Category Manager, Information Technology Equipment, Networking, Telecommunications, Software and Services

About the Operational Services Division (OSD)

The Operational Services Division (OSD) enables state government to obtain the goods and services it needs to serve the people of Massachusetts. OSD ensures that state procurements deliver best value and utilize fair, open, and competitive practices. The agency also helps thousands of businesses offer products and assistance to state agencies, local governments, and other public bodies - creating opportunities that contribute to economic growth and development. We work at the nexus between government and business and are privileged to make connections that support both sectors.

Join our Dynamic Team

OSD's dynamic team is guided by the following values: SERVICE, PARTNERSHIP, CREATIVE-PROBLEM SOLVING and RESPONSIVENESS. Our flexible, hybrid work environment fosters work-life balance and collaboration, allowing us to effectively serve our state agency and local government partners so they can achieve their goals on behalf of the people of Massachusetts.

You’ll be a great fit for our team if you believe in making state government work better, are forever curious and love building relationships and knowledge with partners in the public and private sectors. We look for people who are able to take initiative with a strong sense of urgency and enthusiasm, stay current on evolving policies, practices, industry and market trends, and consistently bring fresh ideas that contribute to a culture of innovation.

Category Management

The Category Management Unit is a forward-thinking, creative team of procurement professionals responsible for the development and oversight of statewide contracts that enable more than $2 billion in goods and services purchasing every year. Through effective category management, stakeholder engagement, and data-driven analysis, our unit delivers procurement solutions that meet the evolving needs of public buyers and incorporate climate change, sustainability, and supplier diversity into the procurement process.

Partnering with another Category Manager, you’ll bring your knowledge of procurement practices to help us obtain IT Equipment, Networking, Telecommunications, Software and Services for state and local governments.  You’ll lead cross-functional, results-driven teams through each stage of the statewide contracting process – conducting market research, analyzing trends, developing solicitations, evaluating and awarding vendors, negotiating contracts, and managing vendor relationships. Your strong communication and analytical skills will be essential in delivering solutions that meet the evolving needs of agency and local government partners. You will help foster a positive and purpose-driven culture that can effectively manage a constantly changing landscape to remain focused on achieving desired sourcing outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning:

•        Develop and implement innovative category strategy.

•        Analyze market trends and customer feedback to uncover new opportunities and manage risks

•        Collaborate with cross functional teams to implement and manage category strategies.

•        Deliver products and services that anticipate customer needs 

Team Leadership and Collaboration:

•        Build and guide high-performing sourcing teams composed of internal and external experts.

•        Monitor sourcing members’ performance to ensure successful procurements. Foster a collaborative, innovative work environment that supports continuous learning and improvement

Category Management: 

•        Oversee pricing, promotion, and product/service offerings within the IT Equipment, Networking, Telecommunications, Software and Services portfolios

•        Develop and execute category strategies to drive best value procurement.

•        Identify and phase out underperforming offerings and introduce strategic new ones

Vendor and Stakeholder Engagement: 

•        Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors, customers and industry stakeholders

•        Lead contract negotiations to achieve best-value outcomes

•        Collaborate with internal teams to ensure category success and growth.

Performance Monitoring: 

•        Establish, track and analyze category performance metrics

•        Implement corrective actions

•        Assess risk and gather intelligence on market trends and technical specifications

•        Prepare and present clear, actionable reports to senior management and other stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proven experience in strategic sourcing

• Strong understanding of information technology hardware, software, services and/or telecommunications industries and products
• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Excellent research, analytical and strategic planning abilities
• Effective communication and negotiation skills
• Proficiency in data analysis and market research tools.
• Familiarity with marketing and sales principles
• The ability to manage multiple projects and tasks with defined timelines
• Problem solving and critical thinking skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 tools, particularly Teams, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint

Candidates should submit a resume and cover letter outlining their experience and interest in the position.

The Operational Services Division values staff diversity and contributions to an inclusive working and learning environment.

DEI Value Statement

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are integral to the Operational Services Division’s (OSD's) mandate to oversee transparent and equitable practices through a variety of public services and programs within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OSD commits to cultivating and nurturing a diverse workforce, which is reflective of the communities we serve and recognized as our greatest strength. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are our core principles, guiding us in who we aspire to be in our business operations and partnerships.