Senior Category Manager, IT Goods & Services

Cushman & Wakefield - Saint Louis, MO

Full-time - Mid Level

Saint Louis, MO

Real Estate

About the position

The Senior Category Manager for IT Goods & Services at Cushman & Wakefield is responsible for overseeing the procurement process for IT-related categories, including hardware, software, cloud services, and telecommunications. This role focuses on optimizing procurement operations, ensuring compliance with company policies, and fostering strong supplier relationships. The ideal candidate will drive cost efficiency, improve supplier performance, and align purchasing strategies with organizational goals while implementing the company's procurement policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Manage the entire procurement process for assigned categories, including sourcing, supplier selection, contract management, and order fulfillment.
• Develop and implement procurement processes and workflows to streamline operations and enhance efficiency.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to gather requirements and specifications for procurement needs.
• Conduct supplier evaluations and audits to ensure compliance with contractual obligations and quality standards.
• Maintain accurate records of procurement activities, supplier performance, and contract documentation.
• Analyze procurement data to identify trends, track savings, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Facilitate communication between suppliers and internal teams to resolve issues and ensure timely delivery of goods and services.
• Coordinate negotiations for contracts, pricing, and terms with suppliers, ensuring favorable conditions for the company.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies and procedures, as well as relevant regulations and standards.
• Provide training and support to team members on procurement processes and best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree
• 7-10 years of IT category management or project management experience
• Professional certifications preferred e.g., CPSM, CIPS, C.P.M., or evidence of continued professional growth
• In-depth knowledge of IT Procurement and fundamentals, IT specific category specific knowledge
• Ability to build relationships with key business stakeholders and 3rd party vendors
• Inner drive to accomplish goals and not deterred by obstacles
• Capacity to develop innovative strategies and solutions
• Creative problem solver
• Contract negotiation and ongoing management skills
• Analytics, ability to mine data to drive in depth analysis
• Building and managing diverse supplier relationships
• Interface with all levels in the organization
• Project Management
• Continuous improvement
• Personal flexibility
• Independent worker, self-starter
• Organizational savvy
• Innovativeness
• Effective Communication & Presentation skills
• Decision making & crisis management
• Business Influence, interviewing and active listening
• Knowledge of effective supplier risk management techniques