Procurement Specialist (Category Manager)

World Bank Group

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The World Bank Group (WBG) is seeking a Procurement Specialist (Category Manager) to join the Corporate Procurement Department. This department supports the WBG's mission by performing procurement functions with principles of transparency, fairness, competition, and best value. The role involves coordinating and overseeing sourcing strategy, selection, and contract execution for over 130 Bank Group offices globally. The Corporate Procurement Department focuses on three core principles: Commerciality (delivering best value for money), Risk Management (mitigating vendor-related risks), and Sustainability (developing environmentally and socially sustainable supply chains). Categories of spend include Corporate Services and Real Estate, Human Resources and Professional Services, Technology, and Consulting Services. The position is based in Washington D.C.

Requirements

Master's degree in Supply Management, Finance, Marketing, Human Resources, Operations, Applied Economics, or a related field, with at least 5 years of relevant experience in category management and sourcing complex procurements, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Proven experience in category management and category management in above mentioned categories in Consulting, Labor, Technology or professional services.
Knowledge of international procurement practices and public/private sector procedures, with required in-depth experience in corporate-level service procurement at an international organization or multinational company.
Extensive experience in developing category strategies incorporating industry benchmarks, understanding sources of supply, market trends, pricing, etc.
Strong negotiating skills, including the ability to negotiate complex contract terms and conditions (e.g., international regulations, technology issues, data privacy, indemnification, intellectual property, cultural issues, assignment, contract termination).
Knowledge of sustainable procurement trends and practices, including supplier diversity & inclusion activities.
Strong interpersonal and analytical capabilities and logical problem-solving skills, and ability to structure data and assign resources effectively, monitor implementation and deliver results in line with project goals.
Project Management skills with extensive experience in managing multiple related projects to ensure the overall program is aligned and directly supports the achievement of strategic objectives.
Ability to deal sensitively in a multicultural environment and build effective working relationships with clients, colleagues, and other stakeholders.
Expert user with MS Office applications (Excel, PPT, Word) and comfortable with adoption of technology and/or systems relevant to the functional area.
Superior communication skills in English (verbal, written, and comprehension), and ability to resolve interpersonal conflict.
Ability to function effectively in multi-disciplinary teams within a matrix management environment, as well as an individual contributor.
Ability to analyze and compare various sources of data, information and digital content and storytelling.
Embracement of various digital tools and advocate for the use of emerging technologies in work program delivery.

Nice To Haves

Preferred Language(s):

Responsibilities

Leads and independently manages the category and sourcing initiatives for categories within Corporate Procurement.
Partners with client’s needs, collaborate with clients in developing procurement plans; carry out market research to identify sources of supply, trend analysis and benchmarks.
Develops evaluation criteria, generate solicitations, manages bidding process, reviews technical specifications for completeness and competitive qualities; prepares contracts; and engages vendors in process discussions and negotiates contract terms and conditions.
Provides guidance and direction to Project Managers on commercial contract management issues.
Possesses an expert level understanding of commerciality and ability to demonstrate value for money through strategic planning, solicitation, and negotiations.
Maximizes positive impact on sustainability (diversity, environment, social responsibility) through the sourcing process and category management.
Exposure to risk management, assessing risks, and work with business partners to mitigate risks through sourcing.