Senior Category Manager, Technology

Aspen Dental Management•Chicago, IL

About The Position

The Aspen Group (TAG) is seeking a Senior Category Manager, Information Technology to oversee all sourcing related activities and processes associated with the acquisition of goods and services in spend areas including: Enterprise and Clinical SaaS, IT Professional Services, AI Emerging Technology, Telecom, Call Center Technology, and Hardware. This role involves partnering with the business on requirements gathering, identifying sources, creating and issuing RFPs, proposal evaluation, contract negotiations, contract drafting, contract administration, and spend analytics. The position is functionally responsible for ensuring compliance with company procurement policies, ethical and legal business practices, and achieving the lowest total cost of ownership. Key Functions Include: Aligning and collaborating with business executives to understand business strategy and develop strategic sourcing strategies to drive optimal value. Leading and supporting contract negotiations with key suppliers to improve cost, quality, delivery, diversity, and safety. Leading and coaching internal business partners and team members on the sourcing process, which includes gathering requirements, market analysis, identifying sources, RF(x) management, proposal evaluation, negotiations, contract creation, contract management, spend analysis, and long-term category planning. Leading cross-functional teams comprised of business managers, legal, risk management, information security, and other impacted organizations to coordinate company sourcing activities. The candidate will need to build and analyze financial models to evaluate proposal scenarios and present recommendations clearly and concisely. Providing regular communication to Business and Supply Chain leadership on project status, contract renewals, category performance, and various initiatives.

Requirements

Thorough understanding of contracting principles and contract structure.
Strong leadership and team building skills to integrate and motivate people from different organizations to work together in achieving process objectives and project goals.
Adept at communicating with vendors and internal business partners to establish and maintain credibility for the sourcing function, while increasing service to our internal business partners - improving the quality and performance levels of the supply base to achieve the lowest total cost to the Company.
Skilled in negotiating, renegotiating, and administering contracts with suppliers and vendors such that the best interest of the Company is paramount.
Capable and experienced in negotiating large scale, enterprise-wide supplier agreements.
Ability to develop, coordinate and control multiple projects, achieving on-time contracting services to satisfy the operating requirements of the Company.
Ability to create and maintain documentation, in adherence with policy, to meet internal and external audit requirements.
Excellent oral communication skills to convey technical information to both internal and external sources, including non-technical audiences.
Excellent written communication skills to effectively and accurately convey detailed and complex information regarding contract specifications, policies and procedures to consultants/contractors and internal clients.
Experience in effectively establishing procurement strategy and decision criteria and in bringing decisions to closure while demonstrating business acumen and good judgment.
Proficiency in MS Office including: Word, Excel and Power Point.
Experience working with E-Sourcing Platforms, and Access or other database tools.
Ability to maintain a high level of customer service in a work environment of numerous competing demands.
Able to comfortably interface with all levels of Management, inside & outside the organization.
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain, Accounting or Engineering.
Solid background in supply chain management, procurement, or project management with an emphasis on strategic sourcing with 7+ years of related experience.
Demonstrated experience sourcing materials and services for major projects in a fast paced environment.

Nice To Haves

MBA or equivalent background is preferred.
Professional purchasing certification or Lean Six-Sigma is desirable.

Responsibilities

Oversee all sourcing related activities and processes associated with the acquisition of goods and services in spend areas that include: Enterprise and Clinical SaaS, IT Professional Services, AI Emerging Technology, Telecom, Call Center Technology, and Hardware.
Partner with the business on requirements gathering, identifying sources, creating and issuing Requests for Proposal (RFP), proposal evaluation, contract negotiations, contract drafting, contract administration, and spend analytics.
Ensure compliance with company procurement policies, ethical and legal business practices, and lowest total cost of ownership procurement.
Align and collaborate with business executives of functional areas to understand business strategy and develop strategic sourcing strategies to drive optimal value in the purchase of goods and services.
Lead and support contract negotiations with key suppliers to improve cost, quality, delivery, diversity, and safety in the supply base.
Lead and coach internal business partners and team members on the sourcing process.
Lead cross-functional teams comprised of business managers, legal, risk management, information security, and other impacted organizations to coordinate company sourcing activities.
Build and analyze financial models to evaluate proposal scenarios and present recommendations in a clear and concise format.
Provide regular communication to Business and Supply Chain leadership on project status, contract renewals, category performance, and various initiatives.