Category Manager Strategic Sourcing & Procurement

Job TitleJob Description Required Education• Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain, procurement, finance, or a related field. Preferred Education• Master of business administration (MBA). Required Experience• 5–8 years of experience in strategic sourcing, category management, procurement, or supply chain. • Proven experience managing multiple concurrent sourcing or procurement projects. • Hands-on experience with contract development, negotiation, RFP preparation, and supplier selection. • Experience working with cross-functional business teams and senior stakeholders. Preferred Experience• Experience supporting categories such as IT, facilities, travel, marketing, or other indirect spend. • Experience within a large enterprise or highly regulated organization. • Experience delivering measurable cost savings and total cost of ownership improvements. • Experience with eProcurement/eSourcing platforms, particularly SAP Ariba. • Insurance industry experience is a plus. Required Skills• Strategic sourcing and category management • Contract drafting and negotiation • RFP development and execution • Supplier evaluation and negotiations • Market analysis and competitive intelligence • Cost reduction and savings analysis • Risk and benefit assessment • Stakeholder management and communication • Project management • Strong written and verbal communication • Ability to work effectively with business stakeholders, legal, risk, and senior management • Strong attention to detail and customer-focused approach Preferred Skills• SAP Ariba or ability to quickly learn Ariba • eProcurement and eSourcing systems • Category-specific market intelligence • Change management • Supplier performance management • Total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis • Strategic sourcing methodologies • Experience developing sourcing strategies for complex categories Key Responsibilities• Manage assigned category spend portfolios and identify opportunities for improved value and service levels. • Develop short- and long-term sourcing strategies based on market conditions, business requirements, and supplier capabilities. • Lead supplier evaluations, competitive bidding activities, negotiations, and contract awards. • Develop and maintain RFPs, sourcing documentation, requirements, and contract packages. • Conduct market research to evaluate supplier capabilities, competitive dynamics, pricing, availability, and cost drivers. • Partner with cross-functional teams to define requirements and execute category-specific sourcing initiatives. • Develop project plans and coordinate multiple complex procurement projects simultaneously. • Establish or support contracts for strategic purchases and significant spot-buy requirements. • Identify and implement cost reduction initiatives while balancing business, supplier, and operational risks. • Track category performance, savings, supplier outcomes, and portfolio changes. • Develop and improve sourcing and procurement processes to increase efficiency and consistency. • Provide recommendations to management based on sourcing analysis, supplier performance, and market intelligence.**Only those lawfully authorized to work in the designated country associated with the position will be considered.****Please note that all position start dates and duration are estimates and may be reduced or lengthened based upon a client's business needs and requirements.**