[Hiring] Category Manager - Professional Services @J.D. Power

Role Description

The Category Manager for Professional Services will report to the Head of Procurement. The role will have key responsibility for strategic sourcing, vendor management, and contract negotiations across all talent-related categories at JD Power. These categories include consultants, contract labor, staff augmentation resources, and professional services engagements across all business functions and geographies.

This role involves:

• Identifying and prioritizing organizational needs
• Understanding the talent and services market
• Developing and executing sourcing strategies
• Leading competitive procurement processes
• Negotiating favorable commercial terms

The successful candidate will work closely with business leaders, the Legal and Finance teams, and external supplier partners to ensure JD Power retains top-tier services while optimizing costs and managing risk. Excellence in communication, relationship management, and strategic thinking are essential to success in this position.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of strategic sourcing, category management, or procurement experience
• 3+ years of demonstrated experience managing talent categories (staffing, consulting, professional services, or contract labor)
• Proven track record of cost savings, contract negotiations, and vendor relationship management
• Deep knowledge of staffing markets, talent ecosystems, and professional services industries
• Understanding of HR processes, compliance requirements (W-2, 1099, visa sponsorship), and employment law implications

Requirements

• Strategic thinking
• Excellent negotiation and contract management skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with ability to influence at all levels
• Proficiency with procurement systems, data analysis tools, and Microsoft Office
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously
• Strong relationship and stakeholder management capabilities
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment across geographies and time zones

Benefits

• This position has a starting salary range of $113,000 - $135,000 USD per year and $96,000 - $122,000 CAD per year.
• Flexible work arrangements
• Opportunities for learning and development
• A culture centered on the Values that guide how we work every day

Company Description

JD Power powers auto-related decisions through proprietary data, advanced analytics, deep industry expertise, and workflows that connect insight to action. Operating across North America, Europe, and Australia, we help customers make better decisions and achieve better outcomes.

• We power our customers’ success.
• We are innovative, collaborative, and grounded in data.
• We make things easy.
• We get it done.
• We start with trust and prove it every day.