Category Manager

Introduction**Note: **Designated office location is Markham, Ontario**At IBM, work is more than a job - it's a calling: To build. To design. To code. To consult. To think along with clients and sell. To make markets. To invent. To collaborate. Not just to do something better, but to attempt things you've never thought possible. To lead in this new era of technology and solve some of the world's most challenging problems.Your Role and ResponsibilitiesIn this procurement consulting role, the Category manager will lead the development, implementation, and ongoing management of category strategies for our clients. Above and beyond strategic sourcing activities, the Category Manager understands external variables, learns the internal landscape of our clients (requirements, organizational structure, priorities) and develops relationships to successfully develop category strategies that utilize various value levers to deliver improved cost, reduced risk, and more efficient programs to our clients.**(Will be traveling approximately 50% of the time working with Clients)**Essential Duties and Responsibilities+ Develop long-term and short-term cost saving strategies for in scope categories based on the spending data analysis+ Build relationships with client stakeholders such that Category Manager can demonstrate value in continued engagement, can challenge the client stakeholders when fruitful, and can bring additional subject matter expertise.+ Identifies cost savings opportunities+ Acts as a trusted advisor and SME in the areas of sourcing and negotiating contracts.+ Achieve cost savings, risk mitigation, and process efficiencies through various value levers.+ Lead supplier selection process across multiple subsets of the category, with various scope and client stakeholder groups. Recommend sources of supply from diversity, disadvantaged and small business where applicable.+ Lead negotiations with current and potential suppliers as part of the contract renewal or vendor selection process.+ Collect and analyze internal/external category data, metrics, and reports to track performance against targets.+ Ability to analyze multiple data sets to identify opportunities and category insights.+ Participate in category councils and business reviews to support collaboration, knowledge sharing, opportunity identification, and overall relationship development.+ Innovate within the procurement space; look at new ways to structure programs or categories, benefit from changes in supply market, or modify tools/processes to add value.+ Provide support throughout the sourcing and contracting process when necessary, ensuring seamless hand off to our clients when appropriate.**Designated office location is Markham, Ontario**Required Technical and Professional Expertise+ A minimum of 7 years of strategic sourcing experience identifying cost savings opportunities, developing cost saving strategies, demonstrating deep subject matter expertise, and establishing value in continued stakeholder engagement+ Proven ability to build relationships and buy-in with stakeholders as a trusted advisor+ Experience leading negotiations with incumbent and potential suppliers; experience leading the supplier selection process across multiple subsets of the category with various scope and client stakeholder groups+ Innovate within the procurement space; look at new ways to structure programs or categories, benefit from changes in supply market, or modify tools/processes to add value.+ Ability to Travel up to 50% of the timePreferred Technical and Professional Expertise+ Deep business analysis and strategic thinking skills+ Understanding of data analysis and cost saving methods+ Proficient in MS Office, especially Excel and Power Point+ Previous experience in a client facing / consultative role+ Core expertise in any the following categories: Corporate Professional Services, Facilities, or Logistics+ Secondary expertise in any of the following categories is a plus: MRO, Facilities, Real estate, Corporate Professional services, IT, or Logistics+ Excellent communication and people skills+ Experience with sourcing or procurement management role in the global organization+ Experience with eSourcing tools, including Ariba, SAP, D365, ServiceNow, CoupaMust be eligible to work in Canada without sponsorshipAbout Business UnitFrom strategic sourcing through payables, IBM Procurement Services (IPS) helps transform business' into a cognitive enterprise.By accessing refined, real-time data we deliver a highly personalized user experience that can learn over time. This allows for quicker, more informed decision making and maximizes preferred suppliers. IBM global spend category expertise can optimize spend savings for business' through intelligent workflows.https://www.ibm.com/services/process/procurementYour Life @ IBMWhat matters to you when you're looking for your next career challenge?Maybe you want to get involved in work that really changes the world. What about somewhere with incredible and diverse career and development opportunities - where you can truly discover your passion? Are you looking for a culture of openness, collaboration and trust - where everyone has a voice? What about all of these? If so, then IBM could be your next career challenge. Join us, not to do something better, but to attempt things you never thought possible.Impact. Inclusion. Infinite Experiences. Do your best work ever.About IBMIBM's greatest invention is the IBMer. We believe that progress is made through progressive thinking, progressive leadership, progressive policy and progressive action. IBMers believe that the application of intelligence, reason and science can improve business, society and the human condition. Restlessly reinventing since 1911, we are the largest technology and consulting employer in the world, with more than 380,000 IBMers serving clients in 170 countries.Location StatementFor additional information about location requirements, please discuss with the recruiter following submission of your application.Being You @ IBMIBM is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, pregnancy, disability, age, veteran status, or other characteristics. IBM is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.