Category Leader

Category Leader, Expert

Location: Oakland, CA

Onsite Flexibility: Hybrid — 3–5 days per month on-site based on business needs (local candidates only)

Contract Details

• Position Type: Contract
• Contract Duration: 4 months
• Pay Rate: $95.00–$100.00 / Hour (USD)
• Work Authorization: Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Job Summary

This role leads strategic sourcing and category management for mid-complexity IT spend categories, including software, hardware, and/or Telecom. TheCategory Leader, Expert develops and manages one or more sourcing spend categories and manages a delegated portion of Tier 1 and 2 Software, Telecom, and hardware contracts. The position develops strategic category plans to optimizecost savings, service excellence, diversity spend, and total cost of ownership for the categories. The role effectively influences Lines of Business (LOBs), including senior leadership, to achieve understanding, acceptance, and commitment of sourcing strategies, and works with LOBs to develop, source, and negotiate major contracts. The Category Leader, Expert plays a key role in the Supplier Relationship Management / Scorecard process.

Key Responsibilities

• Conducts and documents market research and supplier risk analysis to verify the financial health of existing and potential suppliers
• Creates and maintains category plans
• Develops and reviews performance data with suppliers; works with suppliers to drive ongoing value discovery
• Develops and sustains mutually beneficial strategic relationships with Tier 1 and 2 IT software and hardware suppliers
• Leads cross-functional team through strategic sourcing process and development/execution ofnegotiation strategies for mid-complexity spend categories
• Leads the development of category strategies of medium complexity
• Maintains awareness of industry and market trends through ongoing research
• Serves as subject matter expert for particular commodities or services

Required Skills

• Ability to analyze and combine information from different sources and use logic to reach appropriate conclusions as needed to perform at the job level
• Ability to apply contract processes and procedures and relevant contracts and licensing — for example ESC, IBEW, tort, contract law — as needed to perform at the job level
• Ability to work independently with limited oversight
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Products — for example Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access — as needed to perform at the job level
• Competency in relating openly and comfortably with diverse groups of people
• Competency in building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives
• Competency in building strong-identity teams that apply their diverse skills and perspectives to achieve common goals
• Knowledge of the technical/functional aspects of the trade, occupation, or role as needed to perform at the job level
• Ability to apply project management theories, concepts, methods, best practices, and techniques as needed to perform at the job level
• Knowledge of database and information systems — for example SCADA, EMS, OMT, OIS, SAP, ERP, COSO, Teradata, COBIT, Question Mark — as needed to perform at the job level
• Software, hardware, and/or Telecom sourcing experience
• Ariba experience
• Strong negotiation skills

Education Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience (required)
• Master's Degree in Business Administration or job-related discipline or equivalent experience (desired)
• ISM — Institute for Supply Management CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management) certification (desired)
• LSS — Lean Six Sigma Certification (desired)

Required Experience

• Experience in supply chain, or related field — 7 years (minimum required)

Nice-to-Have Experience

• Experience in contract management
• Experience in strategic sourcing — 8 years
• Experience in procurement, or related field — 8 years

Benefits

• Medical, Vision, and Dental Insurance Plans
• 401k Retirement Fund

Work Environment / Physical Requirements

• Local candidates only — Bay Area/Oakland work location required
• Hybrid assignment: must come on-site 3–5 days per month depending on business needs
• Supplier/contractor must provide own laptop and any additional equipment needed
• Personal phone required (no reimbursement) or use of MS Teams for calls and meetings
• With manager prior approval, expenses can be reimbursed if travel is needed for negotiations or team meetings
• Pre-determined amount for cell and internet can be expensed monthly

About GTT

GTT is a minority-owned staffing firm and a subsidiary of Chenega Corporation, a Native American-owned company in Alaska. We highly value diverse and inclusive workplaces and support Fortune 500 organizations across banking, financial services, technology, life sciences, biotech, utilities, and retail sectors throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Job Number: 26-12763

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