Expert Category Leader

Job Title: Expert Category Leader

Location: Oakland, CA

Pay Rate: $80 - $100 per hour, W2

Duration: 6+ Month Contract

Work Mode: Hybrid

Summary:

• Local candidates only to the Bay Area
• Work location: Oakland
• Assignment is hybrid with 3-5 days a month in the office depending on business needs

Responsibilities:

• Conduct and document market research and supplier risk analysis to verify the financial health of existing and potential suppliers.
• Create and maintain category plans.
• Develop and review performance data with suppliers and work with them to drive ongoing value discovery.
• Develop and sustain mutually beneficial strategic relationships with tier 1 and 2 IT software and hardware suppliers.
• Lead cross-functional teams through the strategic sourcing process and the development/execution of negotiation strategies for mid-complexity spend categories.
• Lead the development of category strategies of medium complexity.
• Maintain awareness of industry and market trends through ongoing research.
• Act as a subject matter expert for particular commodities or services.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in supply chain or related fields.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in strategic sourcing and procurement.
• Experience in sourcing life cycle management, software, hardware, and/or Telecom sourcing.
• Strong negotiation skills with demonstrated cost savings.
• Experience managing software, hardware, and/or Telecom.

Preferred Skills:

• Master's Degree in Business Administration or job-related discipline.
• ISM-Institute for Supply Management CPSM-Certified Professional in Supply Management certification.
• LSS-Lean Six Sigma Certification.
• Experience in contract management.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Products (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access).
• Competency in building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Ability to analyze and combine information from different sources and use logic to reach appropriate conclusions.
• Ability to apply contract processes and procedures and relevant contracts and licensing.
• Ability to work independently with limited oversight.
• Knowledge of database and information systems (e.g., SCADA, EMS, OMT, OIS, SAP, ERP, COSO, Teradata, COBIT, Question Mark).