Logo
Allegis Group

Category Manager

Allegis Group, Hanover, Maryland, United States, 21098


Overview:

Job Summary:

The Category Manager is primarily responsible for strategically sourcing new and existing vendors, negotiating and administering contracts with vendors with varying degrees of complexity and/or sensitivity, ensuring that cost, quality, and delivery terms are adhered to and met. This Category Manager will be a key resource for all procurement and purchasing issues related to various software applications and Professional Services. This role is accountable for collaborating with various internal departments (such as IT, Information Security, etc) to understand their procurement needs. We are seeking a professional with strong experience in Sourcing, supplier negotiations, and data gathering. A key aspect of the role is building collaborative relationships with internal business partners, as well as strategic relationships with suppliers, developing category plans and presenting strategies on a regular basis. The Category Manager will be selecting and conferring with vendors to obtain products and service information including price, product availability, and delivery schedules; coordinate with the representatives from vendor companies and internally to construct, negotiate, and assess all category contracts and services. This role reports to the Sr. Sourcing Manager in Procurement.Required in-office presence at least 4 days per weekResponsibilities:Essential Functions:Deep working and demonstrable knowledge of the IT categoryDetailed experience and knowledge of the strategic sourcing process lifecycleDevelop, coordinate, and implement category procurement sourcing plans that provide maximum value to the business while effectively managing organizational spendEngage internal stakeholders in order to understand business objectives and desired market related outcomes (10k+ total internal employees, in over 300 global locations)Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, leadership, and Executives, and influence decisions to align with good procurement practicesLead procurement projects including negotiation of contracts & commercial terms consistent with maximizing business value for the company as a wholeMeasure and report value deliveredPerform in-depth analysis of supply markets and sources from globally capable and competitive suppliersExpert level in conducting strategic supplier sourcing activities including RFx, negotiations, contracting, price analyses, and program management to support new strategiesOversee complex procurement projects across a variety of geographies and functionsResearch industry benchmarks (pricing, quality, product changes, service levels, trends)Involved in wide ranging planning cycles from short term to multi-year sourcing activitiesBuild TCO cost modeling and baseline documentationDevelop and negotiate vendor SLAs, KPIs and performance metricsEnsure that adequate price competition exists, and favorable supply arrangements are metManage customer's expectations through timely feedback and proactive communicationRecommend and implement cost saving and cost avoidance measuresReview contract compliance, identify problem situations and recommend corrective measuresIdentify risk situations and coordinate solutions with management.Develop relationships with other business units and understand their business plansMaintain vendors and contract files in our internal vendor databaseResponsible for using independent judgment and making decisions that require a great degree of creative, analytical, and problem-solving abilityDevelop and maintain metrics of vendor performance for use in placement of repeat or new businessNegotiate and support SLA agreements with new and existing vendors to ensure expected performance levels are maintained

Qualifications:Minimum Education and/or Experience:

BS in supply chain/purchasing, BA in business-related field, or equivalent substantive experienceAt least 4-6 years in procurement or strategic sourcing organizationExtensive complex contract procurement experience.Working with and/or managing cross functional teamsSkills and Abilities:Strong negotiation skillsExcellent organization and customer service skillsAbility to handle multiple projects and tasks concurrentlyExcellent interpersonal skills (written and verbal) required with the ability to interact with and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organizationExperience in implementation of processes, policies, and methodologiesHigh degree of attention to detailStrong analytical skills including advanced use of ExcelWorking knowledge of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Visio, and related computer skillsCore Competencies:

Build relationshipsDevelop peopleLead changeInspire OthersThink criticallyCommunicate clearlyCreate accountability