IT Category Leader

The Corporate; Oakland (CA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The Corporate in Oakland, CA is seeking a Category Leader, Expert to manage IT software and hardware sourcing in a hybrid role. You will come to the office 3-5 days per month depending on business needs.

Responsibilities include creating category plans, conducting supplier risk analysis, and driving value through supplier performance data and negotiations. Build strategic supplier relationships and lead cross-functional teams through sourcing for mid-complexity spend.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Master’s degree preferred in Business Admin or related field.
• CPSM and Lean Six Sigma certifications preferred.
• 7+ years in supply chain; 8+ years in strategic sourcing and procurement.

Responsibilities

• Conducts market research and supplier risk analysis to verify supplier financial health.
• Creates and maintains category plans.
• Develops and reviews supplier performance data and drives value discovery with suppliers.
• Develops strategic relationships with Tier 1 and Tier 2 IT software and hardware suppliers.
• Leads cross-functional teams through strategic sourcing and negotiation for mid-complexity spend.
• Leads development of category strategies of medium complexity.
• Maintains awareness of industry and market trends; SME for specific commodities.

Skills

Category management

Contract negotiation

Supplier risk analysis

Stakeholder influence

Cross-functional teamwork

Excel / Office

Vendor management

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Master's degree in Business Administration or related

CPSM – ISM

Lean Six Sigma (LSS)

Tools

SAP

ERP systems

Teradata

COSO

Job description

Job Title: Category Leader, Expert

Location: Oakland, CA

Notes:

ASSIGNMENT IS HYBRID AND NEED TO COME TO OGO 3-5 DAYS A MONTH DEPENDING ON BUSINESS NEEDS.

• Top three qualifications or attributes HM will prioritize when reviewing initial resumes: Experience in Category management for IT Sourcing. Experience in Contract creation. Experience with high dollar negotiations.

• Top skill sets HM will be looking for in a candidate (technical expertise & soft skills)? See above and job description

Job Description:

Key Responsibilities

• Conducts and documents market research and supplier risk analysis to verify the financial health of existing and potential suppliers.
• Creates and maintains category plans.
• Develops and reviews supplier performance data, working collaboratively with suppliers to drive ongoing value discovery.
• Develops and sustains mutually beneficial strategic relationships with Tier 1 and Tier 2 IT software and hardware suppliers.
• Leads cross-functional teams through the strategic sourcing process and the development and execution of negotiation strategies for mid-complexity spend categories.
• Leads the development of category strategies of medium complexity.
• Maintains awareness of industry and market trends through ongoing research.
• Serves as the subject matter expert for specific commodities or services.

Skills

• Develops and manages one or more sourcing spend categories and oversees a delegated portion of Tier 1 and Tier 2 software and hardware contracts.
• Develops strategic category plans to optimize cost savings, service excellence, diversity spend, and total cost of ownership.
• Effectively influences Lines of Business (LOBs), including senior leadership, to achieve understanding, acceptance, and commitment to sourcing strategies.
• Partners with Lines of Business (LOBs) to develop sourcing strategies and negotiate major contracts.
• Plays a key role in the Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) and supplier scorecard process.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Technical Competencies Desired

• Ability to analyze and synthesize information from multiple sources and apply sound judgment to reach appropriate conclusions.
• Ability to apply contract processes, procedures, and relevant contract and licensing requirements (e.g., ESC, IBEW, tort law, contract law) as needed to perform the role.
• Ability to work independently with limited oversight.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Access.
• Competency in building relationships and communicating effectively with diverse groups of people.
• Competency in building partnerships and collaborating with others to achieve shared objectives.
• Competency in building strong-identity teams that leverage diverse skills and perspectives to accomplish common goals.
• Knowledge of the technical and functional aspects of the trade, occupation, or role as required.
• Ability to apply project management theories, concepts, methods, best practices, and techniques.
• Knowledge of database and information systems, including SCADA, EMS, OMT, OIS, SAP, ERP, COSO, Teradata, COBIT, and Question Mark, as required for the role.

Education

Minimum

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.

Preferred

• Master’s degree in Business Administration or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.

Licenses/Certifications Preferred

• Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) — Institute for Supply Management (ISM).
• Lean Six Sigma (LSS) Certification.

Experience

Minimum

• Seven (7) years of experience in supply chain or a related field.

Preferred

• Experience in contract management.
• Eight (8) years of experience in strategic sourcing.
• Eight (8) years of experience in procurement or a related field.