Procurement Category Manager - Services

About the Role The Procurement Category Manager - Services is a key role responsible for developing and executing procurement strategies for a portfolio of services categories, focusing on third-party systems implementation partners, professional services, and full-lifecycle field services (install, maintain, support). This role requires a strategic thinker with strong sourcing acumen, negotiation skills, and a proven track record of achieving significant cost reductions. The successful candidate will manage supplier relationships, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and ensure alignment with overall business objectives. What You'll Do

• Drive category strategy development and management for systems integration services, delivering innovative sourcing solutions.
• Conduct in-depth market analysis to identify trends, assess supplier capabilities, and inform sourcing decisions. Proactively identify and evaluate potential suppliers.
• Spearhead competitive bidding and negotiation with robust Statements of Work (SOWs) and performance-based contracts, optimizing total cost of ownership.
• Drive aggressive cost reduction initiatives through negotiation, value engineering, process improvements, demand management, and alternative sourcing strategies.
• Cultivate strategic supplier partnerships and implement rigorous vendor performance management aligned with business goals.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks related to assigned service categories, including deployment delays, single-source dependencies, financial stability of suppliers, and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders (e.g., pre and post Sales teams, engineering, project and product management, legal) to understand business needs and ensure alignment on procurement strategies.
• Manage the entire contract lifecycle, from drafting and negotiation to execution and ongoing compliance.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, ethical standards, and relevant regulations.
• Develop and maintain accurate procurement data, reports, and analytics to track performance and support decision-making.
• Identify and implement process improvements to streamline procurement operations and enhance efficiency. What We're Looking For
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, and category management.
• Proven expertise in strategically sourcing the end-to-end services for large-scale technology deployments, with demonstrated success in managing third party systems implementation partners, professional services, and full-lifecycle field services (install, maintain, support).
• Proven track record of achieving significant cost reductions through strategic sourcing and negotiation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of contract law and procurement best practices.
• Proficiency in using ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and e-sourcing tools.
• Ability to work autonomously and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.