Senior Category Manager Professional Services

The Senior Sourcing & Category Manager is responsible for developing and executing strategic sourcing strategies for Professional Services (Consulting, Recruitment and Legal Services). This role requires a forward-thinking and results-oriented professional with deep expertise in market dynamics, supplier capabilities, and strategic negotiations. The ideal candidate will consistently deliver measurable value, foster innovation, and build strong cross-functional partnerships to support business objectives.

Success in this role requires the ability to influence change, champion best practices, and provide thought leadership. The Senior Sourcing & Category Manager will play a critical role in driving cost savings, enhancing service quality, and improving supplier performance while maintaining strong stakeholder relationships.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Sourcing: Develop and execute category-specific sourcing strategies that align with overall business objectives. These strategies are expected to drive cost savings, enhance efficiency, elevate quality and minimize risks.

• Category Expertise: Maintain deep knowledge of industry trends, market conditions, emerging capabilities & offerings, pricing benchmarks, and supplier landscapes.

• Contract Negotiation: Lead complex negotiations to increase flexibility, minimize risk, secure favorable terms and conditions, including market competitive pricing, service levels, and performance metrics.

• Process Optimization: Continuously challenge the status quo and drive improvement initiatives to enhance existing processes to improve efficiency and outcomes.

• Innovation: Create and apply innovative solutions to complex business challenges.

• Stakeholder Relationship Management & Collaboration: Build effective, collaborative relationships with stakeholders to understand business needs, align sourcing strategies, and ensure effective communication and execution.

• Change Leadership: Influence and drive adoption of best practices and innovative sourcing approaches using an enterprise-first mindset.

• Data-Driven Decisions: Leverage internal and external data and analytics to inform and optimize sourcing strategies, ensuring decisions are grounded in objective insights.

• Risk Management: Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate risks.

• Collaboration: Foster inclusive and effective communication with stakeholders, support teams, team members, and suppliers.

• Resilience: Maintain focus and commitment through challenges and change.

• Forecasting: Provide a monthly forecast of projected savings.

• Performance Metrics: Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of sourcing strategies and supplier.

• SOW Management in Fieldglass: Oversee the end-to-end process for Statement of Work (SOW) creation, submission, and lifecycle management within Fieldglass, ensuring compliance with sourcing policies, timely approvals, and alignment with business objectives, if applicable.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

Education:

Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field. A Master's degree or professional certification (e.g., CPSM, CIPS) is preferred.

Experience:

Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in category management, procurement, or strategic sourcing.

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI, Tableau).

• Familiarity with procurement platforms (e.g., SAP Ariba, Coupa).

• Strong understanding of market analysis and supplier evaluation techniques.

Core Competencies:

• Embrace Digital Transformation: Demonstrate a strong digital mindset by actively seeking and implementing technological solutions to enhance business processes and drive innovation within the team.

• Diverse and Inclusive Collaboration: Foster a collaborative environment that values diversity and inclusion. Build and sustain positive relationships with stakeholders from varied backgrounds to drive professional growth and organizational success.

• Strategic and Analytical Thinking: Exhibit strong business acumen by staying informed about industry trends and aligning projects with broader organizational goals. Use data-driven insights to make informed decisions and influence positive change.

• Adaptability and Growth Mindset: Show adaptability in the face of change and a willingness to take on challenges. Continuously seek learning opportunities and demonstrate resilience to maintain high performance and support team dynamics.

• Clear and Impactful Communication: Communicate complex information clearly and persuasively across all levels of the organization. Utilize storytelling to effectively convey ideas and drive key initiatives forward.

Professional Attributes:

• Visionary and innovative mindset

• Results-oriented and resilient under pressure

• Collaborative and inclusive team player

• Customer-centric with a continuous improvement focus

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving

• Strong negotiation and contract management skills

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously

• High level of business acumen and financial literacy