Senior Category Manager, IT Goods & Services Job at Cushman Wakefield Multifamil

Job Title

Senior Category Manager, IT Goods & Services

Job Description Summary

We are seeking a detail-oriented Procurement Category Manager to oversee the procurement process for assigned categories. This role focuses on managing the end-to-end procurement cycle, ensuring compliance with company policies, and optimizing procurement operations to achieve efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The ideal candidate will possess strong organizational skills, a deep understanding of procurement processes, and the ability to foster supplier relationships. This role is responsible for overseeing and optimizing procurement and management strategies for IT-related goods and services, including but not limited to hardware, software, cloud services, telecommunications, and other tech needs.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:

1. Manage the entire procurement process for assigned categories, including sourcing, supplier selection, contract management, and order fulfillment.
2. Develop and implement procurement processes and workflows to streamline operations and enhance efficiency.
3. Collaborate with internal stakeholders to gather requirements and specifications for procurement needs.
4. Conduct supplier evaluations and audits to ensure compliance with contractual obligations and quality standards.
5. Maintain accurate records of procurement activities, supplier performance, and contract documentation.
6. Analyze procurement data to identify trends, track savings, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs).
7. Facilitate communication between suppliers and internal teams to resolve issues and ensure timely delivery of goods and services.
8. Coordinate negotiations for contracts, pricing, and terms with suppliers, ensuring favorable conditions for the company.
9. Ensure compliance with procurement policies and procedures, as well as relevant regulations and standards.
10. Provide training and support to team members on procurement processes and best practices.

Leadership:

1. Creates a working environment that encourages high performance and innovation.
2. Become a trusted advisor and subject matter expert on the categories.
3. Removes roadblocks to enable the delivery of procurement and client account goals.
4. Promotes compliance with C&W’s code of conduct.

Category Management:

1. Develop and implement a strategic sourcing plan for IT related goods and services.
2. Conduct Global, Regional and Country market research to stay updated on industry trends and identify opportunities for cost savings and quality improvements.
3. Set category goals aligned with company objectives and regularly measure performance against these targets.
4. Responsible for working with procurement business partners and service line leadership to align category management vision with service line and procurement priorities.
5. Incorporates industry best practices into category delivery.
6. Utilizes demand planning to target value from supplier agreements.
7. Identify, evaluate, and establish relationships with IT vendors, suppliers, and service providers.
8. Negotiate favorable terms and contracts, ensuring compliance with internal policies and industry regulations.
9. Manage supplier performance and conduct periodic reviews to assess service levels, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with business needs.
10. Ability to develop and understand data analytics, to mine data to drive in-depth analysis of C&W’s 3rd party spend.

Business Influence:

1. Communicates supply category preferred supplier metrics and helps the business drive greater adoption of the preferred supplier network.
2. Develops and maintains strong relationships with business units and the category management team.
3. Drives for results by consistently achieving goals in a timely manner.
4. Develops and delivers communications with clarity and impact, ensuring consistent messaging.
5. Encourages creation and brings new best in class ideas and approaches to the table for developing and executing category strategies.
6. Working cross-functionally with other departments including Finance, Operations, TDS, HR, Project Management, etc. for delivery of category strategies.

Risk Management:

1. Identify and mitigate risks within the IT supply chain, including cybersecurity risks, service disruptions, and compliance issues.
2. Work with the legal team to ensure vendor contracts include necessary risk management and compliance clauses.
3. Ensure effective and up-to-date commercial arrangements.

Continuous Improvement/Change Management:

1. Strong problem-solving skills utilizing continuous improvement techniques.
2. Utilizes change management techniques to drive the development and utilization of a preferred supplier program.

Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s degree
2. 7-10 years of IT category management or project management experience
3. Professional certifications preferred e.g., CPSM, CIPS, C.P.M., or evidence of continued professional growth
4. In-depth knowledge of IT Procurement and fundamentals, IT specific category specific knowledge
5. Ability to build relationships with key business stakeholders and 3rd party vendors
6. Inner drive to accomplish goals and not deterred by obstacles
7. Capacity to develop innovative strategies and solutions, Creative problem solver
8. Contract negotiation and ongoing management skills
9. Analytics, ability to mine data to drive in depth analysis
10. Building and managing diverse supplier relationships
11. Interface with all levels in the organization
12. Project Management
13. Continuous improvement
14. Effective Communication & Presentation skills
15. Knowledge of effective supplier risk management techniques

#J-18808-Ljbffr