Position:Category Manager

Location: Washington, DC

Summary:

The Category Manager will manage large and complex sourcing projects in assigned categories. This position will use strategic sourcing and category management methodologies to bring best value to organization by conducting market research, developing category and sourcing strategy, creating customized RFx documents, executing on the strategies, negotiating the business deals and contracts, and managing business relationships with key suppliers and end-user departments. This position may also provide guidance and direction to less-experienced sourcing specialists. The Category Manager will gain and provide expertise in one or more categories such as: Finance/Banking service provider, Pcard, Medical Benefits and HR services, temporary staffing and specialized services, and managing current contracts.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Develops, implements, and manages category and sourcing strategies as assigned to add value to the organization, achieve department and business goals, and generate cost savings.
• Independently manages and leads cross-functional teams through the entire sourcing and contracting process, including developing business and technical requirements; understanding the total cost of ownership, the supply base, and market drivers; developing customized solicitations; analyzing proposals; conducting supplier viability assessments; supplier selection; and contract negotiations.
• Manages supplier business relationships, including contract and Service Level Agreement negotiations; establishing metrics and ensuring supplier performance; and leading business meetings.
• Manages business relationships with internal customers, including maintaining stakeholder engagement to ensure strategies are aligned with current and future requirements; and advising on category and sourcing procedures, policies, business practices and contract interpretation.
• Participates in the evaluation and formulation of Procurement policies and procedures.
• Provides advice and informal training and coaching to less-experienced sourcing specialists.
• Eliminates barriers to strategic and operational success within assigned categories.
• Presents and explains sourcing decisions and pricing to internal customers, the Director and VP of Procurement, and other senior management concerning contract pricing and other contractual matters. Works with General Counsel on specific contract language as required.
• Demonstrates ability to manage multiple simultaneous complex sourcing projects and capture best value and savings.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned at the discretion of the immediate supervisor.

Supervisory Responsibilities: No

Key Working Relationships: Interacts with employees throughout the Authority, representatives from other organizations.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE & OTHER MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

The minimum qualifications listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability necessary for an individual to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable amounts of training are provided.

The minimum qualifications listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability necessary for an individual to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable amounts of training are provided.

• A Bachelor's Degree in Business, Technical, or a related field from an accredited college or university and five (5) years of progressive experience in sourcing and contracting, or combination of education and experience.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Prefer a professional certification from the Institute for Supply management (ISM), APICS, the National Institute of Government Purchasing (NIGP), or National Contracts Management Association (NCMA), or the ability to obtain certification from any of these organizations within one year of employment.
• Experience developing and implementing category and sourcing strategies.
• Strong expertise in RFx process, proposal evaluation, deal negotiation, and contract negotiation.
• Experience developing contract documents in Oracle.
• Strong and proven leadership abilities. Able to present to and interact with executive levels.
• Preferred private sector and consulting experiences. Public procurement experience is not required.
• Strong analytical, planning, problem solving, interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Strong knowledge in computer applications (e.g. MS Word, Excel, PPT).
• Ability to travel as required.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $128,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Experience level:

• 5 years

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Travel requirement:

• No travel

Experience:

• Category management: 5 years (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Washington, DC