Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 325,000 students in 500+ schools and employing over 45,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. Aligned with our transformed philosophy, we are steadfastly focused on ensuring that the District provides resources equitably to support every student, every school, and every community. Six core values guide the work we do every day for our students – student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning. Each role in the district supports our vision that every student deserves a rigorous, joyful, and equitable learning experience.
The Department of Procurement and Contracts provides CPS schools with the best options for purchasing the highest quality goods and services at the best price. The team works with schools, departments, vendors, and business stakeholders to provide goods and services of the highest quality and value for the district. We are dedicated to meeting our goal through competitive pricing while adhering to relevant laws, Board of Education rules, policies, and procedures.
Job Summary:
Reporting to the Director of Procurement Category Management, and in close partnership with related user departments, the Category Manager will develop a professional approach for sourcing in order to generate significant savings while maintaining or improving the level of service and will ensure the District is not exposed to undue risks due to non-compliance of the supply chain, responsibility, and unethical behavior. This is a full-time, exempt position that will be paid for time worked on a salary basis.
The Category Manager will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:
- Proactively manage categories, develop short and long-term sourcing strategies; Proactively manage sourcing plans to achieve deliverables against milestones
- Manage other team members, including assigning, organizing, and directing the work of Category Buyers
- Identify suppliers, solicit and review contracts, and analyze prices; Perform spend, contract, and market analysis
- Lead negotiations with suppliers to ensure the best quality, service, and cost is met to achieve business objectives
- Partner with stakeholders in development and launch of procurement strategy timelines, cost and quality goals, and service level to customers; Communicate sourcing decisions to stakeholders and complete necessary system updates
- Ensure a competitive sourcing environment leading to continuous improvement
- Maintain knowledge of market trends including analysis of market drivers, cost structures and technical improvements
- Generate materials in support of vendor presentations, workshops, and negotiations
- Provide necessary inputs to support contract management and monitor compliance; Establish and manage performance and relationships with key suppliers
- Other duties as assigned
In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Category Manager must possess the following qualifications:
Education Required:
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, required
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain or related field, preferred
Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in business, supply chain or other related field is preferred
Certified Public Procurement Buyer or Officer, preferred
Experience Required:
Minimum of five (5) years of Procurement / Supply chain experience in a leading private or public organization
Experience with Oracle is preferred
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Strong analytical and organizational skills with great attention to detail
Negotiation and influencing skills
Ability to interface with a wide variety of business situations and all levels of management, trade groups, conventions, etc.
Excellent communication (speaking - including presentations - listening, and writing) and interpersonal skills
Problem solving and decision making skills
Proficiency in MS Office, Google Workspace, and ERP Systems (SAP, Oracle, etc.)
Strong leadership and team building skills, e.g. ability to develop high performing teams united around a clear vision for serving schools and achieving student success
Knowledge of operations, budget/finance, management and organizational development
Ability to build collaborative relationships with a variety of constituent groups, including external partners, to ensure the entire system operates in the most effective manner possible to support schools and principals
Ability to define problems, analyze data, and outline valid conclusions and action steps
Benefits:
Health & Wellness: Your Care, Your Choice
CPS is committed to providing comprehensive health coverage to our employees and their eligible dependents. You'll have access to a variety of choices to best fit your needs:
Medical Plan Options
Pharmacy
Dental
Vision
Behavioral Health & EAP
Employee Wellness Program
Financial Security: Planning for Today and Tomorrow
We understand the importance of financial stability, which is why CPS offers strong retirement and savings options:
Basic Life Insurance
Life and Disability Insurance
Pension Plans
Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b))
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
Spot Pet Insurance
Work-Life Balance: Supporting Your Personal and Professional Life
CPS values the well-being of its employees and offers competitive paid time off policies:
Paid Leave
Sick Leave
Vacation Days
Parental Leaves
Short-Term Disability
Religious Holidays
Leaves
Reference the Chicago Public Schools: A Comprehensive Benefits Overview or the benefits handbook for comprehensive details.
Conditions of Employment
As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to:
Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency - Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district. The Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary/part-time positions; however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.