Senior Procurement Specialist (Category Head - Technology)

World Bank Group•Washington, DC

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Working at the World Bank Group provides a unique opportunity for you to help our clients solve their greatest development challenges. The World Bank Group is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries; a unique global partnership of five institutions dedicated to ending extreme poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development. With 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide, we work with public and private sector partners, investing in groundbreaking projects and using data, research, and technology to develop solutions to the most urgent global challenges. The Corporate Procurement Department supports the mission of the WBG by performing the procurement function following the principles of transparency, fairness, competition, and best value in an efficient, effective, and customer-focused manner. These principles are employed globally and represent the strategic elements that guide the Bank Group’s activities in procurement and contracting practices. Corporate Procurement is responsible for coordinating and overseeing the sourcing strategy, selection, and contract execution for more than 130 Bank Group offices around the globe, serving our clients from offices located in Washington, D.C. Global Business Centers located in Chennai, India and Sofia, Bulgaria. Within the BPSSM delivery model, the Corporate Procurement Department focuses on three core principles: Commerciality: Deliver best “value for money” supply solutions measured by cost, quality, and speed. Risk Management: Predict, mitigate, and manage vendor related risks to protect WBG’s interests. Sustainability: Develop environmentally and socially sustainable supply chains. Categories of spend include: i) Corporate Services and Real Estate; ii) Human Resources and Professional Services; ; iii) Technology and iv) Consulting Services. The duty station will be Washington D.C. The Sr. Procurement Specialist (Category Head) for Technology category position reports to the Global Head Sourcing and Supplier Manager. Leads and manages a team of 10+ Category Managers and Analyst staff based in the HQ, Global Business Centers (GBC). The position for the category head requires familiarity and knowledge of category management strategies and practices for IT and IT related services, and skills to advise the team in conducting their sourcing initiatives, negotiations, and dispute resolution; collaborate with business partners; and advising colleagues in WBG office worldwide on policy related matters.

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 IT and technology related products and services. The category may include, IT Infrastructure (Data Center & colocation service, Networks, Data Back-up services. etc), Business Applications across the organization, and IT Software and Services, FinTech, familiarity with cloud-based software services (XaaS), other related IT solutions and disruptive technologies.
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.

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.
Manages and oversees the engagement and evaluation of technical consultants within the WBPCP unit, as needed.