Lead Category Manager - Professional Services

H&R Block•Remote, MO

6d•$101,200 - $161,900

About The Position

As the Lead Category Manager for Professional Services, you will drive the strategy, performance, and optimization of the company’s Professional Services spend, including consulting, general services and some technology. You will partner closely with company leadership to align sourcing strategies with brand and business objectives, ensuring the organization maximizes value, innovation, and ROI across all marketing investments. Your leadership will influence how the company activates its brand in the market, manages supplier relationships, and achieves cost efficiencies without compromising creativity or speed to market.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, Communications, or related field
5+ years of experience in procurement or category management, with at least 2–3 years supporting professional service and/or technology categories with specific results
Demonstrated expertise in sourcing high visibility consulting projects and complex technology landscapes
Strong negotiation experience
Ability to analyze data, assess market trends, and develop category strategies tailored to marketing needs
Strong understanding of scopes of work, deliverables, KPIs, and performance management for suppliers
Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
Ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence senior leaders
Experience working with procurement or ERP systems, contracting tools, and analytics platforms
Strong organization, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple initiatives in a fast-paced environment

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with consulting firms
Professional certifications (CPSM, CSCP, CMKG, etc.)
Experience supporting global or multi‑market initiatives
Knowledge of contract compliance, data privacy considerations, or regulations

Responsibilities

Develop and execute multi-year category strategies for professional services subcategories that deliver cost savings and transformation. Anticipated spend under management up to $100M annually.
Lead RFx events- including defining requirements, evaluating proposals, and developing negotiation strategies.
Partner closely with company leadership to understand upcoming initiatives and translate business needs into sourcing plans.
Partner with Sourcing Analysts to conduct spend analysis, benchmarking, and market research.
Lead supplier relationship management and quarterly business reviews to ensure performance, innovation, and contract compliance.
Build cost models, rate card analyses, and total cost of ownership evaluations to support supplier selection and negotiations.
Advise on supplier scopes of work and assist in defining clear deliverables, KPIs, staffing plans, and rate structures.
Collaborate with Legal and business stakeholders to support contract development.
Develop executive‑level presentations and reporting that highlight category performance, supplier strategies, and value realization.
Mentor or provide direction to sourcing analysts supporting the marketing category.