Senior Category Manager, IT Goods & Services

Cushman & Wakefield
United States, Missouri, St. Louis
Nov 15, 2024
Job Title Senior Category Manager, IT Goods & Services Job Description Summary We are seeking a detail-oriented Procurement Category Manager to oversee the procurement process for assigned categories. This role focuses on managing the end-to-end procurement cycle, ensuring compliance with company policies, and optimizing procurement operations to achieve efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The ideal candidate will possess strong organizational skills, a deep understanding of procurement processes, and the ability to foster supplier relationships. This role is responsible for overseeing and optimizing procurement and management strategies for IT-related goods and services, including but not limited to hardware, software, cloud services, telecommunications, and other tech needs. This role focuses on driving cost efficiency, improving supplier relationships, and aligning purchasing strategies with organizational goals. They will be the interface with the IT business lines to lead the development and implementation of supplier relationship and performance management. This role will implement the organization's short, medium and long term strategies by ensuring the highest level of service based on C&W's Procurement Policies and Procedures. They will require an in-depth understanding of the business impact of procurement contributions and understanding of the business impact of technical contributions. Develops major goals to support the organizations strategy. Job Description Key Responsibilities: Manage the entire procurement process for assigned categories, including sourcing, supplier selection, contract management, and order fulfillment. Develop and implement procurement processes and workflows to streamline operations and enhance efficiency. Collaborate with internal stakeholders to gather requirements and specifications for procurement needs. Conduct supplier evaluations and audits to ensure compliance with contractual obligations and quality standards. Maintain accurate records of procurement activities, supplier performance, and contract documentation. Analyze procurement data to identify trends, track savings, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs). Facilitate communication between suppliers and internal teams to resolve issues and ensure timely delivery of goods and services. Coordinate negotiations for contracts, pricing, and terms with suppliers, ensuring favorable conditions for the company. Ensure compliance with procurement policies and procedures, as well as relevant regulations and standards. Provide training and support to team members on procurement processes and best practices. Provide mentorship and guidance to junior procurement staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development. Leadership: Creates a working environment that encourages high performance and innovation. Become a trusted advisor and subject matter expert on the categories. Removes roadblocks to enable the delivery of procurement and client account goals. Promotes compliance with C&W's code of conduct. Category Management: Develop and implement a strategic sourcing plan for IT related goods and services, including but not limited to hardware, software, cloud services, telecommunications, and other tech needs Conduct Global, Regional and Country market research to stay updated on industry trends and identify opportunities for cost savings and quality improvements. Set category goals aligned with company objectives and regularly measure performance against these targets. Responsible for working with procurement business partners and service line leadership to align category management vision with service line and procurement priorities. Incorporates industry best practices into category delivery. Utilizes demand planning to target value from supplier agreements. Vendor Management Identify, evaluate, and establish relationships with IT vendors, suppliers, and service providers. Negotiate favorable terms and contracts, ensuring compliance with internal policies and industry regulations. Manage supplier performance and conduct periodic reviews to assess service levels, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with business needs. Monitors preferred supplier utilization, builds roster to ensure capability to deliver across the service line portfolios, and monitors performance to ensure capability to meet account needs. Ability to develop and understand data analytics, to mine data to drive in-depth analysis of C&W's 3rd party spend. Business Influence: Communicates supply category preferred supplier metrics and helps the business drive greater adoption of the preferred supplier network. Develops and maintains strong relationships with business units and the category management team. Drives for results by consistently achieving goals in a timely manner. Develops and delivers communications with clarity and impact, ensuring consistent messaging. Encourages creation and brings new best in class ideas and approaches to the table for developing and executing category strategies and working within the supply market to ensure Cushman & Wakefield meets or exceeds their objectives. Working cross-functionally with other departments including Finance, Operations, TDS, HR, Project Management, etc. for delivery of category strategies. Risk Management: Identify and mitigate risks within the IT supply chain, including cybersecurity risks, service disruptions, and compliance issues. Work with the legal team to ensure vendor contracts include necessary risk management and compliance clauses Working with C&W Legal Counsel to ensure consistent templates and fall back language to enable effective negotiations and risk mitigation. Ensure effective and up-to-date commercial arrangements. Continuous Improvement/Change Management: Strong problem-solving skills utilizing continuous improvement techniques. Utilizes change management techniques to drive the development and utilization of a preferred supplier program. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree 7-10 years of IT category management or project management experience Professional certifications preferred e.g., CPSM, CIPS, C.P.M., or evidence of continued professional growth In-depth knowledge of IT Procurement and fundamentals, IT specific category specific knowledge Ability to build relationships with key business stakeholders and 3rd party vendors Inner drive to accomplish goals and not deterred by obstacles Capacity to develop innovative strategies and solutions, Creative problem solver Contract negotiation and ongoing management skills Analytics, ability to mine data to drive in depth analysis Building and managing diverse supplier relationships Interface with all levels in the organization Project Management Continuous improvement Personal flexibility Independent worker, self-starter Organizational savvy Innovativeness Effective Communication & Presentation skills Decision making & crisis management Business Influence, interviewing and active listening Knowledge of effective supplier risk management techniques Cushman & Wakefield provides equal employment opportunity. Discrimination of any type will not be tolerated. Cushman & Wakefield is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position at Cushman & Wakefield, please call the ADA line at 1-888-365-5406 or email HRServices@cushwake.com. Please refer to the job title and job location when you contact us.