Global Category Lead, External Workers & Advisors

McKinsey & Company; Newark (NJ); On-site; USD 191,000 - 255,000; Full time

Job summary

McKinsey & Company is seeking a senior procurement leader to guide the External Worker (EW) and Advisor categories from Newark, NJ, and across the United States. You will manage a broad supplier portfolio and shape strategy to deliver measurable business value.

You will lead cross-functional teams, drive cost optimization, and ensure robust governance and risk management while advancing sustainable procurement practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA/PhD preferred.
• 7+ years in sourcing, category mgmt, procurement, or consulting.
• Strong analytical and data-driven decision making.
• Proficient in Excel modeling and PowerPoint.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to influence.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Build trusted cross-functional relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead an enterprise-wide portfolio of hundreds of suppliers across external worker and advisor domains.
• Shape and execute a comprehensive category strategy aligned with business objectives.
• Define long-term direction for Non-Tech EW and Advisor categories with cross-functional partnerships.
• Drive supplier innovation, efficiency, and cost optimization, with risk mitigation.
• Collaborate with leaders to rationalize supplier landscape and ensure audit readiness.
• Develop and share best-in-class category management capabilities.

Skills

Sourcing experience

Analytical thinking

Excel modeling

PowerPoint skills

Time management

Influencing skills

Cross-functional work

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

MBA/PhD preferred

Job description

McKinsey & Company is seeking a senior procurement leader to guide the External Worker (EW) and Advisor categories from Newark, NJ, and across the United States. You will manage a broad supplier portfolio and shape strategy to deliver measurable business value.

You will lead cross-functional teams, drive cost optimization, and ensure robust governance and risk management while advancing sustainable procurement practices.