Job Description

Introduction
At IBM, work is more than a job - it's a calling: To build. To design. To code. To consult. To think along with clients and sell. To make markets. To invent. To collaborate. Not just to do something better, but to attempt things you've never thought possible. To lead in this new era of technology and solve some of the world's most challenging problems.

Your Role and Responsibilities
In this procurement consulting role, the Category manager will lead the development, implementation, and ongoing management of category strategies for our external clients. Above and beyond strategic sourcing activities, the Category Manager understands external variables, learns the internal landscape of our clients (requirements, organizational structure, priorities) and develops relationships to successfully develop category strategies that utilize various value levers to deliver improved cost, reduced risk, and more efficient programs to our clients.

• Develop long-term and short-term cost saving strategies for in scope categories based on the spending data analysis
• Build relationships with client stakeholders such that Category Manager can demonstrate value in continued engagement, can challenge the client stakeholders when fruitful, and can bring additional subject matter expertise.
• Identifies cost savings opportunities
• Acts as a trusted advisor and SME in the areas of sourcing and negotiating contracts.
• Achieve cost savings, risk mitigation, and process efficiencies through various value levers.
• Lead supplier selection process across multiple subsets of the category, with various scope and client stakeholder groups. Recommend sources of supply from diversity, disadvantaged and small business where applicable.
• Lead negotiations with current and potential suppliers as part of the contract renewal or vendor selection process.
• Collect and analyze internal/external category data, metrics, and reports to track performance against targets.
• Ability to analyze multiple data sets to identify opportunities and category insights.
• Participate in category councils and business reviews to support collaboration, knowledge sharing, opportunity identification, and overall relationship development.
• Innovate within the procurement space; look at new ways to structure programs or categories, benefit from changes in supply market, or modify tools/processes to add value.
• Provide support throughout the sourcing and contracting process when necessary, ensuring seamless hand off to our clients when appropriate.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Core expertise in Marketing category, with minimum of 7 years of strategic sourcing experience developing category strategy across multiple sub-categories including advertising agency, traditional and digital media, market research, promotional products and meetings and events,
• Leveraging deep subject matter expertise to develop and execute cost savings strategies, establishing value in continued stakeholder engagement
• Proven ability to build relationships and buy-in with senior level (i.e. C-Suite executive, CMO or equivalent) as a trusted advisor
• Experience leading complex negotiations with incumbent and potential suppliers
• Experience leading tactical support team in the execution of competitive sourcing events across multiple subsets of the category with various scope and client stakeholder groups
• Innovate within the procurement space; look at new ways to structure programs or categories, benefit from changes in supply market, or modify tools/processes to add value.
• Ability to travel within North America up to 50% of the time

• Deep business analysis and strategic thinking skills
• Understanding of data analysis and cost saving methods
• Proficient in MS Office, especially Excel and Power Point
• Previous experience in a client facing / consultative role
• Experience with sourcing or procurement management role in the global organization
• Experience with eSourcing tools, including Ariba, SAP, D365, ServiceNow, Coupa
• Education : Advanced Supply Chain Certification