Associate Category Manager

Aon Corporation•Chicago, IL

21h•Hybrid

About The Position

Reporting to the Global Spend Management (GSM) Director, the Associate Category Manager/Senior Specialist will be responsible for managing sourcing and negotiation activities for a pipeline of procurement opportunities within the Corporate Services and Facilities category. Aon is in the business of better decisions. At Aon, we shape decisions for the better to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. As an organization, we are united through trust as one inclusive team and we are passionate about helping our colleagues and clients succeed. This role puts you at the center of a strategic, global procurement organization where your work directly shapes business decisions— not just contracts. You’ll own a pipeline of sourcing and negotiation initiatives across Corporate Services and Facilities, with real visibility and accountability. Working alongside experienced Global Spend Management leaders, cross‑functional partners, and suppliers, you’ll have the support, autonomy, and exposure to build strong procurement expertise while delivering tangible impact in a collaborative, fast‑moving environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree with 2+ years of experience in procurement/supply chain
Exceptional ability to effectively articulate difficult ideas and concepts through clear and concise verbal, written communication and/or presentations.
Strong project management and organizational skills, with excellent attention to detail and a thorough understanding of the sourcing process and ability to influence stakeholders/suppliers.
Strong problem solving, analytics and troubleshooting skills.
An inquisitive self-starter that has a passion for procurement.

Responsibilities

Management of procurement activities including sourcing, commercial negotiations, and project management for a variety of projects with an aim to mitigate risks and achieve intended financial outcomes.
Accountable for the management and delivery of a pipeline of multiple projects including renewals and consolidations of existing relationships, request for proposals, and new supplier arrangements.
Providing market intelligence, go-to-market, and negotiation strategy, assessing supplier risk, and engaging in leading procurement practices. Initiate appropriate sourcing work efforts against the pipeline using the appropriate resources, provide guidance and manage escalations on those individual efforts.
Independently apply procurement or subject matter expertise to determine methods and procedures on assignments, ability to think creatively and adapt approach when necessary, including gaining acceptance on alternatives.
Maintain productive relationships with colleagues on the Category Management team, internal stakeholders, suppliers, and procurement BPO partners.
As part of the global category team, contribute to our global category strategies and work across multiple category teams to develop strategies and link opportunities across regions and categories when appropriate.