Senior Category Manager

Job Description Summary Under limited supervision, uses extensive knowledge and skills obtained through education and experience, leveraging proven sourcing experience, supply market intelligence, thought leadership, strategic thinking, negotiation and contracting and supplier relationship management skills to develop and implement procurement strategies that minimize Total Cost of Ownership while prioritizing stakeholder service. Ensures business requirements are fulfilled, risks are mitigated, and value is optimized across business units. Extensive contact with senior management is required to provide comprehensive solutions to complex problems or needs. Responsibilities Lead procurement (i.e., sourcing and contracting) of one or more specialized category or service areas (Subscription-Based and Professional Services Agreements are preferred). Identify, develop, and manage strategic business relationships and gain a comprehensive understanding of business requirements, by working closely with stakeholders and team members to develop strategies/plans and during execution. Manage governance and control programs with respect to select categories to ensure business supply continuity, protect company assets, and comply with corporate and regulatory policies and contractual compliance. Maintains appropriate technical and industry knowledge for their category(s) under management. Leads cross functional teams through gathering requirements, category strategy development, strategic sourcing, and supplier negotiation, contracting and on boarding processes. Participates in joint meetings with internal business clients to assist in procurement forecasting, demand management, requirements development and identification of possible purchasing channels and sources. Assists internal business clients with developing and reviewing statements of work, service level agreements, contractual terms, and conditions (inclusive of usage, pricing, delivery, acceptance, payment, warranty, etc). Leads the development, implementation, and alignment of sourcing strategies and supplier network capabilities for specific commodities, services and initiatives that complement and support key business objectives. Leads, either individually or with team members, sourcing initiatives ranging from $100K-$1M+ in spend from pre-RFP through post purchase/implementation supplier performance reviews. Understands and applies advanced or innovation-based sourcing strategies including those that require alternate business structures, new technology and/or process changes. Builds and maintains profiles/overview of key current and potential suppliers in support of Vendor Management. Negotiates contractual business requirements and Service Level Agreements (SLAs). Identify, evaluate, and implement AI and automation solutions that streamline procurement processes, improve efficiency, and support business objectives. Conducts periodic performance reviews with management of key suppliers and business stakeholders across the firm based on an understanding of the Total Cost of Ownership over the lifecycle of both products and services. Provides market research and overview for third-party supplier/vendor relationships for managed category(s). Tracks performance to operating plans, budgets, and forecasts. Responsible for decisions regarding selection, retention, evaluation, and development of the key and diverse suppliers used to provide the goods and services needed by the firm. Develops and presents recommendations/memorandums of approval of suppliers and/or purchases to executive management. Assists in training and mentoring of staff members. Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned. Knowledge Of Strategic sourcing and procurement processes, policies, governance, and compliance mechanisms. Category(s) to be managed. Supplier relationship management/vendor management inclusive of forming strategic partnerships and managing to requirements for regulatory compliance. Leveraged AI and automation tools to enhance procurement efficiency, reduce cycle times, and drive business value. Supplier Diversity program and practices. Outsourcing and offshoring in order to define and execute a strategic program to leverage these resources. Change management. Organizational working structure, policies, mission, and strategies. Project management methodology. Financial markets, their required products and services, and corresponding regulations. Performance management. Skill In Building strategies, managing category, and implementing procurement best practices, including supplier selection via RFI/RFQ/RFP, negotiations, contracting, and supplier evaluation, management, and development. Provide leadership, directions, and influence for internal and external stakeholders leveraging strategies of Purchase Demand Management, Supply Base Management, and Total Cost Management. Thinking critically and structuring analysis to solve poorly defined problems. Negotiating enterprise-wide agreements that accommodate current and future business objectives, financial/accounting principles, and industry leading practices. Knowledge of AI-powered procurement technologies, automation tools, and analytics platforms to improve sourcing, contracting, and operational performance. Establishing personal credibility. Interpreting and applying policies and procedures. Establishing departmental and/or category(s) objectives. Identifying trends and implementing appropriate corrective action. Ability To Benchmark the organization’s current state and develop plans for leading and managing the organization’s procurement of the category(s) to higher levels of maturity in ways that are both consistent with company culture and financial industry performance metrics. Establish a consistent methodology for managing supplier performance, assessing and mitigating risk, driving continuous improvement, and developing high-quality supplier relationships. Represent organizational business needs to a diverse supply base. Work and drive change in complex team, growth, and entrepreneurial environments. Interface, influence, articulate, and present at the highest corporate levels inside and outside of the company. Comprehend the big picture and communicate a clear visionary business plan. Convert complex ideas into real executable action steps, with a focus on results. Work independently. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with all organizational levels, including senior management. Lead meetings and contribute to team efforts by ensuring all relevant information is included in the outcomes. Ability to leverage AI and automation tools to optimize procurement workflows, accelerate decision-making, and deliver measurable business value. May lead the work of others. Identify training needs and develop subordinates. Organize, manage, and track multiple detailed tasks and assignments with frequently changing priorities and deadlines in a fast‑paced work environment with frequent interruptions. Solicit and respond to customer feedback. Educational/Previous Experience Requirements Bachelor’s Degree (B.A.) in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, or related field and eight (8) years’ experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, and vendor management. Any equivalent combination of experience, education, and/or training approved by Human Resources. Licenses/Certifications Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) or Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) from ISM or similar from Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply preferred. Education Bachelor’s: Business Administration Work Experience General Experience - 6 to 10 years Travel Less than 25% Workstyle Hybrid The total compensation for this position includes base salary or wages, and may include components such as additional compensation (cash or equity), discretionary bonuses, or commissions. This position is eligible for a benefits package that may include medical, dental, and vision; life insurance; critical illness insurance and accident insurance; disability benefits; retirement savings; paid time off (including vacation, holidays, and sick leave); and parental leave. Eligibility for benefits and specific offerings may vary based on position and employment status. To view more details of the benefits offered, visit Myrjbenefits.com. At Raymond James our associates use five guiding behaviors (Develop, Collaborate, Decide, Deliver, Improve) to deliver on the firm's core values of client‑first, integrity, independence and a conservative, long‑term view. We Expect Our Associates At All Levels To Grow professionally and inspire others to do the same Work with and through others to achieve desired outcomes Make prompt, pragmatic choices and act with the client in mind Take ownership and hold themselves and others accountable for delivering results that matter Contribute to the continuous evolution of the firm The Company is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions on the basis of merit and business needs. #J-18808-Ljbffr