Category Manager IS and Corporate Services Procurement

Brief Description

The Procurement Category Manager is responsible for:

• Manage and oversee spend across the Information Systems (IS) / Information Technology (IT) and Corporate Services categories, including HR services, Travel, Facilities Management, Marketing Services, and other Corporate Services, while supporting a broad base of business partners through relationship management and identifying strategic business opportunities.
• Develop and implement procurement processes and strategies to ensure that procurement operations run effectively, achieve organizational goals/performance KPI’s, and ensure quality programs/services to our members and customers.
• Support ongoing supplier management efforts
• Coordinate with suppliers and internal resources to drive continuous improvement
• Model key behavioral and performance attributes that guide CAP employees including the Leadership Values of Partnership, Respect, Accountability, Communication and Excellence.
• Embrace, encourage, and model inclusive leadership with a focus on Belonging and Inclusion in all hiring and staff decisions.

Specific Duties

Primary duties and responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and have full accountability for category management strategies across the corresponding spend in scope
• Develop, implement, and drive strategic sourcing initiatives to support the category management process
• Identify continuous improvement opportunities
• Maintain optimal pricing and services through review of competitive landscape, industry norms, and negotiation of contract terms
• Assist contract managers and procurement business partners to ensure contract processes meet business needs through quality assessments, process audits and stakeholder feedback.
• Seek new opportunities and analyze risk for effective procurement and expense reductions. This may include reducing the cost of goods and services, incorporating new technology or improvement/efficiencies in supply base
• Negotiate with suppliers and resolve issues
• Work cross functionally with business partners across the organization to elevate the member/customer experience
• Promote a team approach and a critical thinking environment to facilitate problem solving, empower staff, and inspire trust.

Knowledge/Skills Required/Preferred

Personal:

• Solid knowledge of Strategic Sourcing process
• Solid Knowledge of Category Management and Category strategy development
• Excellent communication skills, ability to partner effectively and efficiently across the organization
• Strong organizational and leadership skills
• Ability to identify, navigate, and influence organizational direction
• Strategic and robust leader, analytical/critical thinker, and problem solver
• Excellent internal and external negotiation skills
• Strong business acumen with ability to explain procurement results and variations to non-procurement audiences
• In-depth hands-on knowledge of IS/IT and Corporate Services spend, including HR services, Travel, Facilities Management, Marketing Services and other Corporate Services.

Professional:

• 5-10 years of combined experience in procurement, category management, and strategic sourcing, preferably across IS/IT and other indirect goods and services
• 5 years of experience managing complex indirect spend, including IS/IT and Corporate Services categories
• Ability to recognize and handle confidential information
• Resource allocation and project management
• Business acumen in judgment and decision making 
• Strong customer service orientation including issue resolution and supplier relationship management skills

Technical:

• PC based software applications, including ERP systems
• In-depth knowledge of eSourcing tools capabilities and daily operations

Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required in Finance, Business, Purchasing or Operations, related field
• CPSM certification or equivalent preferred

Additional Criteria

• Travel required when necessary; expected 5% - 10%
• Candidates must reside within 75-miles of Northfield, IL and meet in office requirements.

Salary: $87,000 - $111,000