Senior Category Analyst (Strategic Sourcing)

Overview

Topco Associates is currently seeking a Senior Category Analyst for the Indirect Spend – Equipment & Construction team in Quincy, MA. This position will be a hybrid role, with the successful candidate conducting work in our Quincy office three times per week and virtually twice per week.

 

The Senior Category Analyst will support sourcing initiatives across equipment and construction categories, including but not limited to refrigeration, energy management, building materials, cooking and baking equipment, sales floor equipment and IT solutions. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to high-impact projects, develop analytical and sourcing expertise, and build strong cross-functional and supplier relationships.

 

Topco’s mission is to deliver solutions that help our member owners, regional retailers, and wholesalers achieve a competitive advantage. We are committed to building high-performing, diverse teams that reflect the communities we serve and drive innovation across our business.

 

Position Summary

 

The Senior Category Analyst is responsible for supporting the execution of category strategies and sourcing initiatives under the guidance of their manager. This individual will develop foundational expertise in assigned categories, contribute to cost savings and value delivery goals, and support supplier engagement and program growth.

 

This role manages sourcing initiatives and supports segments with various levels of procurement spend within the $135MM total category.

Responsibilities

Sourcing & Project Management

• Execute sourcing initiatives from initiation through contract execution and lifecycle management
• Develop and distribute RFPs and RFIs to prospective suppliers
• Lead supplier negotiations, including pricing and contract terms, using a variety of sourcing tools and methods
• Ensure sourcing activities are well-documented and aligned with internal processes

 

Analytics & Insights

• Conduct data analysis to support sourcing decisions, identify opportunities, and evaluate supplier proposals
• Interpret and present findings to stakeholders in a clear and actionable manner
• Develop working knowledge of assigned categories through market research and analysis

 

Relationship Management

• Build and maintain effective relationships with suppliers as well as external and internal stakeholders
• Manage communication of initiative results, including savings and performance metrics
• Monitor and manage supplier performance and ensuring contract compliance
• Identify and communicate opportunities for continuous improvement

 

Business Support & Development

• Partner with program management team to support program adoption and growth
• Track sales performance and help prepare sourcing plans and business review content
• Development and promotion of new and existing sourcing programs
• Leverage CRM Salesforce to track and complete identified category opportunities
• Present to external and internal stakeholders in formal and informal settings both in person and remotely

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree required

Experience

• 3+ years of experience in business, analytics, project coordination, or a related field
• Experience in sourcing, negotiations, procurement, purchasing, consulting, or retail operations preferred
• Prior experience with supplier or market analysis and e-sourcing tools (Jagger, Coupa, Ariba) is beneficial

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate data into insights
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to collaborate across multiple groups of people and to work independently
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain strong attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint
• Customer-focused mindset with a collaborative approach to work
• Desire to build on existing and enhance sourcing, negotiation, and category management skills
• Travel approximately 10-15% (based on business need)

 

Topco strives for an inclusive workplace that reflects our member shopper’s communities. If your experience similarly reflects what you see listed in the job description, please consider applying, as individuals come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond j