Category Manager - AI & Data

About the position

This role provides essential procurement and supplier expertise in the areas of strategic sourcing and category management with strong commercial and contractual experience with a high focus on Software. This role will deliver high quality, innovative and proven cost-effective methodologies to support company and department objectives. This role will interface and foster a collaborative environment with cross functional teams. This role requires exceptional verbal and written communication, strong organizational and time management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute long term agreements through formal RFx methodologies.
• Analyze spend data and industry dynamics to identify, prioritize, and launch sourcing initiatives.
• Identify value/ savings opportunities, processes, and best practices.
• Establish positive relationships across the business units to ensure active and early participation in supplier related matters.
• Lead negotiations in both financial and business matters, including commercial terms and risk mitigation for strategic contracts.
• Collaborates with business stakeholders to understand requirements, budgets and current gaps and challenges to develop best strategic sourcing strategies.
• Support strategic sourcing best practices including driving supplier segmentation, scorecards, and facilitating strategic business reviews in collaboration with business partners.
• Lead supplier contract renewals and leverage competitive pricing, quality and customer service.
• Develop strategic relationships with existing or new key suppliers and ensure appropriate engagement levels exist to drive partnership objectives.
• Identify process improvements to increase efficiencies and maximize spend opportunity.
• Provide guidance to internal stakeholders on business initiatives and procurement strategies.
• Developing relationships with senior leadership.
• Providing subject matter expertise on complex purchasing, legal & contractual issues.
• Performing supplier relationship management and reviews.
• Organized to work on multiple priorities and projects simultaneously.
• Team player in a transformative environment.

Requirements

• Bachelors Degree in Business, IT, Management, or Supply Chain.
• 4+ years of experience working as a Procurement Category Manager, or a Purchasing Manager required.
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S. indefinitely is required. Employer work permit sponsorship is not available for this position.

Nice-to-haves

• Great communication skills verbal and written.
• Contract negotiations experience preferred.
• Experience in the following areas such as IT, Professional Services (solution architecture, network design, integration and deployment), Software, SaaS applications and/or emerging technologies.
• Familiarity with practical applications of AI technologies in business settings.
• Experience managing complex strategic sourcing projects and RFx process.
• Strong analytical skills with practical experience in data analysis methodologies and tools.
• Proven track record of identifying cost reduction opportunities and driving significant, tangible financial benefit to the business.
• Ability to support large/complex supplier deals potentially including Software, and Services integrated solutions with customer flow down requirements.
• Ability to interact with and present up to Director/VP Levels.
• The following certifications are preferred: Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) from the Institute of Supply Chain Management (ISM), Project Management Professional (PMP) from the Project Management Institute.
• Knowledge of the specific industry's trends, challenges, and regulations relevant to AI and machine learning applications.

Benefits

• Incentive Bonus Plans
• Medical, Dental, Vision benefits
• 401K with Company Match
• 10 Paid Holidays
• Generous Paid Time Off Packages
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Paid Parental & Family Leave
• and more!