Category Manager - Professional Services (Chicago)

About the Opportunity

A leading global organization is seeking an experienced procurement professional to support strategic sourcing and category management activities across Professional Services spend categories.

This role offers the opportunity to partner with senior business stakeholders, develop sourcing strategies, lead complex sourcing initiatives, negotiate commercial agreements, and deliver measurable business value across a diverse portfolio of services.

The successful candidate will thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment and bring strong commercial acumen, stakeholder management skills, and strategic sourcing expertise.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with business stakeholders to understand requirements and develop sourcing strategies aligned to business objectives.
• Develop and execute category strategies across Professional Services spend areas.
• Conduct supplier and market analysis to identify sourcing opportunities and inform decision-making.
• Lead end-to-end sourcing events including RFIs, RFQs, RFPs, supplier evaluations, negotiations, and contract awards.
• Perform commercial and financial analysis to support supplier selection and business case development.
• Negotiate pricing, commercial terms, service levels, and contractual agreements.
• Manage supplier relationships and support supplier performance improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with legal, finance, risk, and business teams to ensure compliance with governance requirements.
• Present sourcing recommendations and negotiation outcomes to key stakeholders.
• Support implementation, onboarding, and transition activities following contract award.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Procurement, Supply Chain, Business, Finance, Economics, or a related discipline.
• Experience in strategic sourcing, category management, procurement, consulting, or commercial roles.
• Experience managing Professional Services categories and/or related indirect spend areas.
• Knowledge of sourcing methodologies, supplier evaluation processes, and commercial negotiations.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience working within complex or multinational organizations is advantageous.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to influence stakeholders and manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.