Category Manager – IT

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

📋 Description

• The Category Manager is tasked with overseeing and enhancing procurement and management strategies for IT-related goods and services.

• This position emphasizes cost efficiency, enhances supplier relationships, and aligns purchasing strategies with the organization's objectives.

• The individual will serve as the liaison with IT business lines, leading the development and execution of supplier relationship and performance management initiatives.

• This role is responsible for implementing the organization’s short, medium, and long-term strategies while ensuring the highest service levels in accordance with C&W’s Procurement Policies and Procedures.

• Establishes major objectives that support the organization’s strategy.

• Fosters a working environment that promotes high performance and innovation.

• Acts as a trusted advisor and subject matter expert in the relevant categories.

• Eliminates obstacles to facilitate the achievement of procurement and client account objectives.

• Advocates for compliance with C&W’s code of conduct.

• Develops and executes a strategic sourcing plan for IT-related goods and services.

• Conducts Global, Regional, and Country market research to remain informed about industry trends and pinpoint opportunities for cost savings and quality enhancements.

• Sets category goals that align with company objectives and regularly evaluates performance against these goals.

• Collaborates with procurement business partners and service line leadership to synchronize the category management vision with service line and procurement priorities.

• Integrates industry best practices into category delivery.

• Employs demand planning to extract value from supplier agreements.

• Identifies, assesses, and builds relationships with IT vendors, suppliers, and service providers.

• Negotiates favorable terms and contracts while ensuring adherence to internal policies and industry regulations.

• Manages supplier performance and conducts regular reviews to evaluate service levels, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with business needs.

• Monitors the utilization of preferred suppliers, builds a roster to ensure capability across service line portfolios, and assesses performance to meet account requirements.

• Communicates metrics related to supply category preferred suppliers and assists the business in increasing adoption of the preferred supplier network.

• Cultivates and maintains robust relationships with business units and the category management team.

• Drives results by consistently meeting objectives in a timely fashion.

• Develops and conveys communications with clarity and impact, ensuring consistent messaging.

• Promotes the generation of innovative ideas and approaches for developing and executing category strategies while working within the supply market to ensure Cushman & Wakefield meets or exceeds its objectives.

• Collaborates cross-functionally with other departments, including Finance, Operations, TDS, HR, Project Management, etc., to deliver category strategies.

• Identifies and mitigates risks within the IT supply chain.

• Partners with the legal team to ensure vendor contracts include necessary risk management and compliance provisions.

• Ensures effective and current commercial arrangements.

• Demonstrates strong problem-solving abilities using continuous improvement techniques.

• Applies change management techniques to promote the development and utilization of a preferred supplier program.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor's degree.

• 5-8 years of experience in category management.

• Preferred professional certifications, e.g., CPSM, CIPS, C.P.M., or evidence of ongoing professional growth.

• Extensive knowledge of IT Procurement fundamentals and category-specific information.

• Strong interpersonal and analytical abilities.

• Capability to foster relationships with key business stakeholders and third-party vendors.

• Strong motivation to meet goals and not easily discouraged by challenges.

• Ability to develop creative strategies and solutions.

• Skilled in creative problem-solving.

• Proficient in contract negotiation and ongoing management.

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to extract and analyze data effectively.

• Experience in building and managing diverse supplier relationships.

• Ability to interface with all organizational levels.

• Project management skills.

• Commitment to continuous improvement.

• Personal adaptability and flexibility.

• Self-motivated and independent worker.

• Organizational savvy and innovativeness.

• Effective communication and presentation skills.

• Decision-making and crisis management capabilities.

• Proficiency in business influence, interviewing, and active listening.

• Knowledge of effective supplier risk management techniques.

🏝️ Benefits

• Health, vision, and dental insurance.

• Flexible spending accounts.

• Health savings accounts.

• Retirement savings plans.

• Life and disability insurance programs.

• Paid and unpaid time away from work.