Category Manager Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Category managers qualify for H-1B visa, E-3 visa, and TN visa sponsorship when the role requires analytical skills in supply chain optimization, vendor management, or market analysis. Most positions require a bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or supply chain management, though some accept economics or related quantitative fields. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsJOB SUMMARY
This job has enterprise-wide responsibility for creating and driving strategic sourcing for an assigned category of spend while building strong client business-oriented relationships by contributing to client strategy and objective setting. The incumbent acts as a strategic business partner, interfacing at the VP and Director levels of the company, providing leadership in the designated spend category for category strategy/plans, strategic sourcing and other strategic procurement processes such as supplier relationship management, spend performance management, demand and compliance management, internal spend and external market analysis, and category governance. Collaborates with key stakeholders on the development and implementation of annual and multi-year category strategies in order to achieve category goals, achieve business strategies and deliver sustainable category value. This position has significant financial and enterprise risk mitigation responsibilities.
This is a hybrid based role in Pittsburgh, PA - 3 days a week onsite - T, W, TH.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead creation and implementation of sourcing and demand management strategies for assigned categories of spend, manage the development of RFx materials, detailed analysis of proposals and vendor capabilities, negotiations and supplier selection.
- Plan, schedule and monitor category sourcing initiatives, ensuring proper resource allocation and on-time delivery of projects; exercise tight project management.
- Leverage key metrics to identify problem areas and adopt current and emerging business models with an entrepreneurial mindset and creative approach to drive best practice.
- Strategically partner with business unit leaders and contribute to client strategy by providing procurement expertise and strategic partnering for purchasing opportunities.
- Counsel internal business unit leaders regarding purchasing processes, technology capabilities and policies to assist in the procurement life-cycle.
- Build and manage relationships with priority business executives, serves as a key member of the business unit leadership team to support implementation of business strategies through advanced procurement initiatives and team alignment, facilitate the entire sourcing process and closely collaborate with clients to select and award business to suppliers.
- Demonstrate a strategic business mindset, organizational savvy, present an executive-level presence, and balance multiple stakeholder interests simultaneously.
- Under the direction of Procurement leadership, create and drive long-term category strategies designed to anticipate enterprise-wide requirements and achieve maximum life-cycle value while optimizing forecasted shifts in both supply markets, industry trends and supplier economic cycles.
- Monitor strategy implementations on-going performance and ensure key issues, risks, and opportunities are elevated to the appropriate level.
- Lead the development and negotiation of contracts with new suppliers and/or renegotiate existing contracts to accomplish lowest total system cost and savings objectives.
- Conduct category spend analyses and reporting, supplier stratification, supply market and category industry research.
- Perform ethical procurement practices of contracted goods and services which includes compliance with corporate and departmental policies and procedures as well as federal, state and local regulations.
- Develop profound category expertise and leverage knowledge to proactively identify potential procurement opportunities through data analysis, category and industry knowledge, current and emerging business models and discussions with business units.
- Other duties as assigned.
Education
Required
- Bachelors in Business Supply Chain Management, Administration/Management, Finance, Accounting, Economics, Mathematics, Marketing, or Industrial Engineering or four years of relevant experience and/or education as determined by the company in lieu of bachelor's degree
Preferred
- None
Experience
Required
- 5 years of experience in a procurement role
- 3 years of strategic sourcing experience
- Experience providing consulting to business leads, strategic sourcing, and supplier relationship management and performance
- Experience in Indirect Category Sourcing and/or Health Care Sourcing with demonstrated expertise in influencing the business strategy and shaping Procurement strategic direction
Preferred
- Advanced experience in procurement contract negotiation, competitive price analysis, procurement technology and related processes, contract management, and spend analysis
- Project planning and management experience
- Prior experience managing diverse stakeholder interests and expectations
- Prior experience with process redesign and improvement
LICENSES OR CERTIFICATIONS
Required
- None
Preferred
- Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)
- Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM)
SKILLS
- Experience in strategic management and problem solving
- Ability to translate big picture into implementation and achieve results
- Working knowledge and experience in and key Procurement functional areas of Category Management, Strategy Development, Contract Negotiation, Supplier and Risk Management and Supplier Diversity
- Exceptional interpersonal, consultative, influencing, presentation and communication skills, work well in a team environment, able to work in diverse environments and adhere to highest ethical standards
- Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment in a complex, matrixed environment
- Demonstrated success working with VP-level executives and matrix organizations
- Strong and effective verbal and written communication skills, effectively presenting complex topics in a concise manner to audiences at various levels and in various sizes
- Strong analytical, financial and P&L skills required
- Advanced negotiation skills and relevant experience
- Demonstrated ability to manage cost performance, supply/demand forecasting
- Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
Language Requirement (other than English)
None
Travel Required
0% - 25%
PHYSICAL, MENTAL DEMANDS and WORKING CONDITIONS
Position Type
Office-Based
Teaches / trains others regularly
Occasionally
Travel regularly from the office to various work sites or from site-to-site
Rarely
Works primarily out-of-the office selling products/services (sales employees)
Never
Physical work site required
No
Lifting: up to 10 pounds
Occasionally
Lifting: 10 to 25 pounds
Rarely
Lifting: 25 to 50 pounds
Never
Disclaimer: The job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of work performed by employees within this job title. It may not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to do this job.
Compliance Requirement: This job adheres to the ethical and legal standards and behavioral expectations as set forth in the code of business conduct and company policies.
As a component of job responsibilities, employees may have access to covered information, cardholder data, or other confidential customer information that must be protected at all times. In connection with this, all employees must comply with both the Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) as described in the Notice of Privacy Practices and Privacy Policies and Procedures as well as all data security guidelines established within the Company’s Handbook of Privacy Policies and Practices and Information Security Policy.
Furthermore, it is every employee’s responsibility to comply with the company’s Code of Business Conduct. This includes but is not limited to adherence to applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations as well as company policies and training requirements.
Highmark Health and its affiliates prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on any category protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
We endeavor to make this site accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact the email below.
For accommodation requests, please contact HR Services Online at HRServices@highmarkhealth.org
California Consumer Privacy Act Employees, Contractors, and Applicants Notice
JOB SUMMARY
This job has enterprise-wide responsibility for creating and driving strategic sourcing for an assigned category of spend while building strong client business-oriented relationships by contributing to client strategy and objective setting. The incumbent acts as a strategic business partner, interfacing at the VP and Director levels of the company, providing leadership in the designated spend category for category strategy/plans, strategic sourcing and other strategic procurement processes such as supplier relationship management, spend performance management, demand and compliance management, internal spend and external market analysis, and category governance. Collaborates with key stakeholders on the development and implementation of annual and multi-year category strategies in order to achieve category goals, achieve business strategies and deliver sustainable category value. This position has significant financial and enterprise risk mitigation responsibilities.
This is a hybrid based role in Pittsburgh, PA - 3 days a week onsite - T, W, TH.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead creation and implementation of sourcing and demand management strategies for assigned categories of spend, manage the development of RFx materials, detailed analysis of proposals and vendor capabilities, negotiations and supplier selection.
- Plan, schedule and monitor category sourcing initiatives, ensuring proper resource allocation and on-time delivery of projects; exercise tight project management.
- Leverage key metrics to identify problem areas and adopt current and emerging business models with an entrepreneurial mindset and creative approach to drive best practice.
- Strategically partner with business unit leaders and contribute to client strategy by providing procurement expertise and strategic partnering for purchasing opportunities.
- Counsel internal business unit leaders regarding purchasing processes, technology capabilities and policies to assist in the procurement life-cycle.
- Build and manage relationships with priority business executives, serves as a key member of the business unit leadership team to support implementation of business strategies through advanced procurement initiatives and team alignment, facilitate the entire sourcing process and closely collaborate with clients to select and award business to suppliers.
- Demonstrate a strategic business mindset, organizational savvy, present an executive-level presence, and balance multiple stakeholder interests simultaneously.
- Under the direction of Procurement leadership, create and drive long-term category strategies designed to anticipate enterprise-wide requirements and achieve maximum life-cycle value while optimizing forecasted shifts in both supply markets, industry trends and supplier economic cycles.
- Monitor strategy implementations on-going performance and ensure key issues, risks, and opportunities are elevated to the appropriate level.
- Lead the development and negotiation of contracts with new suppliers and/or renegotiate existing contracts to accomplish lowest total system cost and savings objectives.
- Conduct category spend analyses and reporting, supplier stratification, supply market and category industry research.
- Perform ethical procurement practices of contracted goods and services which includes compliance with corporate and departmental policies and procedures as well as federal, state and local regulations.
- Develop profound category expertise and leverage knowledge to proactively identify potential procurement opportunities through data analysis, category and industry knowledge, current and emerging business models and discussions with business units.
- Other duties as assigned.
Education
Required
- Bachelors in Business Supply Chain Management, Administration/Management, Finance, Accounting, Economics, Mathematics, Marketing, or Industrial Engineering or four years of relevant experience and/or education as determined by the company in lieu of bachelor's degree
Preferred
- None
Experience
Required
- 5 years of experience in a procurement role
- 3 years of strategic sourcing experience
- Experience providing consulting to business leads, strategic sourcing, and supplier relationship management and performance
- Experience in Indirect Category Sourcing and/or Health Care Sourcing with demonstrated expertise in influencing the business strategy and shaping Procurement strategic direction
Preferred
- Advanced experience in procurement contract negotiation, competitive price analysis, procurement technology and related processes, contract management, and spend analysis
- Project planning and management experience
- Prior experience managing diverse stakeholder interests and expectations
- Prior experience with process redesign and improvement
LICENSES OR CERTIFICATIONS
Required
- None
Preferred
- Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)
- Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM)
SKILLS
- Experience in strategic management and problem solving
- Ability to translate big picture into implementation and achieve results
- Working knowledge and experience in and key Procurement functional areas of Category Management, Strategy Development, Contract Negotiation, Supplier and Risk Management and Supplier Diversity
- Exceptional interpersonal, consultative, influencing, presentation and communication skills, work well in a team environment, able to work in diverse environments and adhere to highest ethical standards
- Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment in a complex, matrixed environment
- Demonstrated success working with VP-level executives and matrix organizations
- Strong and effective verbal and written communication skills, effectively presenting complex topics in a concise manner to audiences at various levels and in various sizes
- Strong analytical, financial and P&L skills required
- Advanced negotiation skills and relevant experience
- Demonstrated ability to manage cost performance, supply/demand forecasting
- Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
Language Requirement (other than English)
None
Travel Required
0% - 25%
PHYSICAL, MENTAL DEMANDS and WORKING CONDITIONS
Position Type
Office-Based
Teaches / trains others regularly
Occasionally
Travel regularly from the office to various work sites or from site-to-site
Rarely
Works primarily out-of-the office selling products/services (sales employees)
Never
Physical work site required
No
Lifting: up to 10 pounds
Occasionally
Lifting: 10 to 25 pounds
Rarely
Lifting: 25 to 50 pounds
Never
Disclaimer: The job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of work performed by employees within this job title. It may not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to do this job.
Compliance Requirement: This job adheres to the ethical and legal standards and behavioral expectations as set forth in the code of business conduct and company policies.
As a component of job responsibilities, employees may have access to covered information, cardholder data, or other confidential customer information that must be protected at all times. In connection with this, all employees must comply with both the Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) as described in the Notice of Privacy Practices and Privacy Policies and Procedures as well as all data security guidelines established within the Company’s Handbook of Privacy Policies and Practices and Information Security Policy.
Furthermore, it is every employee’s responsibility to comply with the company’s Code of Business Conduct. This includes but is not limited to adherence to applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations as well as company policies and training requirements.
Highmark Health and its affiliates prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on any category protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
We endeavor to make this site accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact the email below.
For accommodation requests, please contact HR Services Online at HRServices@highmarkhealth.org
California Consumer Privacy Act Employees, Contractors, and Applicants Notice
See all 439+ Category Manager Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Category Manager
Emphasize analytical and strategic responsibilities
Focus on data analysis, market research, pricing strategy, and vendor performance metrics in your role description. These analytical functions strengthen the specialty occupation requirement for visa approval.
Highlight supply chain complexity
Document your experience with multi-tier supplier networks, global sourcing, inventory optimization, or category-specific market dynamics. Complex supply chains demonstrate the need for specialized knowledge and education.
Target retail and e-commerce companies
Large retailers like Target, Amazon, and Walmart regularly sponsor category managers. These companies understand the role's strategic importance and have established visa sponsorship processes for procurement professionals.
Demonstrate cross-functional leadership
Show experience leading cross-departmental projects, managing vendor relationships, or driving category growth initiatives. Leadership responsibilities help differentiate the role from entry-level purchasing positions that may not qualify.
Quantify business impact
Include metrics like cost savings achieved, category growth percentages, or vendor performance improvements. Measurable business results demonstrate the specialized expertise that supports visa petition approval for category management roles.
Consider alternative visa pathways
If your background includes international trade or you're from Australia, explore E-3 visa or TN options. Category managers from NAFTA countries may qualify under Management Consultant or Economist classifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What degree do I need for H-1B sponsorship as a Category Manager?
Most category manager positions require a bachelor's degree in business administration, marketing, supply chain management, or economics. Some employers accept related degrees like finance or industrial engineering if paired with relevant procurement experience. The key is matching your educational background to the analytical and strategic requirements of category management.
Which companies typically sponsor Category Managers for work visas?
Large retailers (Target, Walmart, Costco), e-commerce companies (Amazon, eBay), consumer goods manufacturers (Procter & Gamble, Unilever), and procurement-focused organizations regularly sponsor category managers. Companies with complex supplier networks and strategic sourcing needs are most likely to sponsor this role for international talent.
Can Category Managers qualify for TN visa status?
Canadian and Mexican category managers may qualify for TN visa status under the Management Consultant classification if their role involves strategic analysis, process improvement, or vendor optimization consulting. The position must emphasize advisory functions rather than direct operational management to meet TN requirements.
What are common denial reasons for Category Manager visa petitions?
Petitions get denied when job descriptions focus on routine purchasing tasks rather than strategic analysis, when the degree requirement isn't clearly established, or when the role appears to be primarily administrative. Emphasizing data analysis, market research, and strategic decision-making strengthens the specialty occupation case.
How does experience level affect visa sponsorship chances for Category Managers?
Entry-level positions may face scrutiny if they appear to be basic purchasing roles. Mid-level and senior category managers have better sponsorship prospects because their strategic responsibilities, vendor relationship management, and P&L impact clearly demonstrate the need for specialized knowledge and advanced education.
How to find Category Manager jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Category Manager jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international professionals with sponsoring employers. Focus your search on retail giants, e-commerce companies, and multinational corporations that frequently hire Category Managers on H-1B visa, L-1 visa, or other work visas. These employers often need specialized procurement and product management expertise that justifies sponsorship investment.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Category Manager jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.