies aligned with business priorities across Marketing, HR, and Finance departments
Act as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders across Marketing, HR, & Finance, among other teams
Lead complex sourcing initiatives end-to-end, including RFPs, supplier selection, and negotiations
Operate as a flexible procurement partner, supporting day-to-day sourcing and contracting needs across additional categories as business demand requires
Triage and prioritize incoming requests, balancing strategic initiatives with tactical execution
Establish and manage preferred supplier programs and rationalized supplier portfolios
Drive total cost of ownership, value creation, and risk mitigation strategies

Ensure consistent application of procurement policies, processes, and controls across all engagements

Supplier & Contract Management

Lead strategic supplier relationship management, including performance reviews and governance models
Independently lead commercial negotiations and contract redlining in partnership with Legal, InfoSec, and Finance
Identify opportunities for supplier consolidation, cost optimization, and innovation

Procurement Transformation

Serve as a key team member in the implementation and rollout of an AI-based intake-to-pay procurement platform
Partner with cross-functional teams to design and optimize intake workflows, approvals, and user experience
Drive system adoption and change management across the managed departments across the organization
Translate business needs into system requirements and continuously improve procurement processes through technology
Identify and lead initiatives to improve procurement efficiency, scalability, and user experience
Develop and deliver stakeholder education and enablement programs

Supervisory Responsibilities: This role directly supervises 1-3 Full-time Equivalent (FTE) regular employees and/or contractors and manages various vendor engagements. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Minimum Required Qualifications

Eight (8) years in various Procurement category leadership roles, with track record of successfully managing complex Procurement categories and partnering with executive level stakeholders
Three (3) to five (5) years of management experience

Other Required Qualifications

Strong negotiation skills and a demonstrated ability to drive cost savings
In depth knowledge of Procurement best practices, category management, market trends, and contracting
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with stakeholders and cross-functional teams
Strong analytical, problem solving and project management skills

Desired Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain or related field
MBA strongly preferred
Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)
Experience in Education Technology industry
Experience consolidating / integrating subsidiary and affiliate strategic contracts
Experience with AI-based intake to pay procurement systems and NetSuite a plus

This position is virtual and open to residents in Eastern and Central US locations.

Compensation and Benefits: Stride, Inc considers a person’s education, experience, and qualifications, as well as the position’s work location, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value when determining a new employee’s salary level. Salaries will differ based on these factors, the position’s level and expected contribution, and the employee’s benefits elections. Offers will typically be in the bottom half of the range.

We anticipate the salary range to be $112,256.00 and $179,610.00. Eligible employees may receive a bonus. This salary is not guaranteed, as an individual’s compensation can vary based on several factors. These factors include, but are not limited to, geographic location, experience, training, education, and local market conditions. Stride offers a robust benefits package for eligible employees that can include health benefits, retirement contributions, and paid time off.

Job Type

Regular

The above job is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned by their supervisor. All employment is “at-will” as governed by the law of the state where the employee works. It is further understood that the “at-will” nature of employment is one aspect of employment that cannot be changed except in writing and signed by an authorized officer.

If you are a job seeker with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to apply for one of our jobs, you can request the appropriate accommodation by contacting stridecareers@k12.com.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

Stride, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants receive consideration for employment based on merit without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law. Stride, Inc. complies with all legally required affirmative action obligations. Applicants will not be discriminated against because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.

Stride, Inc.

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Senior Procurement Manager