Category Manager (IT)

Job TitleCategory Manager (IT)Job Description SummaryThe Category Manager is responsible for overseeing and optimizing procurement and management strategies for IT-related goods and services, including but not limited to hardware, software, cloud services, telecommunications, and other tech needs. This role focuses on driving cost efficiency, improving supplier relationships, and aligning purchasing strategies with organizational goals. They will be the interface with the IT business lines to lead the development and implementation of supplier relationship and performance management. This role will implement the organization’s short , medium and long term strategies by ensuring the highest level of service based on C&W’s Procurement Policies and Procedures. They will require an in-depth understanding of the business impact of procurement contributions and understanding of the business impact of technical contributions. Develops major goals to support the organizations strategy.Job DescriptionResponsibilities: LeadershipCreates a working environment that encourages high performance and innovation.Becomes a trusted advisor and subject matter expert on the categories.Removes roadblocks to enable the delivery of procurement and client account goals.Promotes compliance with C&W’s code of conduct.Category ManagementDevelop and implement a strategic sourcing plan for IT related goods and services, including but not limited to hardware, CRE software, cloud services, telecommunications, and other tech needsConduct Global, Regional and Country market research to stay updated on industry trends and identify opportunities for cost savings and quality improvements.Set category goals aligned with company objectives and regularly measure performance against these targets.Responsible for working with procurement business partners and service line leadership to align category management vision with service line and procurement priorities. Incorporates industry best practices into category delivery.Utilizes demand planning to target value from supplier agreements.Vendor ManagementIdentify, evaluate, and establish relationships with IT vendors, suppliers, and service providers.Negotiate favorable terms and contracts, ensuring compliance with internal policies and industry regulations.Manage supplier performance and conduct periodic reviews to assess service levels, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with business needs.Monitors preferred supplier utilization, builds roster to ensure capability to deliver across the service line portfolios, and monitors performance to ensure capability to meet account needs.Ability to develop and understand data analytics, to mine data to drive in-depth analysis of C&W’s 3rd party spend.Business InfluenceCommunicates supply category preferred supplier metrics and helps the business drive greater adoption of the preferred supplier network.Develops and maintains strong relationships with business units and the category management team.Drives for results by consistently achieving goals in a timely manner.Develops and delivers communications with clarity and impact, ensuring consistent messaging.Encourages creation and brings new best in class ideas and approaches to the table for developing and executing category strategies and working within the supply market to ensure Cushman & Wakefield meets or exceeds their objectives.Working cross-functionally with other departments including Finance, Operations, TDS, HR, Project Management, etc. for delivery of category strategies.Risk ManagementIdentify and mitigate risks within the IT supply chain, including cybersecurity risks, service disruptions, and compliance issues.Work with the legal team to ensure vendor contracts include necessary risk management and compliance clausesWorking with C&W Legal Counsel to ensure consistent templates and fall back language to enable effective negotiations and risk mitigation.Ensure effective and up-to-date commercial arrangements.Continuous Improvement/Change ManagementStrong problem-solving skills utilizing continuous improvement techniques.Utilizes change management techniques to drive the development and utilization of a preferred supplier program.Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree5-8 years of category management experienceProfessional certifications preferred e.g., CPSM, CIPS, C.P.M., or evidence of continued professional growthIn-depth knowledge of IT Procurement and fundamentals, IT specific category specific knowledgeStrong interpersonal and analytical skillsAbility to build relationships with key business stakeholders and 3rd party vendorsInner drive to accomplish goals and not deterred by obstaclesCapacity to develop innovative strategies and solutions, Creative problem solverContract negotiation and ongoing management skillsAnalytics, ability to mine data to drive in depth analysisBuilding and managing diverse supplier relationshipsInterface with all levels in the organizationProject ManagementContinuous improvementPersonal flexibilityIndependent worker, self-starterOrganizational savvyInnovativenessEffective Communication & Presentation skillsDecision making & crisis managementBusiness Influence, interviewing and active listeningKnowledge of effective supplier risk management techniquesCushman & Wakefield also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health, vision, and dental insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life, and disability insurance programs, and paid and unpaid time away from work. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, Cushman and Wakefield provide eligible employees with competitive pay, which may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, total hours worked, job type, business line, and applicability of collective bargaining agreements.The compensation that will be offered to the successful candidate will depend on factors such as whether the position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement, the geographic area in which the work will be performed, market pay rates in that area, and the candidate’s experience and qualifications.The company will not pay less than minimum wage for this role.The compensation for the position is: $ 93,500.00 - $110,000.00Cushman & Wakefield is an Equal Opportunity employer to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Discrimination of any type will not be tolerated.In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position at Cushman & Wakefield, please call the ADA line at View phone number on us.fitly.work or email View email address on us.fitly.work. Please refer to the job title and job location when you contact us.INCO: “Cushman & Wakefield”SummaryLocation: Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Austin, Texas, USA; Denver, Colorado, USA; Tampa, Florida, USA; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Meridian, Idaho, USA; Hartford, Connecticut, USA; Portland, Oregon, USA; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Topeka, Kansas, USA; Remote CW Site - USA - DE - Virtual Delaware; Remote CW Site - USA - MT - Virtual Montana; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Ankeny, Iowa, USA; Remote CW Site - USA - WY - Virtual Wyoming; Erlanger, Kentucky, USA; Remote CW Site - USA - NE - Virtual Nebraska; Alexandria, Louisiana, USA; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Flexible Location, USA; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Jackson, Mississippi, USA; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Reading, Pennsylvania, USAType: Full time