Category Manager I

About the role

Develop and execute strategic sourcing activities for an assigned sub-category or small product categories in support of organizational growth and strategies.

Qualifications

• Five years of indirect expense, and/or concession contracting/procurement experience, and/or government contracting officer experience
• Or Bachelor's degree in business, procurement, or related field and three years experience in indirect expense, and/or concession contracting/procurement experience, and/or government contracting officer experience
• Associate must complete all required training and be otherwise fully qualified to obtain contracting officer authority certification within 12 months of selection
• Bachelor's degree preferred in Business Administration, Business Management, or Supply Chain Management

Requirements

• Work onsite at HQ in Dallas, Texas; remote/telework not authorized
• This position will support sourcing, contracting, and category management activities for IT contracts such as Software, Hardware, or Professional Services
• Primary focus will be on RFP execution, supplier negotiations, and contract support
• Professional services RFP experience for professional services (e.g., consulting, IT services, managed services, Hardware/Software agreements) is preferred
• Direct supplier negotiation experience with ability to discuss negotiated terms (pricing, rate cards, SOWs, amendments, SLAs)
• Demonstrated experience supporting or leading RFPs, supplier negotiations, and contract execution with IT Software, Hardware, or Professional Services suppliers in like industry
• Strong organizational, analytical, and stakeholder management skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with procurement and contract management tools preferred
• Strong negotiation and commercial acumen
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Clear, professional written and verbal communication skills
• High attention to detail with a compliance-focused mindset
• Ability to work independently while collaborating cross-functionally

Major duties

• Under general supervision, implement routine to moderately complex category management and strategic sourcing methodologies
• Provide insight and recommendations to optimize new product introductions
• Leverage market and customer data to identify new opportunities, reduce costs, and enhance value
• Conduct spend analyses to optimize procurement activities ensuring spend is aligned with category management plans
• Serve as a subject matter expert for internal business units
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders to ensure successful outcomes
• Contribute to the ongoing development and enhancement of category management processes, tools, and best practices
• Share insights and improvements across the procurement team to drive efficiency and effectiveness
• Perform other duties as assigned