Category Manager

Are you a strategic sourcing expert with a passion for negotiation, supplier partnerships, and driving enterprise value? Join Merchants Fleet as a Category Manager and play a key role in shaping procurement strategies across high-impact categories ranging from $80MM to $1.3B in spend. 

This is an exciting opportunity for a procurement professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and wants to influence sourcing strategy, supplier performance, and operational excellence within the automotive and fleet management industry. 

Location: Hooksett, NH (Hybrid) 

What You’ll Do:

• As a Category Manager, you will lead procurement initiatives across critical business categories including: 
  • Upfitters 
  • OEMs 
  • Auto dealers 
  • Transportation 
  • Storage 
  • Maintenance & repair 
  • IT 
  • Marketing 
  • Automotive services and related categories 

Key Responsibilities 

• Develop and execute category-specific sourcing and procurement strategies 
• Analyze market trends, supplier capabilities, risks, and opportunities within 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? 

At Merchants Fleet, you’ll have the opportunity to make a measurable impact on enterprise procurement strategy while working alongside a collaborative and innovative team. If you're ready to lead complex sourcing initiatives and help shape the future of fleet management procurement, we’d love to hear from you. 

The Company 

You're invigorated by team collaboration and a fast-paced work environment. Opportunities for growth motivate you to always bring your A-game. You’re tired of being told “no” when you think of ways to improve, innovate, and do things better.

There’s a place for people like you. Welcome to Merchants Fleet.