Category Manager, Strategic Procurement - Corporate Services

Job Description Summary Identify and engage with the best suppliers to negotiate optimal contracts that balance speed to market, access to needed capabilities, organizational risk tolerance, cost containment, supplier-driven innovation, etc. Act as a trusted advisor to business stakeholders to deliver value through a comprehensive and ethical sourcing approach that supports business priorities and improves long-term partnerships with stakeholders and suppliers. Responsibilities Serve as the primary procurement point of contact for assigned business stakeholders and categories, translating business goals and risk appetite into contracting strategies and decision frameworks Provide guidance to fellow team members on negotiation tactics, contracting best practices, and category trends Provide valued insight into external marketplace dynamics, trends, spend analysis, and benchmarks to inform decision makers and create category strategies for acquisition of performance and outcome-based contracts Optimize category value through strategies such as supplier stratification, supply base rationalization, supply chain business continuity, category or strategy roadmap/supplier alignment, supplier-driven innovation/value creation, directed buys, and competitive bidding Lead and coordinate procurement of assigned categories managing the entire lifecycle from strategy through execution, including RFx solicitation, bid evaluation, and supplier negotiations Communicate professionally with internal stakeholders and external suppliers at all levels from operational through executive as the "face of procurement" Act as a trusted advisor to business stakeholders for all procurement decisions related to the category Maintain current knowledge of the supplier marketplace, emerging technologies, diverse suppliers, regulatory changes, pricing trends, and other relevant market dynamics Assure year-over-year supplier productivity improvements via contractual process improvement, automation, and innovation investments Deploy successful engagement model with suppliers, partnering with VMO, Legal, and business stakeholders Negotiate contracts, and contract change orders Assure continuous improvement of category process, strategies, data sources, tools, and metrics Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in business administration, supply chain management or a related field, or equivalent experience Minimum 3 years of experience in category management, procurement, strategic sourcing, supplier management, and contract management Knowledge of supplier identification, evaluation, and selection skills Understanding of supplier management, procurement, and category management best practices and industry trends for assigned categories Excellent negotiation skills with the ability to build good rapport with suppliers while keeping the company’s interests in mind Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills requiring a balance of assertiveness, tact, and diplomacy Ability to work effectively and cultivate relationships across all levels of the organization and external parties Ability to work effectively with teams across geographic locations and time zones Ability to manage ambiguous situations and drive towards clarification Analytical and problem‑solving skills, and attention to detail Ability to work under pressure, set priorities, and meet deadlines in a rapid‑paced environment Self‑motivated and the ability to manage multiple projects and support activities within a single job function Preferred Qualifications Procurement experience managing Corporate Services related categories (e.g., IT, Finance, HR, Legal & Compliance, Market Data, Marketing, Public Affairs, Facilities, Risk, Global Insurance, travel, etc.) Category Management experience with Market Data Subscription vendors (e.g., Bloomberg, Moody’s, Morningstar, S&P, Refinitiv, Murex, ICAP, etc.) MBA, JD, or equivalent combination of advanced education and experience Experience working in a Contracting Lifecycle Management System (CLM) Certified Sourcing Professional (CSP), Certified Outsourcing Professional (COP), or similar industry certification Participation in Sourcing, Procurement, and or Outsourcing Industry Associations such as Sourcing Industry Group (SIG), International Association of Outsourcing Professionals (IAOP), Procurement Foundry, Institute for Supply Management (ISM), or National Contract Management Association (NCMA) Global perspective and experience working with diverse customers and suppliers Experience managing outsourcing and/or professional services suppliers with global product/service provisioning models Experience in the financial services or similar highly regulated industry Understanding of outsourcing models, supplier, products and services Working Conditions Hybrid (Tuesday - Thursday) Occasional Travel Salary and Bonuses The salary for this position generally ranges between $71,000 - $94,000 annually. Please note that the salary range is a good faith estimate for this position and actual starting pay is determined by several factors including qualifications, experience, geography, work location designation (in‑office, hybrid, remote) and operational needs. Salary may vary above and below the stated amounts, as permitted by applicable law. Additionally, this position is typically eligible for an Annual Bonus based on the Company Bonus Plan/Individual Performance and is at the Company’s discretion. Disclaimer Beware of fake job offers! We’ve been alerted to scammers impersonating Transamerica recruiters, particularly for remote positions. Please note: We will never request personal information such as ID or payment for equipment upfront. Official offers are sent via DocuSign following a verbal offer—not through text or email. Benefits For eligible employees, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support both the personal and financial well‑being of our employees. Compensation Benefits Competitive Pay Bonus for Eligible Employees Benefits Package Pension Plan 401k Match Employee Stock Purchase Plan Tuition Reimbursement Disability Insurance Medical Insurance Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Employee Discounts Career Training & Development Opportunities Health and Work/Life Balance Benefits Paid Time Off starting at 160 hours annually for employees in their first year of service Ten (10) paid holidays per year (typically mirroring the New York Stock Exchange holidays) Be Well Company holistic wellness program, which includes Wellness Coaching and Reward Dollars Parental Leave – fifteen (15) days of paid parental leave per calendar year to eligible employees with at least one year of service at the time of birth, placement of an adopted child, or placement of a foster care child Adoption Assistance Employee Assistance Program Back‑Up Care Program PTO for Volunteer Hours Employee Matching Gifts Program Employee Resource Groups Inclusion and Diversity Programs Employee Recognition Program Referral Bonus Programs #J-18808-Ljbffr