Senior Category Manager

Company: Duluth Trading Company
Location: Mount Horeb
Posted on: March 1, 2026

Job Description:

Position Overview: The Sr. Manager, Strategic Procurement and Optimization is responsible for the procurement of all indirect (non-merchandise) spending. This includes direct involvement in all contract negotiations, strategic sourcing, and vendor/contract compliance. In conjunction with procurement functions, this person works across the business to identify and optimize inefficiencies to reduce costs and improve customer and employee satisfaction. Position Details: Work Environment: At Duluth Trading Company, we value face-to-face interactions that foster our culture of learning, creativity, and teamwork. The role is based at our headquarters near Madison, WI. You will work in the office Monday through Thursday, with the option to work from home on Fridays if you prefer. What You’ll Do: Establish and execute a strategy that creates advantages through the procurement of goods and services. Establish and execute a strategy that creates advantages through the procurement of goods and services Build and manage relationships across the enterprise Perform market and data analysis to identify key spend areas for improvement and develop category management plans Select, manage, coach, and develop a high performing team of procurement professionals Collaborate cross-functionally with Legal, Finance, IT (Information Technology), Operations and Supply Chain to ensure procurement decisions support the company’s mission Develop and own procurement processes, policies, and tools to support business objectives in alignment with procurement strategy Drive supplier relationship management and oversight to maximize business value Continuously improve productivity and efficiency of processes throughout the organization Leverage intelligence and data collected through systems, observation, subject matter experts and cross-functional groups to assess company processes for the purpose of identifying and quantifying inefficiencies within the business Work collegially with business areas to address and improve inefficiencies Additional duties and projects as required What We’re Looking For: Bachelor's degree in business, Management or related field required, Master’s degree preferred - Equivalent work experience will be considered 10 years of experience 3 years management experience Extensive experience in a business environment with significant interpersonal contacts requiring independent professional judgment Extensive experience reviewing and negotiating contracts Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships with vendors and internal stakeholders at all levels of the organization Proven record of accomplishment of delivering cost savings, improving vendor relationships, and optimizing processes Working knowledge of legal environment related to contracts and agreements Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills with the ability to use data to inform decision making Excellent negotiation skills Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate teams in developing/achieving challenging goals Strong critical thinking, resourcefulness, and agility Fair, honest, and genuine with unwavering integrity Strong skills in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) or Google Workspace Experience with financial/ERP systems Knowledge of procurement systems Six Sigma training preferred Authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship Physical Environment & Travel Expectations: Travel is required for less than 10% of company-related meetings, programs, and/or events Sitting is required for 90% of working hours Standing is required for 10% of working hours Continuous arm, hand, and wrist movement (ie: typing) Occasional reaching, twisting, and bending Noise level no greater than casual conversation Ability to perform work in cubicle workstations or an office setting Work in temperatures ranging from 65 - 75 degrees Reasonable Accommodations: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Duluth Headquarters Benefits and Perks Our pursuit of a better way isn't just about our products—it's about our people too. That's why our Dam Good Crew enjoys a comprehensive benefits package, designed to support their well-being and success. Multiple Medical plan options Dental & Vision plans Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts Health Savings Account including company contributions Company paid Life Insurance and AD&D Company paid Short-Term Disability Other various voluntary benefits including: Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Long-Term Disability and Supplemental Life Insurance 401(k) Employer Match Parental Leave Paid holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day Paid Time Off: take it as you need it policy for exempt employees Daily pay available 40% Employee Discount Flexible Fridays Onsite fitness center Position Compensation Outline Compensation Range: $112,000 - $124,000/year This position is eligible to participate in the company bonus program. Compensation listed is for the full-time position at this specific location and is based on several factors, including experience, and qualifications. Benefits and perks may have eligibility requirements and are subject to change. LIONSITE The responsibilities outlined in this position description are a guideline for the general duties of the position and are not exhaustive of all duties inherent in the job. Duluth Trading Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. About Duluth Trading Company: Started in 1989, Duluth Trading Company exists to enable hard-working individuals to take on life with their own two hands. Folks that revel in doing it the hard way and celebrate finding a better way. We seek talented individuals who share these beliefs and are excited to further the Duluth Trading legacy with a digital-first mindset, always moving forward and always innovating. From ingenious Duluth workwear, to comfortably capable Buck Naked Underwear, to outside-embracing AKHG, it’s all about the innovative gear and gadgets that equip customers for a more hands-on way of life. Top-notch quality, immersive storytelling, outstanding customer service, and the shared belief that the go-all-in-and-dig-deep spirit exists with everyone are what sets Duluth Trading Co. apart. We seek talented folks looking to be part of a can-do team that’s hellbent on helping the world to gear up, get its hands dirty, and do.

Keywords: Duluth Trading Company, Madison , Senior Category Manager, IT / Software / Systems , Mount Horeb, Wisconsin