Senior Category Manager, Technology

Aspen Dental•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.

Requirements

Thorough understanding of contracting principles and contract structure.
Strong leadership and team building skills to integrate and motivate people from different organizations.
Adept at communicating with vendors and internal business partners to establish and maintain credibility for the sourcing function.
Skilled in negotiating, renegotiating, and administering contracts with suppliers and vendors.
Capable and experienced in negotiating large scale, enterprise-wide supplier agreements.
Ability to develop, coordinate and control multiple projects, achieving on-time contracting services.
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.
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.
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

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, 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.
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.