Project Management Category Manager – Corporate & Professional Services Professional Multiple Cities

Avature; Raleigh (NC); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a skilled Category Manager to lead strategic sourcing initiatives for IBM’s Procurement BPO clients. This role involves developing category strategies, building strong relationships with stakeholders, and identifying cost-saving opportunities. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in sourcing Corporate & Professional Services, a knack for negotiation, and a passion for innovation in procurement. Join a dynamic team dedicated to improving efficiency and reducing risk while making a significant impact in the procurement space. If you thrive in a collaborative environment and are ready to take on exciting challenges, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Healthcare benefits

401(k) plan

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Generous paid time off

Training and educational resources

Diverse employee resource groups

Volunteer opportunities

Retail discounts

Qualifications

• 7+ years in strategic sourcing and category management required.
• Experience in Corporate & Professional Services categories is essential.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage category/sourcing strategies for clients.
• Lead negotiations and supplier selection processes.

Skills

Strategic Sourcing

Category Management

Negotiation Skills

Data Analysis

Relationship Building

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

In this procurement consulting role, the Category Manager will lead the development, execution, and ongoing management of category/sourcing strategies for IBM’s Procurement BPO clients. Above and beyond strategic sourcing activities, the Category Manager should understand external variables, learn the internal landscape of our client (requirements, organizational structure, priorities) and develop relationships to successfully deliver improved cost, reduced risk, and more efficient programs.

Your role and responsibilities:

• Develops category strategies and/or sourcing strategies for the assigned areas of responsibility.
• Builds deep relationships with cross-functional client stakeholders including retained Procurement teams, business stakeholders, Legal, and Finance.
• Identifies cost savings opportunities across the client’s Corporate & Professional Services spend.
• Acts as a trusted advisor and SME in the areas of sourcing and negotiating contracts for Professional Services and other Indirect categories.
• Achieves cost savings, risk mitigation, and process efficiencies through various value levers.
• Leads supplier selection process across multiple simultaneous projects within the category.
• Leads negotiations with current and potential suppliers as part of the contract renewal or vendor selection process.
• Collects and analyzes internal/external category data, metrics, and reports to track performance against targets and identify new sourcing opportunities or category insights.
• Innovates within the procurement space; looking at new ways to structure programs or categories, benefit from changes in supply market, or modify tools/processes to add value.
• Provides support throughout the sourcing and contracting process when necessary, ensuring seamless handoff to our clients when appropriate.

Required education:

None

Preferred education:

Bachelor's Degree

Required technical and professional expertise:

• A minimum of 7 years of strategic sourcing and category management experience
• 4+ years sourcing Corporate & Professional Services categories in areas such as: Contingent Workforce, Consulting, Legal Services, HR & Benefits, and Learning & Development
• Candidates must be willing and able to travel to client locations based on business requirements
• The preferred location for this Hybrid position (minimum 3-days per week in an IBM or client office) is Research Triangle Park / Raleigh, North Carolina. Austin, Texas and New York are also pre-approved office locations for the role.

Preferred technical and professional experience:

• Previous experience in a client facing / consultative role
• Degree in Business, Law, Supply Chain Management or other applicable field

ABOUT BUSINESS UNIT

The IBM Finance organization is responsible for driving enterprise performance and transformation. We are the financial stewards of IBM, delivering IBM’s financial strategy, developing new business models, and mitigating enterprise risk.

YOUR LIFE @ IBM

In a world where technology never stands still, we understand that dedication to our clients' success, innovation that matters, and trust and personal responsibility in all our relationships live in what we do as IBMers as we strive to be the catalyst that makes the world work better.

ABOUT IBM

IBM’s greatest invention is the IBMer. We believe that through the application of intelligence, reason, and science, we can improve business, society, and the human condition, bringing the power of an open hybrid cloud and AI strategy to life for our clients and partners around the world.

OTHER RELEVANT JOB DETAILS

IBM offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program. Eligible employees may have access to:

• Healthcare benefits including medical & prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, and mental health & well-being
• Financial programs such as 401(k), the IBM Employee Stock Purchase Plan, financial counseling, life insurance, short & long-term disability coverage, and opportunities for performance-based salary incentive programs
• Generous paid time off including 12 holidays, minimum 56 hours sick time, 120 hours vacation, 12 weeks parental bonding leave in accordance with IBM Policy, and other Paid Care Leave programs.
• Training and educational resources on our personalized, AI-driven learning platform where IBMers can grow skills and obtain industry-recognized certifications to achieve their career goals
• Diverse and inclusive employee resource groups, giving & volunteer opportunities, and discounts on retail products, services & experiences

We consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable law.

This position was posted on the date cited in the key job details section and is anticipated to remain posted for 21 days from this date or less if not needed to fill the role.

IBM will not be providing visa sponsorship for this position now or in the future. Therefore, in order to be considered for this position, you must have the ability to work without a need for current or future visa sponsorship.

The compensation range and benefits for this position are based on a full-time schedule for a full calendar year. The salary will vary depending on your job-related skills, experience, and location.