Category Management Lead

JLL • Austin, TX

5d • Remote

About The Position

JLL is seeking a Category Management Lead to develop and manage facilities-goods supplier relationships for its JLL Marketplace business. Suppliers include B2B product distributors and manufacturers serving facilities management, across categories such as office supplies, workplace experience services, MRO, and construction. The role focuses on supplier relationship management, program development and enablement, and strategic growth within assigned categories.

The position develops category and supplier strategies, leverages JLL’s scale, builds supplier relationships, prepares and manages supplier contracts, identifies market innovations, supports client solutions, and delivers value to supplier partners and the business. It works with JLL business partners and suppliers and requires strong communication, interpersonal, prioritization, and value-delivery skills. The role is virtual/home office; Austin, Atlanta, or Charlotte is highly preferred. The listed location is Remote, with Atlanta, Austin, Chicago, and Dallas included. Visa sponsorship is not provided; candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in business or engineering.
• At least 3 years of relevant work experience, or a combination of relevant work experience and education.
• Strong contracting, negotiation, and account management skills.
• Outstanding verbal and written interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to communicate with client and supplier representatives, internal business customers, and team members.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to adapt, prioritize, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Flexibility with work hours and travel as needed.
• Sense of urgency and prompt responsiveness to stakeholders.
• Professional yet personable demeanor.
• Detail-oriented, with strong analytical skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise judgment, and work with minimal supervision.
• Proficiency with applicable software, including MS Windows, Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and AI-based platforms.
• Authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship; this position does not provide visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Supply chain, purchasing, industrial sales, or operations background is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of emerging procurement technologies and marketplaces.
• Experience maintaining and executing compliance programs.
• Technical buying or engineering experience directly involving the facilities management industry.
• Austin, Atlanta, or Charlotte-area location is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to financial targets in line with business expectations.
• Drive assigned seller category strategies and independently identify and execute projects.
• Use market and industry intelligence to identify and qualify suppliers, support business and service delivery with data, identify risks and threats, and develop mitigation solutions.
• Contribute seller best practices, feedback, and innovations to the organization and clients through the Seller Council.
• Create strategic solutions for specific commodities; manage RFPs and quotations, analyze bids, and make recommendations.
• Liaise with internal business partners on contract approvals, savings reporting, documentation, and compliance.
• Develop a strategic supply partner framework and maintain it at senior supplier level.
• Prepare high-quality papers and presentations for internal and external business partners and teams as required.
• Negotiate and apply strategies within areas of responsible spend.
• Partner with functional leads and business partners to drive immediate and sustained benefits for clients and JLL.
• Identify additional cost and operational efficiencies through strategic thought leadership.
• Serve as the Supplier Management subject matter expert and main point of contact within the business.
• Help teams improve operational and sourcing processes, including SKU rationalization and standardization.
• Provide pricing support for new business pursuits and other JLL teams, including group buys and consulting engagements.
• Manage product cross-referencing and spend analytics tasks with supplier partners.
• Lead contract administration for the Supplier Management team.
• Comply with JLL policies and procedures, including ethics and business practices.

Benefits

• 401(k) plan with matching company contributions
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision care
• Paid parental leave at 100% of salary
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Early access to earned wages through Daily Pay
• Supportive culture and comprehensive benefits package prioritizing mental, physical, and emotional health

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level