Strategic Category Leader – Procurement & Sourcing

Northern Trust; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 115,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

Northern Trust is seeking an experienced Procurement Consultant to lead enterprise-wide sourcing and category management initiatives in the Chicago area. You will drive effective procurement strategies, manage RFx events, and negotiate contracts with key suppliers.

The role requires 15+ years in sourcing or related fields, strong communication, and the ability to mentor teams while aligning with business unit and corporate strategy.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree preferred; MBA or advanced degree advantageous.
• Fifteen+ years in sourcing or procurement or equivalent experience.
• Excellent verbal and written communication; adaptable and collaborative.
• Deep procurement knowledge, strategy, and supplier relationship management.
• Experience leading category management and strategic sourcing initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Develops enterprise-wide procurement and category management practices.
• Works with Category Managers to set strategy and monitor adherence.
• Mentors Category Managers in industry knowledge and best practices.
• Leads sourcing events (RFx), negotiations, and contract management.
• Manages contracts (NDAs, Master Agreements, SOWs) and price negotiations.
• Reports procurement performance and supports audits and compliance.
• Establishes executive reviews to align with strategic goals.
• Collaborates to improve services and drive process improvements.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Category management

Negotiation

Leadership

Change management

Advanced Excel

ERP systems/PeopleSoft

Contract management

Education

Master’s Degree in Business/Finance/Supply Chain

MBA or advanced degree (strong plus)

Procurement/SCM certification (CSCP/CPM)

Tools

MS Office Suite

PeopleSoft/ERP

Contract management system

Job description

Northern Trust is seeking an experienced Procurement Consultant to lead enterprise-wide sourcing and category management initiatives in the Chicago area. You will drive effective procurement strategies, manage RFx events, and negotiate contracts with key suppliers.

The role requires 15+ years in sourcing or related fields, strong communication, and the ability to mentor teams while aligning with business unit and corporate strategy.