Category Management Senior Manager

Freddie Mac•McLean, VA

3d•$158,000 - $236,000

About The Position

Lead a team of category specialists to implement and mature the category management approach beyond sourcing and negotiating contracts to establishing a proactive, strategic approach to managing the IT Infrastructure category space (credit reporting companies, data centers, data information services, end-user devices, hardware, networking, and telecom). Oversee and manage the development and implementation of strategies for procurement of IT Infrastructure initiatives, formulating goals, objectives, and timelines. Collaborate with business unit management in understanding requirements, analyzing market and industry conditions, and develop and execute value-add category strategies to procure IT Infrastructure goods and services in a manner best suited to achieve corporate business objectives. Lead supplier relationship management to monitor and improve supplier performance with key supplier partner and to identify and implement opportunities to innovate and drive continuous improvement. Be a proactive leader that is solution-oriented to collaborate across multiple business divisions and functions to optimize how the Source to Contract process is executed and enable strategic value.

Requirements

College Degree or equivalent experience; advanced studies/degree preferred
Typically has 10+ years of related work experience
Deep Category Knowledge: Understand the specific market, trends, and dynamics of IT Infrastructure
Stay informed about supplier capabilities, innovations, and risks
Ability to create and implement category strategies that add value
Strategic Sourcing: Develop and implement sourcing strategies that align with organizational goals
Focus on cost reduction, quality improvement, and supplier relationship management
Analytical Skills: Use data analysis to identify opportunities for savings and efficiency
Monitor market trends and supplier performance through key performance indicators (KPIs)
Negotiation Skills: Negotiate favorable terms and conditions with suppliers.
Build strong relationships to ensure collaboration and long-term partnerships.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with other departments such as finance, operations, and legal to ensure alignment and support.
Facilitate communication and collaboration between stakeholders.
Risk Management: Identify potential risks in the supply chain and develop mitigation strategies
Ensure compliance with regulations and organizational policies
Technology Utilization: Leverage procurement technology and tools to enhance efficiency and transparency
Stay updated on digital advancements in procurement systems
Leadership and Influence: Lead and motivate cross-functional teams to achieve procurement objectives
Influence decision-making at all levels of the organization
Continuous Improvement: Foster a culture of continuous improvement in procurement processes
Encourage feedback and adapt strategies based on lessons learned
Ethical Standards: Uphold high ethical standards and integrity in all procurement activities
Ensure fair and transparent dealings with suppliers

Responsibilities

Lead a team of category specialists to implement and mature the category management approach beyond sourcing and negotiating contracts to establishing a proactive, strategic approach to managing the IT Infrastructure category space.
Oversee and manage the development and implementation of strategies for procurement of IT Infrastructure initiatives, formulating goals, objectives, and timelines.
Collaborate with business unit management in understanding requirements, analyzing market and industry conditions, and develop and execute value-add category strategies to procure IT Infrastructure goods and services in a manner best suited to achieve corporate business objectives.
Lead supplier relationship management to monitor and improve supplier performance with key supplier partner and to identify and implement opportunities to innovate and drive continuous improvement.
Be a proactive leader that is solution-oriented to collaborate across multiple business divisions and functions to optimize how the Source to Contract process is executed and enable strategic value.