Senior Category Manager, Professional Services

We are seeking a Senior Category Manager to lead the development and implementation of global strategies aimed at achieving operational efficiencies and cost savings within our Professional Services engagements. In this pivotal role, you will take ownership of assigned spend categories and oversee the creation and execution of comprehensive category strategies.

As a Senior Category Manager, you will work closely with business stakeholders to identify and deliver value for the organization while ensuring the successful execution of defined category strategies. Additionally, you will provide guidance and coaching to team members supporting the same commodity, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates with Sourcing & Corporate Program Managers in the development and execution of category strategies, and the identification of opportunities for continuous improvement and cost savings

• Fosters deep stakeholder relationships by connecting with internal stakeholders and providing regular updates to senior leadership on category performance and initiatives

• Provides oversight of the specific indirect spend category ensuring effective management and alignment with organizational objectives

• Provides guidance to team on the negotiation of contracts, establishment of sourcing relationships, ongoing operational efficiencies, and management of programs.

• Guides the comprehensive analysis of category performance metrics, leveraging data-driven insights to identify strategic opportunities and drive continuous improvement

• Develops the annual category plan and budget for the specific category, aligning with organizational goals and priorities

• Conducts meetings regularly to discuss progress, address challenges, and foster collaboration across category management functions

• Evaluates the performance of team members periodically, providing constructive feedback and support for professional development

• Maintains a comprehensive and up-to-date understanding of market trends, emerging technologies, and vendor capabilities within the category to inform strategic decision-making

• Engages with internal stakeholders regularly to provide updates on category performance, collaborate on sourcing strategies and initiatives, and solicit feedback for improvement

• Reviews and update category management policies and procedures to ensure alignment with industry best practices and organizational requirements

• Identifies opportunities for cost savings and process improvement, driving efficiency and effectiveness in procurement operations

• Is the primary point of contact with thebusiness and vendors, developing deepstakeholder relationships

• Manages the specific indirect spend category within the overall procurement strategy, ensuring alignment with organizational goals including sustainability

• Supports the Category Director in stakeholder engagement activities and relationship management, fostering innovation, collaboration, and alignment across functions

• Contributes to the development of the annual category plan and budget, aligning category strategies with overall objectives and organizational priorities

• Supports development of the five-year strategy and long-range plan including achievement of goals

• Supports corporate initiatives and M&A projects, including due diligence, identification of synergies, and post-acquisition integration

• Leverages spend data analysis to identify cost-saving opportunities and drive efficiency in procurement operations

• Leads contract processes end-to-end for select contracts with support from the Sourcing Managers

• Provides support to the Sourcing Manager when needed in case of contractual complexities

• Collaborates with Country Leads and Procurement Managers in the Regional Sourcing team for category global strategies

Education and Work Experience

Requires transferable experience in managing a commodity strategy as well as operational outputs of corporate programs. Educational requirements include a bachelor's degree in business administration, supply chain or finance. Minimum of five (5) years of strategic procurement, spend analytics and category management experience. Preferably seven (7) years of experience within Indirect Procurement.

Skills and Knowledge

• Strong business planning, analytical and conceptual skills to evaluate business problems and identify and apply appropriate solutions

• Experience with business intelligence tools, capabilities, and best practices

• Knowledge of systems and tools used within Indirect Procurement - Source to Pay platforms, eRFx tools, Market Intelligence and Spend Analytics

• Strong knowledge of indirect category spend data

• Ability to effectively manage and participate in cross-functional problem-solving teams

• Strong business acumen

• Strong project management skills

• Ability to manage a variety of tasks simultaneously

• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, as well as strong presentation skills

• Excellent judgment and decision-making skills

• Strong interpersonal skills

• Strong organizational skills; attention to detail

• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and advanced proficiency in Excel

• Willing to travel both domestically and internationally, as required