Category Manager / Procurement Specialist

Do you want to build a career that is truly worthwhile? Working at the World Bank provides a unique opportunity for you to help our clients solve their greatest development challenges. The World Bank consists of two entities - the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA).  It is a global development cooperative owned by 189 member countries. As the largest development bank in the world, the World Bank provides loans, guarantees, risk management products, and advisory services to middle-income and creditworthy low-income countries, and coordinates responses to regional and global challenges. Visit www.worldbank.org.

   

 

The Corporate Procurement Unit is responsible for the procurement of goods, works and services (including consulting services) to support the WBG's 130+ offices around the world. Corporate Procurement manages an annual spend around USD 2B with around 25,000 vendors. The team has staff located in Washington, DC, USA, Chennai, India and Sofia, Bulgaria. Corporate Procurement utilizes category management to achieve better outcomes, improved quality, greater savings, efficient use of resources, a better understanding of the market, and an increased focus on collaboration and innovation.  Corporate Procurement focuses on three key principles: Commerciality, Risk Management, and Environmental, Social, and Governance outcomes. Categories of spend include: i) Corporate Services and Real Estate; ii) Human Resources and Professional Services; and iii) Technology. To learn more about Corporate Procurement, visit: CP website. 

 

The Procurement Specialist (Category Manager) position is located at the Corporate Procurement in the Corproate Services and Real Estate (CSRE) team in Washington DC, USA. This position reports to the Senior Procurement Specialist (Head of Category), who in turn reports to the Chief of Corporate Procurement.

Responsibilities include leading category and sourcing initiatives for corporate managed services which comprise of sourcing integrated facilities management services, childcare services, office supplies, sustainability program, mail and shipping services, language services, and associated services for successful and efficient operation of a corporate office. 

 

The position for the CSRE team requires in-depth knowledge of the category and skills for the World Bank to achieve best value. These include: 

Leading category management and sourcing initiatives for categories withing CSRE, such as construction works, facilities management; security; health services; conference and events; language services; printing and publishing; ground transportation; and shipping and logistics etc.

Prepares and implements category strategy in all areas of responsibility. 

Understands client's needs, prepares procurement plans, designs innovative solutions for complex solicitations for high value, high risk services.

Undertakes internal analysis for demand patterns, explores areas of synergies with other related programs, uses category knowledge to propose improvement in service delivery format, pricing format etc.

Conducts market research for current and emerging market trends, identifies sources of supply; analyzes financial reports (cash flow statements, income statements, balance sheets) of major corporations, takes a keen interest in industry benchmarks across international markets.  

Possesses expert level understanding of commerciality and can demonstrate achieving value for money through strategic planning, solicitation and negotiations. 

Possesses good understanding of risks, analyses service risk as well as vendor risk and works with business partners to mitigate risks through sourcing and managing risk during category management. 

Maximizes positive impact on sustainability through the sourcing process and category management.

Prepares and presents complex sourcing projects to WBG's leadership for review and approval. 

Collaborates with business partners in sustainability, legal, risk, data privacy, office of information security, etc. as projects are prepared, sourced, and managed. 

Provides category related guidance to teams located in Washington DC and offices worldwide.

Prepares solicitation documents, criteria for pre-qualification and evaluation, reviews technical specifications for completeness, errors, omissions, and competitive qualities. 

Conducts pre-proposal conferences, leads review of responses. 

Negotiates contract terms and conditions and manages negotiation process for technical specification and finalizes contracts for award. 

Resolves contractual issues, supports clients in monitoring vendor performance and timely delivery and quality of services, expedites delivery as appropriate.

Conducts debriefing for dispute and protest.

Undertakes contract administration to ensure compliance with WBG policy and contract terms. May provide guidance and direction to project managers on contract management issues.

Performs any other job-related instructions, as requested, with reasonable accommodation.

  

Due to the requirements of the job, this position may require frequent adjustments to the work schedule created by the time zone difference with many of the clients it supports and may also involve a limited amount of travel [modify as needed].

Work implies frequent interaction with the following:

WBG staff at all levels, typically Business Unit Managers, Country Directors and Managers, Chief Administrative Officers, Legal Counsels, Resource Managers, Administrative Procurement Review Committee Members, and Project Task Leaders etc.

Supplier representatives typically heads of companies and VPs, account managers, sales representatives, and commodity specialists, and technical representatives etc.

Master's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience. Recognized professional certifications (e.g., CPSM, CIPS) or courses would be highly desirable.

Minimum seven years of relevant experience in in category management, conducting procurement, sourcing of integrated facilities management services, childcare services, mail and shipping, printing and publication, and associated services in operation of a corporate office. 

Knowledge of international procurement practices and understanding of public & private sector procurement procedures and processes is desirable.

Excellent leadership skills coupled with strong communication and interpersonal capabilities.

In-depth experience of procuring services at corporate level at an international organization/ multination company is required. 

General experience in procuring other corporate services and real estate categories would be an additional bonus and preferred. 

Proficiency in program leadership and ability to influence change by bringing industry leading practices. 

Extensive experience in developing category strategy incorporating industry benchmark, understanding of sources of supply, market trends, pricing, etc.

Proven excellence in negotiating skills, including negotiating complex contract terms and conditions (e.g., international regulations, technology issues, data privacy, indemnification, intellectual property, cultural issues, assignment, contract termination, etc.).

Knowledge of operations research and quantitative methods approaches to measure supplier capacity and systems to produce and deliver goods and services as proposed.

Extensive knowledge of and experience in applying public/ private sector procurement procedures and practices.

Proven project management and dispute resolution skills.

Demonstrated strong interpersonal and analytical capabilities and logical problem-solving skills, and ability to structure data and assign resources effectively, monitor implementation and deliver results in line with project goals. 

Ability to translate theory into practical applications in the context of Bank Group work.

Ability to proactively manage the work program and portfolio, contribute to team responsibilities and manage client expectations. 

Proven Project Management skills with extensive experience in managing multiple related projects to ensure the overall program is aligned and directly supports the achievement of strategic objectives.

Ability to give knowledge-based guidance to more junior staff and to participate in multi-disciplinary teams.

Ability to deal sensitively in a multicultural environment and build effective working relationships with clients, colleagues, and other stakeholders. 

Experience with MS Office applications and proficiency of technology and/or systems relevant to the functional area (e.g., SAP, R3, Admin Portal) is desirable.

Superior communication skills in English (verbal, written, and comprehension), and ability to resolve interpersonal conflict. 

Demonstrates in depth knowledge and understanding of project management concepts, as they relate to the implementation of complex, multi-functional projects in varied geographical and economic conditions. 

Ability to lead complex and strategically important negotiations.

Ability to function effectively in multi-disciplinary teams within a matrix management environment, as well as an individual contributor.

Strong client service orientation.

Other language skills would be an asset.

The World Bank Group (WBG) offers comprehensive benefits including a retirement plan; health (medical dental, pharmacy, vision), life and disability insurance; generous annual leave, including parental leave, as well as reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Please note that certain benefits may vary based on appointment type (Term or Extended-Term Consultant/Temporary; HQ or Country Office appointment). We are proud to be an equal opportunity and inclusive employer with a dedicated and committed workforce, and do not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.

The WBG aspires to remain competitive in all markets by providing compensation that attracts and retains top talent to deliver on the WBG mission of reducing poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development. 

WBG entry salaries are determined based on the grade, years of relevant experience and internal comparators. Consistent with our entry salary methodology, new hires are likely to be offered a salary between the minimum and midpoint of the salary scale, subject based on years of experience, skills, and peer comparisons. For the advertised grade GF refer to the World Bank Compensation scales at the following link ( https://www.worldbank.org/en/about/unit/human-resources/HQ-AND-CO-COMPENSATION-SCALES ). In addition to the base-line salary, international staff posted to a field assignment receive generous field benefits and those at HQ receive expatriate benefits for five years, provided they are not US citizens or permanent residents.