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Category Analyst
Procurement Services – Purdue University | West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University seeks a detail-oriented and collaborative Category Analyst to join our Procurement Services team. This role is a subject-matter expert in category management practices, leading the full procurement lifecycle within an assigned portfolio of goods and services. From acquisition planning through contract close-out, you will guide decision-making that has enterprise-level impact while ensuring outcomes align with Purdue’s strategic goals.

As a trusted partner to project leadership, technical teams, and campus stakeholders, the Category Analyst develops clear scopes of work, designs evaluation processes, and establishes savings goals that contribute to Purdue’s mission of delivering excellence at scale. You will also strengthen our external partnerships, working directly with vendors to create measurable value in cost savings, demand management, and innovation.

What You’ll Do

• Manage procurement lifecycle activities across assigned goods and services portfolios with enterprise impact
• Develop solicitation documents with clearly defined scopes, timelines, and evaluation processes
• Partner with vendors to meet cost savings, demand management, and University-wide objectives
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and partners, including:
• Strategic Sourcing on sourcing plans
• Legal for complex contracting issues
• Systems Team for regular reporting and analysis
• Supplier Diversity to enhance and ensure diverse supplier engagement

What We’re Looking For

• Deep understanding of category management principles and procurement strategies
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate data into actionable decisions
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with stakeholders and vendor partners
• Ability to lead complex contracting activities independently while supporting team goals

Why Purdue?
At Purdue, you will be part of a community that is consistently recognized for innovation and impact—both in higher education and beyond. Our commitment to professional growth, collaborative culture, and meaningful work ensures that your contributions make a difference every day. Joining Purdue means being part of something bigger: advancing knowledge, supporting world-class teaching and research, and helping to shape the future.

What We're Looking For

Education and Experience Required:

• BA/BS; equivalent combination of education and work experience may be considered. 
• Two (2) years - Experience within a public or private procurement or contract management program
  
  • Experience working with Microsoft Office; possesses an intermediate skill set specifically with Excel

Preferred:

• Degree in Business, Management, Finance, or Supply Chain Management 

Skills Needed:

• Excellent organization, problem solving and negotiation skills
• Excellent presentation, verbal and written communication skills
• Possesses and demonstrates the ability to learn the policies, procedures, and execution strategy for multiple solicitation methods and contract management and compliance principles

Additional Information:

• Purdue University will not sponsor employment authorization for this position  
• A background check will be required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible for Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility:  Defined Contribution Waiting Period   
• Benefit Statement: Purdue University offers a substantial Benefit Package including medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous paid time off package for sick and vacation days

Career Stream

Professional 2

• Pay Band S060
• Job Code #20003207

Career pathmaker: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/careerpathmaker/

Who We Are

Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.

EOE

Purdue University is an EOE employer.