Remote Category Manager - Professional Services

JD Power; United States; On-site; USD 113,000 - 147,000; Full time

Job summary

JD Power is seeking a Category Manager for Professional Services to own strategic sourcing and vendor management for talent-related categories across the enterprise. This remote North America role reports to the Head of Procurement and drives cost savings, risk management, and compliant contracting.

You will partner with business leaders and Legal/Finance to optimize spend, negotiate favorable terms, and oversee onboarding and invoicing with providers.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sourcing and category management strategies for consultants, contract labor, staff augmentation, professional services, and related category spend across the organization.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with key suppliers and staffing partners to understand capabilities, market rates, and emerging talent trends.
• Partner with business stakeholders to understand talent needs, skill requirements, project timelines, and budget constraints.
• Conduct market research and benchmarking to establish baselines and stay informed of industry trends in talent sourcing.
• Lead procurement activities including RFx processes, vendor selection, rate negotiations, and contract finalization.
• Manage contract negotiations with vendors and service providers, ensuring favorable terms and compliance with policies.
• Collaborate with Legal and Finance to manage onboarding, contracting, compliance, and invoicing for all providers.
• Drive cost optimization and value creation by identifying savings opportunities and delivering ROI.
• Manage supplier performance through regular reviews and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Develop business cases and presentations for sourcing decisions and vendor recommendations.
• Maintain deep category knowledge of staffing markets and professional services ecosystems.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Category management

Procurement

Vendor management

Negotiation

Data analysis

Stakeholder management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business or related field

Tools

Procurement systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

JD Power is seeking a Category Manager for Professional Services to own strategic sourcing and vendor management for talent-related categories across the enterprise. This remote North America role reports to the Head of Procurement and drives cost savings, risk management, and compliant contracting.

You will partner with business leaders and Legal/Finance to optimize spend, negotiate favorable terms, and oversee onboarding and invoicing with providers.