Contract Management Specialist Senior Manager

Vertex Inc. • Boston, MA

4d • $109,600 - $164,400 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Category Manager owns category management activities across Vertex for designated Commercial/Marketing categories. Working collaboratively with internal business stakeholders, the role develops and executes sourcing strategies for multi-year, multi-geography teams across regions. Responsibilities include RFx development, competitive bid analysis, contract development, negotiation planning, and strategic supplier management.

The Senior Manager works closely with Business Partners to understand priorities and needs and define initiatives that support the business. The role also supports the optimization of end-to-end sourcing processes and the improvement of the overall user experience. It leads category management and supplier performance activities, conducts market research, supports risk assessment and mitigation, and manages complex contract negotiations with cross-functional stakeholders.

The position is based in Boston and is hybrid-eligible, with the option to work remotely up to two days per week or onsite five days per week with ad hoc flexibility. The stated pay range is $109,600–$164,400, and the role is eligible for an annual bonus and annual equity awards.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline from a four-year college or university.
• Typically five years of specific sourcing experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Good understanding of the nuances of a regulated environment.
• Solid knowledge of ERP systems and ability to use e-Sourcing tools, including business intelligence and reporting platforms.
• Strong analytical capabilities and project management skills.
• Good communication and presentation skills, including the ability to articulate opinions concisely and persuasively.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and cultivate effective Business Partner relationships through respect and trust.
• AI-ready mindset, with interest in AI opportunities and their impact in the Services area.
• Can-do mindset, comfort thriving in ambiguity, and ability to build bridges through innovative solutions.

Nice To Haves

• Category-specific sourcing experience in Marketing.

Responsibilities

• Lead category management for designated category areas, including sourcing strategy development, strategic supplier relationship and performance management, and tactical RFx activities as needed.
• Drive the development and implementation of sourcing strategies.
• Conduct market research for category strategies and sourcing activities, filtering data into relevant, actionable information.
• Manage supplier performance and relationship management processes, which may include Executive Business Reviews.
• Support Business Owners in identifying applicable sourcing risks, coordinating with Risk Subject Matter Experts to assess risks and develop mitigation plans where necessary.
• Manage complex contract negotiations, leading cross-functional efforts with internal stakeholders such as Business Partners, Finance, and Legal.
• Support optimization of end-to-end sourcing processes and improve the overall user experience.

Benefits

• Annual bonus eligibility
• Annual equity awards
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Generous paid time off, including a week-long company shutdown in the summer and winter
• Educational assistance programs, including student loan repayment
• Commuting subsidy
• Matching charitable donations
• 401(k)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior