Category Analyst

Work Schedule: Onsite 4 days per weekResponsibilitiesSpend & Category AnalysisAnalyze spend data and support category sourcing initiativesConduct category, market, benchmark, and supplier analysisPerform spend criticality analysis across categories and enterprise-wide spendIdentify market trends, cost drivers, industry benchmarks, and sourcing opportunitiesAnalyze off-contract and non-compliant spend activitySupplier & Sourcing SupportDevelop sourcing evaluation models, negotiation models, and supplier scorecardsBuild total cost of ownership (TCO) models and identify savings opportunitiesMonitor supplier performance metrics, KPIs, and service levelsResearch new suppliers, substitute products/services, and emerging market participantsSupport sourcing strategies and category initiatives in collaboration with stakeholdersProcess Improvement & CollaborationDevelop and maintain supplier and category databasesSupport procurement process improvements and future-state process documentationCollaborate cross-functionally with procurement teams and business stakeholdersRequired Skills & Experience 35 years of experience in: Category ManagementSpend AnalysisProcurement AnalyticsSupply Chain AnalyticsData AnalysisExperience with analytics and visualization tools such as: Power BITableauPythonQlikViewAlteryxSQLStrong experience with: Spend analysis and reportingSupplier performance metrics and KPI trackingMarket analysis and sourcing supportStrategic sourcing methodologiesProcurement processes and contract supportData-driven decision makingCore competencies: Strong analytical and problem-solving skillsExcellent written and verbal communication skillsStrong organizational and project management abilitiesAbility to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environmentFinancial acumen and business awarenessPreferred Skills & ExperienceExperience within the rail industry or similar large-scale supply chain environmentsExperience supporting strategic sourcing and supplier negotiationsProject Management or Supply Chain certificationsEducationBachelor's degree preferred in one of the following: Engineering, Computer Science, Finance, Economics, Business, or related technical discipline