Senior Procurement Specialist (Category Head – HR and Professional Services)

World Bank Group•Washington, DC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The World Bank Group (WBG) is seeking a Senior Procurement Specialist to serve as the Category Head for HR and Professional Services. This role is within the Corporate Procurement Department, which supports the WBG's mission by ensuring procurement practices are transparent, fair, competitive, and deliver best value. The department oversees sourcing strategy, selection, and contract execution globally. The HR and Professional Services category includes areas such as HR hire-to-retire services, staff augmentation, benefits administration, financial services, insurance, marketing, communications, and training. The position is based in Washington, D.C., and reports to the Global Head Sourcing and Supplier Manager. The Category Head will lead a team of Category Managers and Analysts, developing category strategies, managing supplier performance, reducing risk, and supporting organizational objectives. This role requires strategic leadership, governance, and oversight across multiple procurement categories, with a focus on commerciality, risk management, and sustainability.

Requirements

Master's degree in Supply Management, Finance Management, Marketing, Human Resources, Operations, Applied Economics, or a related field, with a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in category management and sourcing complex procurements, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Proven experience in category management in HR / professional services sourcing.
Demonstrated experience in leading a high-performing team along with proven ability to have motivated category managers and procurement professionals.
Proven ability to build effective relationships with senior business leaders and stakeholders in the organization acting as a trusted advisor on sourcing and commercial matters.
Strong interpersonal and analytical capabilities and logical problem-solving skills, to resolve conflicts and influence decisions without direct authority.
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.
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

Familiarity and knowledge of category management strategies and practices for HR and Professional related services.
Skills to advise the team in conducting their sourcing initiatives, negotiations, and dispute resolution.
Skills to collaborate with business partners.
Skills to advise colleagues in WBG office worldwide on policy related matters.

Responsibilities

Develop and oversee the implementation of category strategies across assigned spend categories.
Identify opportunities for cost optimization, value creation, demand management, and process improvement.
Drive a category management approach that focuses on total cost of ownership, supplier innovation, and long-term value.
Lead periodic category reviews and strategic planning exercises.
Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Category Managers and procurement professionals.
Establish clear objectives, priorities, and performance expectations for team members.
Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, continuous improvement, and customer service.
Support staff development through coaching, training, and succession planning.
Monitor workload distribution and ensure efficient allocation of resources across categories and projects.
Provide oversight and guidance on complex, high-value, and strategic sourcing initiatives.
Review and approve sourcing strategies, procurement approaches, solicitation documents, and evaluation methodologies.
Ensure procurement activities are conducted in accordance with organizational policies and governance requirements.
Support negotiations for major contracts and strategic supplier agreements.
Ensure timely delivery of procurement outcomes while maintaining quality and compliance standards.
Build strong relationships with senior business leaders and key stakeholders.
Act as a trusted advisor on procurement, sourcing, and category management matters.
Ensure procurement strategies are aligned with operational and strategic business requirements.
Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to support procurement planning and execution.
Manage stakeholder expectations and resolve escalated procurement issues.