Category Manager, Real Estate and Construction

Google • Chicago, IL

13h • $131,000 - $192,000

About The Position

In the Google Procurement Organization (GPO), our aim is to unlock value for Google to reinvest in what matters most. We do this by bringing velocity, efficiency, and security to buying at Google, while partnering deeply across Google to deliver solutions fit for purpose. As a centralized organization operating in a high complexity environment, we bring one voice to stakeholders and suppliers to ensure the best outcomes. Our organization fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation while providing opportunities for ongoing career growth and development. Within the Google Procurement Organization, the Category Management team partners closely with key stakeholders to help shape and implement procurement strategies. The Category team is responsible for developing and driving holistic category strategies, managing stakeholder relationships, and bringing excellence to Google-wide sourcing, supplier, and agreement management. As a Category Manager, you are responsible for pioneering innovative category and sourcing strategies, cultivating strategic relationships, and optimizing spend categories through data-driven insights to unlock value for our organization. You will possess data analysis and market research skills, coupled with an understanding of industry leading practices. You will establish, track, and analyze category performance targets. You will take full ownership of your categories, make decisions with minimal guidance, and exercise judgment to address complex situations, escalating as needed for strategic resolution. You will contribute to improving and sustaining our culture by fostering a welcoming environment, being a dependable teammate, and collaborating effectively. Additionally, you will identify needs and perspectives across different user identities, backgrounds, viewpoints, and cultures, designing solutions that uphold Google's values.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Finance, or a related field.
• 7 years of experience in category management, procurement, or related fields.
• 2 years of experience in sourcing or related roles, with a focus on managing indirect spend categories in construction and real estate.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in analyzing procurement data, reporting, and providing insights to support decision-making and performance evaluation, and also partnering with contracting teams and cross-functional partners.
• Experience in leveraging technology and analytical tools to enhance category management practices and drive data-driven decision-making.
• Experience in executing sourcing strategies, RFx processes, negotiations, and supplier evaluations within designated categories, and in achieving cost savings and value creation.
• Knowledge of contract drafting, review, and management within category, ensuring compliance with legal and company standards.
• Ability to identify opportunities for process improvements, efficiency gains, and innovation within procurement activities and drive continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive category strategies for construction and real estate services, aligning with regional and global goals.
• Serve as a trusted advisor, leading cross-functional teams in Request For X (RFx) processes and agreement negotiations.
• Cultivate strategic supplier relationships, overseeing performance, conducting reviews, and negotiating favorable terms to ensure quality, innovation, and risk mitigation.
• Leverage AI tools and analytics to identify automation opportunities, analyze spending patterns, market trends, and procurement data, generating strategic insights for informed decision-making.
• Operate with high autonomy, taking full ownership of categories.
• Collaborate globally, sharing best practices and contributing to worldwide strategies while ensuring regional alignment.
• Identify and drive process improvements and new category initiatives.
• Actively contribute to a positive team culture.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees