Senior Category Manager- Professional Services

UKG•Lowell, MA

About The Position

The purpose of this role is to lead sourcing and supplier management for the Outside Services category, which includes consulting firms, implementation partners, professional services, and other external service providers. This position is responsible for developing and executing category strategies that maximize value, optimize total cost of ownership, and ensure supplier performance and compliance with UKG standards. The Senior Category Manager partners closely with key stakeholders across functions—such as Professional Services, Product, IT, HR, and Finance—to identify opportunities for efficiency, manage supplier risk, and drive strategic outcomes in alignment with business objectives.

Requirements

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, or a related field.
Experience: Minimum of 8+ years of progressive experience in procurement or strategic sourcing, with at least 5 years focused on professional services, consulting, or other service-based categories.
Proven success in developing and executing sourcing strategies for external service providers, including consulting, implementation, and professional service firms.
Experience leading large-scale procurement initiatives, managing supplier relationships, and negotiating high-value contracts.
Strong understanding of cost drivers and market dynamics related to professional services, labor-based engagements, and statement of work (SOW) management.
Demonstrated ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and drive alignment between Procurement, Legal, and business units.
Advanced negotiation and contract management skills.
Expertise in professional services sourcing, category management, and supplier governance.
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and deliver results under tight deadlines.
Demonstrated experience driving cost savings and process improvement initiatives.
Proven ability to build strong partnerships with business stakeholders and suppliers.
Proficiency with procurement systems, data analysis, and performance reporting.
Advanced Microsoft Office skills.

Nice To Haves

Strategic and analytical thinker with strong business acumen.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong leadership and people development capabilities.
Skilled in influencing, problem solving, and conflict management.

Responsibilities

Category Leadership: Lead the strategic sourcing and supplier management activities for Outside Services, including consulting, advisory, and implementation partners.
Category Strategy Development: Develop and maintain comprehensive category strategies based on market analysis, business needs, and risk assessment. Identify opportunities to consolidate suppliers, leverage scale, and reduce total cost of engagement.
Stakeholder Collaboration: Partner with UKG functional leaders to understand service needs, forecast demand, and ensure alignment on sourcing initiatives. Drive cross-functional collaboration to balance cost, quality, and delivery expectations.
Supplier Selection and Negotiation: Lead competitive sourcing events, evaluate proposals, negotiate commercial and legal terms, and award contracts that drive best value outcomes for UKG.
Supplier Relationship Management: Manage strategic supplier relationships, conduct quarterly business reviews, and drive continuous improvement in service delivery, innovation, and performance.
Spend and Performance Analysis: Monitor supplier spend, savings, and performance metrics. Provide insights and dashboards to senior leadership highlighting trends, compliance, and value delivery.
Risk and Compliance: Partner with Legal, Security, and Risk functions to ensure supplier compliance with contractual, financial, and regulatory obligations.
Cost Optimization: Develop and track cost-saving initiatives and productivity improvements within the Outside Services spend category.
Governance and Best Practices: Contribute to the Procurement Center of Excellence by defining sourcing standards, templates, and policies for service-based categories.
Team Leadership: Select, coach, train, and develop team members. Conduct performance reviews and mentor procurement fundamentals.