Senior Category Specialist

Sony Electronics Inc. is looking for the risk-takers, the collaborators, the inspired and the inspirational. We want the people who are brave enough to work at the cutting edge and create solutions that will enrich and improve the lives of people across the globe. In addition to competitive pay and benefits, we offer an environment and culture that promotes Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.  In addition, our team members enjoy innovative work-life balance opportunities including a hybrid home/office workplace, monthly “Free Fridays”, and early shutdowns on Fridays throughout the year (including half-days during the summer). Join us on our mission to fill the world with emotion through the power of creativity and technology. The Senior Category Specialist is responsible for leading sourcing and purchasing activities that support Sony’s business operations across the United States and Canada. This role negotiates favorable commercial terms, manages supplier relationships, and ensures procurement activities comply with company policies and governance standards. The Senior Category Specialist leads strategic sourcing initiatives across indirect spend categories, driving cost optimization, supplier performance, process efficiency, and strong internal customer service. This position serves as a key procurement partner to business stakeholders, Legal, Finance, and Information Security teams, balancing business enablement with risk management and compliance. Key Responsibilities: Strategic Sourcing & Commercial Leadership: Lead end-to-end strategic sourcing initiatives across indirect spend categories, including RFP, RFQ, and RFI processes covering supplier discovery, evaluation, selection, and award Develop, align, and execute sourcing strategies that support business requirements and deliver measurable value through cost savings, contract optimization, and supplier performance improvements Lead supplier negotiations covering pricing, commercial terms, service levels, and performance expectations Supplier & Contract Management: Manage key supplier relationships to ensure quality, on-time delivery, cost competitiveness, and contractual compliance Lead vendor business reviews and ongoing supplier performance discussions; support corrective actions when needed Serve as a liaison between Legal, Information Security, and business stakeholders to support contract execution, amendments, and compliance Review purchase orders and contracts for conformance to company policies and delegated authority requirements Procurement Governance & Execution: Provide governance and oversight of indirect spend categories, ensuring sourcing and purchasing activities align with procurement policies and approval frameworks Approve and process requisitions and purchase orders through Sony’s procurement and ERP systems Resolve supplier quality, delivery, billing, and performance issues in a timely and professional manner Internal Customer Service & Stakeholder Support: Partner with business units to understand sourcing needs, service expectations, timelines, and operational priorities Serve as a trusted internal procurement partner by providing responsive, solutions-oriented guidance throughout the sourcing and purchasing lifecycle Educate internal stakeholders on procurement policies, procedures, and best practices to enable efficient and compliant purchasing Minimum Requirements Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required 3+ years of experience in purchasing and strategic sourcing, or category management experience. Experience leading sourcing events and supplier negotiations. Strong understanding of procure-to-pay processes, purchase orders, contracts, and supplier management. Proven ability to develop and maintain effective supplier relationships and manage service, billing, and contractual issues Strong team player with the ability to collaborate across procurement initiatives Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel (pivot tables, formulas, data analysis), PowerPoint, and Word Experience working with SharePoint Experience with SAP and SAP/SRM procure-to-pay systems Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail. Demonstrated project management experience Excellent communication, organization, negotiation, and interpersonal skills Preferred Qualifications Works independently, requiring guidance only in the most complex situations; serves as a resource for procurement best practices and quality standards Demonstrated communication and diplomacy skills, with the ability to direct, persuade, and influence stakeholders across functions and levels The anticipated base pay range for this position is $ 76,375.00  to $ 101,834.00 .  The actual base salary offered depends on a variety of factors, which may include as applicable, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job.  In addition to a competitive base salary, this position is also eligible for an annual corporate bonus plan, which is based on company performance and is not guaranteed, and a comprehensive benefits package including healthcare benefits (medical, dental, and vision), paid medical leave, a 401k plan with matching company contributions, vacation time, education assistance, student loan assistance program, eighty hours of paid sick leave time annually, and up to twelve weeks paid parental leave.     Honesty, integrity, and ethical conduct are material requirements for the responsibilities outlined above. Sony Electronics is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values employees with a broad cross-cultural perspective. We strive to create an inclusive environment, empower emplo