Strategic Category Manager - Professional Services (Remote)

JD Power; Michigan; Hybrid; USD 96,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

JD Power is seeking a Category Manager for Professional Services to lead strategic sourcing and vendor management across talent-related categories. The role reports to the Head of Procurement and focuses on consultants, contract labor, staff augmentation, and professional services across North America.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years in strategic sourcing or procurement, strong contract negotiation skills, and deep knowledge of staffing markets.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sourcing and category strategies for consultants, contract labor, and professional services.
• Build strategic supplier relationships to understand capabilities, market rates, and trends.
• Partner with stakeholders to assess talent needs, project timelines, and budgets.
• Lead RFx processes, vendor selection, rate negotiations, and contract finalization.
• Collaborate with Legal and Finance on onboarding, compliance, and invoicing.
• Drive cost optimization and measurable ROI across talent categories.
• Monitor supplier performance and conduct regular business reviews.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Category management

Vendor management

Contract negotiations

HR compliance

Stakeholder management

Data analysis

Procurement systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business / Supply Chain / Procurement / HR

Job description

JD Power is seeking a Category Manager for Professional Services to lead strategic sourcing and vendor management across talent-related categories. The role reports to the Head of Procurement and focuses on consultants, contract labor, staff augmentation, and professional services across North America.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years in strategic sourcing or procurement, strong contract negotiation skills, and deep knowledge of staffing markets.