Category Manager: III

Level III: 5-8 Years of Experience.
Responsible for managing the portfolio spend, developing cost reduction strategies, conducting rigorous market analyses, recommending short-term and long-term sourcing opportunities, providing risk/benefit analysis, leading/facilitating supplier evaluations, negotiations, and change management efforts, managing cost reduction programs and transactional activities in pursuit of total cost of ownership savings and enhanced service levels for the category portfolio.
Responsible for overseeing a portfolio of cross-functional categories, with multiple concurrent projects.
Manage cross-functional teams to execute the category-specific sourcing strategies, including the development of requirements.
Develop market intelligence specific to the assigned portfolio of commodities including but not limited to analysis of supplier capabilities and offerings, competitive landscape, market trends, impact of various factors on cost, price and availability of the assigned categories.
Responsible for tracking and reporting the performance of the category portfolio, as well as managing any modifications to the portfolio.
Develop project plans for relatively complex projects. Establish or support the establishment of contracts for strategic purchases and large spot buys when no existing contract exists.
Develop and sustain processes and procedures for efficient sourcing and procurement.
Work closely with internal stakeholders and Manager of Purchasing to identify and achieve the category goals.

Requirement:
Bachelors degree in Business (or other related degree program) or related experience, MBA strongly preferred.
4-8 years of strategic sourcing or supply chain related experience with a major company preferred. Insurance industry experience is preferred. Certified Purchasing Manager Certification is a plus.
Demonstrated success of leading project teams to achieve quantifiable savings by applying various sourcing methods.
Strong project management skills and results oriented. First hand working knowledge of strategic sourcing methodology required.
Knowledge of eProcurement and eSourcing systems is a plus.
Specific content knowledge with categories in the Travel, IT, Facilities and Marketing functions are preferred.
Strong negotiation experience and excellent interpersonal skills and oral and written communication skills required.

Top Desired Skills: Senior contracting contributor. Experience drafting, negotiating, assembling and strategizing contracts and RFPs.
Customer focused, ability to speak and interact with business stakeholders, Legal, Risk, and Sr. Mgmt. personnel.
Detailed oriented.
Ability to work in Ariba or able to quickly learn the Ariba system.
-Bachelor's degree required