Category Manager, Procurement - Strategic Programs

Acrisure•Grand Rapids, MI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

As Procurement Category Manager, you will play a pivotal role in optimizing our company's procurement processes. You will be responsible for owning the procurement strategy for assigned areas, establishing and growing critical relationships with business partners both internal and external, conducting vendor negotiations and ensuring proper administration and execution of contracts, and mitigating risk through adherence to and monitoring or established performance metrics, defined internal processes and management routines. You will develop and implement strategies to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure the highest quality of professional arrangements and goods/services for our organization. Your expertise will drive informed decision-making, supplier relationships, and innovation within the procurement function.

Requirements

Anticipates and capitalizes on opportunities, challenges, and disruptions, seeks input from all levels of the organization, creates competitive strategies with actionable implementation plans.
Ability to effectively communicate with and influence stakeholders at senior levels of the organization, possess political savvy and executive presence. Proven relationship-building skills internally and externally.
Proficiency in data analysis and market research techniques, using insights to inform strategic decision-making and drive continuous improvement.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, managing multiple priorities and deadlines effectively while maintaining attention to detail.
Looks at challenges as opportunities, identify root causes through open listening and rigorous analysis, pushes for solution and progress over perfection.
Meets commitments, proactively communicates challenges, open and honest communication about issues while owning the outcomes.
Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Supply Chain Management, Finance, or a related field.
Proven experience (5+ years) in procurement, strategic sourcing, supply chain or related roles, with a demonstrated track record of implementing successful procurement strategies and achieving cost savings.
Experience with Indirect Procurement categories and experience in Financial or Professional Services preferred.
Candidates should be comfortable with an on-site presence to support collaboration, team leadership, and cross-functional partnership.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree or professional certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop long-range plan, set strategic direction, and execute comprehensive procurement strategies for arrangements and services aligned with the company's objectives and financial targets.
Consult on statements of work, and negotiate pricing, services, and contract terms. Collaborates with Legal and other subject matter experts to ensure contract accuracy and resolve escalated issues.
Conduct thorough market research and analysis to identify cost-saving opportunities and potential market, create requests for proposals, identify, evaluate and select suppliers, negotiate favorable terms.
Continuously assess procurement processes to identify areas for cost reduction and efficiency improvement, implementing innovative solutions to drive savings without compromising quality.
Earns a seat at the table and is sought out when setting strategy, listens intently and seeks to understands, brings proactive ideas to the table.
Develop strong relationships and collaborate cross-functionally with stakeholders from the field and Home Office (ex: finance, operations, and legal) to align strategies with organizational goals and priorities.
Influence leaders on supplier utilization to achieve overall operational and strategic objectives. Engage internal stakeholders and suppliers to bring greater value, better performance, and favorable terms with suppliers.
Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with suppliers/partners, negotiating contracts and terms to secure favorable pricing, quality, and service levels.
Develop and implement key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to measure the effectiveness of procurement strategies, regularly analyzing performance data and adjusting strategies as needed.
Ensure compliance with company policies, legal and industry regulations, and ethical standards in all procurement activities, maintaining transparency and integrity throughout the procurement process.
Proactively identify and mitigate risks related to supplier/partner performance, market volatility, and regulatory compliance to ensure continuity of supply and minimize disruptions.