Category Manager – Information Technology

Introduction
At 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
IBM is seeking highly motivated and experienced procurement consultants with 5 - 10 years sourcing experience to join our IBM Procurement Services team. Specifically, we are seeking to fill the role of an IT Category Manager. The Category Manager leads sourcing projects for our clients along with category insights to assist in their strategy development across hardware, software, services, telecommunications and other technology related categories.
This is an external client facing, consulting role with travel requirements. The ideal candidate may be expected to travel to client locations up to 75% of their time on average.
Role & Responsibilities

• Baseline Creation & Savings Analysis: Knowledge of and ability to create baseline and savings analysis for procurement project. Also, knowledge of savings methodologies and how to calculate savings for each methodology.
• Client Facing Skills: Ability to maintain professionalism in communications with all levels of external client stakeholders. Experience being in a client facing role. Ability to deliver high quality project deliverables on time and with the level of attention to detail the client expects.
• Client Relationship Management: Knowledge of the techniques and the ability to establish and maintain healthy working relationships with Clients.
• Data Analysis: Knowledge of and ability to utilize data analysis tools to sort through and analyze enterprise data in order to identify factors influencing business performance and to gain greater insight into trends within a business, industry and customer base.
• Dealing with Disorder: Knowledge of tactics and ability to function effectively in the face of volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA).
• Effective Communications: Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors.
• Effective Presentations: Knowledge of effective presentation tools and techniques; ability to present information to groups with the appropriate degree of formality.
• Influencing: Knowledge of effective influencing tactics and strategies; ability to impact decisions within and outside own organization.
• Partnering for Clients’ Success: Knowledge of and insight into clients' key objectives and ability to work and think alongside clients to achieve clients' current and future aspirations and successes.
• Accuracy and Attention to Detail: Understanding of the necessity and value of accuracy and attention to detail; ability to process information with high levels of accuracy.
• Business Acumen: Knowledge of business concepts, tools, and processes that are needed for making sound decisions in the context of the company's business; ability to apply this knowledge appropriately to diverse situations.
• Strategic Thinking: Understanding of the importance of "big picture" thinking and planning and ability to apply organizational acumen to identify and maintain focus on key success factors for the organization.
• Purchasing Tasks and Activities: Knowledge of policies, regulations and processes of purchasing; ability to use practices and procedures for procurement of materials, components, equipment and services.
• Strategic Sourcing: Knowledge of strategic sourcing methods, technologies and processes; ability to analyze, improve and re-evaluate organizational procurement process continuously.
• MS Office: Strong knowledge and proficiency of Microsoft Office suite

Required Technical and Professional Expertise

• IBM is seeking highly motivated and experienced procurement consultants with 5 - 10 years sourcing
• Deep business analysis and strategic thinking skills.
• Strong executive-level communication and relationship building skills.
• Excellent influencing and change management skills.
• Curious mindset.
• High levels of personal drive, initiative and commitment to business goals.

Preferred Technical and Professional Expertise
.