Associate Category Manager

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in District of Columbia, +4 more states.

📋 Description

• Oversee activities throughout the procurement lifecycle, which encompasses sourcing, vendor assessment, negotiation, contracting, and continual vendor management.

• Collaborate with business stakeholders to comprehend their requirements and convert them into effective sourcing strategies and category plans.

• Lead or assist in competitive sourcing initiatives, including RFI, RFP, and RFQ processes, vendor evaluations, and recommendations for awards.

• Engage in negotiations with vendors to achieve favorable commercial results while balancing cost, quality, risk, and business needs.

• Manage contracts throughout their lifecycle, including renewals, modifications, and expiration tracking, collaborating with Legal as needed.

• Assess vendor performance against established SLAs and KPIs, and support actions when performance discrepancies are identified.

• Utilize market research, spend analysis, and supplier insights to pinpoint opportunities such as vendor rationalization, consolidation, and improved management of tail spend.

• Assist stakeholders in navigating evolving procurement processes and methodologies, clearly explaining requirements and managing difficult or sensitive discussions constructively.

• Monitor category performance, savings, and compliance metrics, contributing to the ongoing enhancement of procurement processes, templates, and playbooks.

• Help shape the procurement and category management function at CFA Institute.

⛳️ Requirements

• Robust, demonstrable experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, category management, or contract management, with a clear personal commitment to procurement results.

• Proven experience in managing the procurement lifecycle, including sourcing, commercial negotiation, and vendor management.

• Expertise in services procurement, with insights into procurement environments beyond goods, manufacturing, logistics, or production supply chains.

• Evidence of personally leading or significantly contributing to vendor negotiations and competitive sourcing activities.

• Strong skills in stakeholder management, including the ability to challenge existing methods and influence new approaches.

• Working knowledge of contracts and key commercial terms, with experience in supporting contracts throughout their lifecycle.

• An analytical mindset with the capability to work with spend data, supplier proposals, and performance metrics.

• Confidence in operating within a dynamic environment where established processes and stakeholder expectations are evolving.

• A team-oriented collaborative approach, alongside the ability to take personal accountability and clearly communicate your contributions and decisions.

• An open mindset with a keen interest in exploring innovative working methods and emerging tools.

🏝️ Benefits

• Eligibility for an annual discretionary incentive bonus.

• 12% employer contribution to a pension plan.

• Comprehensive medical benefits package.

• Health coverage.

• Generous time off.

• Competitive retirement plans.

• Flexible work options.

• Wellbeing and development programs.