An effective Sourcing Category Manager figures out the strategy for major brands to buy services and materials, assessing current providers, and scrutinizing pricing, market optics, marketplace trends, and cost savings opportunities. NOTE: You don’t always need a new supplier, sometimes you can just discover new options with current providers. ❖ Through a cross-section of industries including healthcare, energy/utilities, and aerospace manufacturing, I’ve developed and sharpened skill in evaluating, selecting, and verifying supplier performance, leading the way through any (and all) challenges and miscommunications that may arise in the course of contract execution. I have structured purchasing contracts across service areas: marketing, media ads (digital and print), market research, and public relations…often saving $1M to $7M or more on annual spend and managing $350M+ budgets. ❖ A former extrovert, I appreciate having opportunities to really scrub through the information, find the root of the problem, and address it to maintain or salvage strained relations with customers and critical suppliers, while balancing complex constraints of quality and legal compliance.❖ No stranger to telecommuting, especially when working like crazy to renew contracts and meet aggressive deadlines, during peak busy seasons to ensure business continuity, best possible pricing, and highest possible quality and profitability. Both of my parents were attorneys, so the legal aspects of contract management just make sense to me. My eye for detail often catches elements overlooked by others, even earning the trust of the legal team of a major healthcare provider after a few short months. Originally from Alaska, I’m used to carrying “bear” repellant spray, so I’m unafraid of (and love) my long morning walks with my dogs. I’m also unafraid of diving deep into the numbers, the relationships, finding the sensitive spots and facing them head on. Always keeping my composure at every turn. Let’s connect | Emily J. Coats