Job Title: Category Manager Job Description We are seeking a seasoned procurement professional with extensive experience in corporate services, marketing, communications, software, and professional advisory vendors. The ideal candidate will manage complex vendor relationships across multiple functions, lead end-to-end RFPs, and bring structure to a fast-paced environment. Responsibilities + Develop, negotiate, and manage Master Service Agreements (MSAs), Statements of Work (SOWs), and licensing agreements across corporate service categories. + Lead Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and vendor negotiations for Marketing, HR, Finance, Legal, Communications, and software/advisory partners. + Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align priorities, budgets, and business requirements. + Partner with internal Legal, Cybersecurity, and Compliance teams to ensure smooth vendor onboarding and contract execution. + Drive process improvements within procurement to ensure efficiency, compliance, and visibility of spend. Essential Skills + Bachelor’s degree required. + 5–10 years of procurement/vendor management experience with exposure to Marketing, HR, Legal, Finance, or enterprise software categories. + Demonstrated success leading vendor negotiations and end-to-end RFPs. + Confident communicator with strong stakeholder management skills across diverse business units. + Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, lean team environment with competing priorities. + Detail-oriented and comfortable managing complex, multi-stage projects. Additional Skills & Qualifications + Experience with supply chain, category management, and purchasing. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $65.00 - $65.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a hybrid position in Northbrook,IL. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Sep 20, 2025. About Aston Carter: Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® double diamond winner for both client and talent service. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com (%20astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com) for other accommodation options.