Corp. Category Manager

SeaWorld is a world-renowned leader in the themed-park and entertainment industry. Our success is built on a passion for caring for animals and a dedication to delivering positive, memorable experiences to people from around the world. We’re also committed to helping ambitious people achieve their professional best. We’re always seeking exceptionally skilled and knowledgeable individuals for a variety of roles throughout our organization.


What you get to do:


The primary responsibility of the Category Manager is strategic sourcing to best support the needs of the SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. You will be a part of a team responsible for Sourcing & Procurement activities with a focus on stakeholder management, category management, and technical solutions. Potential sourcing categories includes Design & Engineering, Information Technology, Professional Services among others.

• Develop strong working relationships with business units through active listening and problem solving to gain a position of influence as a trusted advisor
• Lead in the development and execution of performance management programs with suppliers that focus on quality, responsiveness, and cost
• Effectively lead large cross functional and high performing teams through complex sourcing projects.
• Evaluate total cost/supply analyses to identify opportunities to reduce Total Cost of Ownership *Develop and manage new contracts implementation/communication plans and strategies to maximize contract utilization and cost savings.
• Lead the team in preparing and executing clear, structured negotiations following established Strategic Sourcing methodology
• Lead in developing and executing balanced supplier selection metrics that extend beyond purchase
• Ensure compliance with Sourcing and Procurement policies and best practices
• Be the resident expert in assessing market conditions and develop sourcing & procurement strategies that maximize value to the Company
• Initiate sourcing projects through spend and market analysis
• Communicate and report to management the status of any critical purchases that could affect planning and decision-making
• Analyze market trends and conditions that affect suppliers, cost of goods, pricing, and the resulting impact on clients
• Research and implement “best practices” for procurement, including supporting technologies related to sourcing commodities
• Participate in professional development activities to keep abreast of current industry best practices
• Demonstrate exemplary integrity and ethics in all instances

What it takes to succeed:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, or other quantitative discipline
• Master’s Degree in Business or other related discipline preferred
• Professional certification in CPSM, CSM, C.P.M., Logistics or S.C.M. preferred
• Must have at least 3 years’ experience strategically sourcing goods and services in a highly matrixed organization
• Must have experience with Sourcing & Procurement processes
• Demonstrated knowledge of variations in the financial terms of contracts, service models, contract standards, and other business practices.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills, including a demonstrated ability to articulate ideas and issues clearly, concisely and persuasively to a variety of audiences, including technical, administrative, vendor representatives and senior management.
• Demonstrate critical thinking; consider all factors affecting a decision before making a recommendation
• Strong analytical skills
• Strong negotiation skills
• Must be able to interact with team members at all levels
• Must have internal customer focus
• Must have experience with SAP or other ERP system
• Experience with eSourcing systems (i.e. Ariba, Zycus) a plus

The perks of the position:


As part of the SeaWorld family, you’ll enjoy a fun, fast-paced environment and great teammates, as well as:

• Paid Floating Holidays
• Paid Time Off
• SEA Employee Complimentary Park Tickets and Passes
• SEA Park Discounts on Food and Merchandise
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401K plan
• Voluntary Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Disability Benefits
• Dependent and Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Legal Assistance Plan

Join the team!


If you’re looking for the opportunity to make the most of your abilities in a one-of-a-kind setting with an entertainment industry leader, we’re looking for you!