[Hiring] Category Manager @Cushman & Wakefield

Role Description

The Category Manager is responsible for overseeing and optimizing procurement and management strategies for IT-related goods and services, including but not limited to hardware, software, cloud services, telecommunications, and other tech needs. This role focuses on driving cost efficiency, improving supplier relationships, and aligning purchasing strategies with organizational goals.

• Creates a working environment that encourages high performance and innovation.
• Becomes a trusted advisor and subject matter expert on the categories.
• Removes roadblocks to enable the delivery of procurement and client account goals.
• Promotes compliance with C&W’s code of conduct.

Category Management

• Develop and implement a strategic sourcing plan for IT related goods and services.
• Conduct Global, Regional and Country market research to stay updated on industry trends.
• Set category goals aligned with company objectives and regularly measure performance against these targets.
• Responsible for working with procurement business partners and service line leadership.
• Incorporates industry best practices into category delivery.
• Utilizes demand planning to target value from supplier agreements.

Vendor Management

• Identify, evaluate, and establish relationships with IT vendors, suppliers, and service providers.
• Negotiate favorable terms and contracts, ensuring compliance with internal policies and industry regulations.
• Manage supplier performance and conduct periodic reviews.
• Monitors preferred supplier utilization and builds roster to ensure capability to deliver across service line portfolios.
• Ability to develop and understand data analytics to drive in-depth analysis of C&W’s 3rd party spend.

Business Influence

• Communicates supply category preferred supplier metrics.
• Develops and maintains strong relationships with business units and the category management team.
• Drives for results by consistently achieving goals in a timely manner.
• Develops and delivers communications with clarity and impact.
• Encourages creation and brings new best in class ideas and approaches.
• Working cross-functionally with other departments for delivery of category strategies.

Risk Management

• Identify and mitigate risks within the IT supply chain.
• Work with the legal team to ensure vendor contracts include necessary risk management and compliance clauses.
• Ensure effective and up-to-date commercial arrangements.

Continuous Improvement/Change Management

• Strong problem-solving skills utilizing continuous improvement techniques.
• Utilizes change management techniques to drive the development and utilization of a preferred supplier program.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• 5-8 years of category management experience
• Professional certifications preferred e.g., CPSM, CIPS, C.P.M.
• In-depth knowledge of IT Procurement and fundamentals
• Strong interpersonal and analytical skills
• Ability to build relationships with key business stakeholders and 3rd party vendors
• Inner drive to accomplish goals
• Capacity to develop innovative strategies and solutions
• Contract negotiation and ongoing management skills
• Analytics, ability to mine data to drive in-depth analysis
• Building and managing diverse supplier relationships
• Interface with all levels in the organization
• Project Management
• Continuous improvement
• Personal flexibility
• Independent worker, self-starter
• Organizational savvy
• Innovativeness
• Effective Communication & Presentation skills
• Decision making & crisis management
• 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
• Competitive pay based on various eligibility factors

Company Description

Cushman & Wakefield is an Equal Opportunity employer to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Discrimination of any type will not be tolerated.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position at Cushman & Wakefield, please call the ADA line at 1-888-365-5406 or email [email protected].