Remote Category Manager — Professional Services

J.D. Power; United States; Remote; CAD 113,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

JD Power is seeking a Category Manager for Professional Services to lead strategic sourcing and contract negotiations across talent-related categories, including consultants and contract labor. The role reports to the Head of Procurement and collaborates with Legal and Finance across North America.

You will build supplier relationships, conduct market research, and drive cost optimization while ensuring compliance and risk management. This is a remote position serving North America.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of strategic sourcing, category management, or procurement experience.
• 3+ years managing talent categories (staffing, consulting, professional services).
• Proven cost savings, contract negotiations, and vendor relationship management.
• Deep knowledge of staffing markets, talent ecosystems, and professional services industries.
• Understanding of HR processes, compliance (W-2, 1099, visa sponsorship), and employment law implications.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for consultants, contract labor, and professional services.
• Build and maintain relationships with suppliers and staffing partners.
• Partner with stakeholders to understand talent needs, timelines, and budgets.
• Conduct market research to benchmark best practices in talent sourcing.
• Lead RFx processes, vendor selection, and rate negotiations.
• Manage contract negotiations ensuring favorable terms and compliance.
• Collaborate with Legal and Finance on onboarding, contracts, and invoicing.
• Drive cost optimization and measurable ROI.
• Monitor supplier performance through reviews and continuous improvement.
• Develop business cases and vendor recommendations to secure buy-in.
• Maintain deep category knowledge of staffing markets and services.
• Report spend, headcount, savings, and compliance across categories.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Category management

Vendor management

Contract negotiations

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Procurement systems

MS Office

Data analysis tools

Job description

JD Power is seeking a Category Manager for Professional Services to lead strategic sourcing and contract negotiations across talent-related categories, including consultants and contract labor. The role reports to the Head of Procurement and collaborates with Legal and Finance across North America.

You will build supplier relationships, conduct market research, and drive cost optimization while ensuring compliance and risk management. This is a remote position serving North America.