Category Manager

Responsibilities:

• Leads large, complex, enterprise-wide sourcing engagements utilizing multi-step strategic sourcing methodology; manages relationships with specific suppliers; implements category management strategies to drive cost savings and supplier performance; and serves as the organization's point of contact.
• Prepares, negotiates, signs, manages, and renews contracts and subcontracts. Coordinates with cross-functional departments to lead negotiations, facilitate review and assessment of supplier risk, and maintains supplier risk management protocols.
• Collaborates with management to identify opportunities to streamline processes and develop new procedures that support the business unit/department.
• Develops assigned subcategory plans in alignment with overall category strategy and approach and researches new product subcategory options to support organizational needs.
• Works closely with stakeholders to identify strategic suppliers for a subcategory and provides input to strategic decisions that affect functional areas of responsibilities.
• Performs spend analysis to establish a detailed view of the current spend by segmentation.
• Resolves escalated issues arising from the business which require coordination with other departments.
• Exhibits and delivers expertise within the category area, with an intimate knowledge of the supply market, key dynamics, and latest trends in the field; maintains complete and accurate procurement documentation; and ensures compliance with Company policies, process, and procedures.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of commercial procurement experience in strategic sourcing, contracting and category management with more than $50 million in managed spend.
• MBA preferred.
• Extensive experience in managing various categories such as Professional Services, Marketing Media, & Advertising, Meeting & Events, and IT & Telecom; Knowledgeable of both the source-to-contract and procure-to-pay segments of procurement operations.
• Demonstrated ability to apply category management concepts and frameworks, to lead/manage the end-to-end strategic sourcing process, and to execute contracting methods that result in complete and accurate contractual documents.
• Strong commercial negotiation skills with a deep understanding of contractual terms and conditions and assessing business risk in legal language.
• Industry designated certification such as Certified Sourcing Professional (CSP), Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), or Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM) preferred.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.