[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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Work with procurement business partners and service line leadership to align category management vision.
• Incorporate industry best practices into category delivery.
• Utilize demand planning to target value from supplier agreements.
• 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 to assess service levels.
• Monitor preferred supplier utilization and build a roster to ensure capability to deliver across service line portfolios.
• Develop and understand data analytics to drive in-depth analysis of C&W’s 3rd party spend.
• Communicate supply category preferred supplier metrics and help the business drive greater adoption of the preferred supplier network.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with business units and the category management team.
• Drive for results by consistently achieving goals in a timely manner.
• Develop and deliver communications with clarity and impact.
• Encourage creation and bring new best in class ideas and approaches to the table.
• Work cross-functionally with other departments including Finance, Operations, TDS, HR, Project Management, etc.
• Identify and mitigate risks within the IT supply chain, including cybersecurity risks.
• Work with the legal team to ensure vendor contracts include necessary risk management and compliance clauses.
• Ensure effective and up-to-date commercial arrangements.
• Utilize change management techniques to drive the development and utilization of a preferred supplier program.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 4-10 years of category management or project management experience.
• Professional certifications preferred e.g., CPSM, CIPS, C.P.M., or evidence of continued professional growth.
• 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 and not deterred by obstacles.
• 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 eligibility factors.

Compensation

The compensation for the position is: $93,500.00 - $110,000.00.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.