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SalaryAt IBM, work is more than a job - it's a calling: To build. To design. To code. To consult. To think along with clients and sell. To make markets. To invent. To collaborate. Not just to do something better, but to attempt things you've never thought possible. Are you ready to lead in this new era of technology and solve some of the world's most challenging problems? If so, lets talk.
Your Role and Responsibilities
In this procurement consulting role, the Category Manager will lead the development, execution, and ongoing management of category/sourcing strategies for IBM’s Procurement BPO clients. Above and beyond strategic sourcing activities, the Category Manager should understand external variables, learn the internal landscape of our client (requirements, organizational structure, priorities) and develop relationships to successfully deliver improved cost, reduced risk, and more efficient programs.
Role & Responsibilities
- Develops category strategies and sourcing strategies for the assigned areas of responsibility.
- Builds relationships with client stakeholders such that Category Manager can demonstrate value in continued engagement, can challenge the client stakeholders when fruitful, and can bring additional subject matter expertise.
- Identifies cost savings opportunities across the client’s Corporate & Professional Services spend.
- Acts as a trusted advisor and SME in the areas of sourcing and negotiating contracts for Professional Services and other Indirect categories.
- Achieve cost savings, risk mitigation, and process efficiencies through various value levers.
- Lead supplier selection process across multiple projects within the category, with various scope and client stakeholder groups.
- Lead negotiations with current and potential suppliers as part of the contract renewal or vendor selection process.
- Collect and analyze internal/external category data, metrics, and reports to track performance against targets.
- Ability to analyze multiple data sets to identify opportunities and category insights.
- Participate in category councils and business reviews to support collaboration, knowledge sharing, opportunity identification, and overall relationship development.
- Innovate within the procurement space; look at new ways to structure programs or categories, benefit from changes in supply market, or modify tools/processes to add value.
- Provide support throughout the sourcing and contracting process when necessary, ensuring seamless handoff to our clients when appropriate.
- A minimum of 7 years of strategic sourcing and category management experience
- 4+ years sourcing Corporate & Professional Services categories in areas such as: Contingent Workforce; Business Process Outsourcing; Corporate Tax, Audit & Accounting; Legal, HR Administration & Benefits; Learning & Development
- Candidates must be willing and able to travel to client locations based on business requirements. Peak client travel may be up to 3 days/week and 2-3 weeks per month (e.g., early months with a new client); however, steady state travel is purposeful in nature and often less frequent (e.g., 2 weeks per month in most roles).
- Previous experience in a client facing / consultative role
- Degree in Business, Law, Supply Chain Management or other applicable field
