Global Category Manager (Cambridge)

Position : Global Category Manager

Location : Cambridge, MA ( Hybrid for 8-10 days onsite a month)

Duration : 6+ Months

Position Summary :

The Global Category Manager (GCM) plans and leads complex global category initiatives for Real Estate & Capital Projects, primarily focused on office and lab space, with a typical spend portfolio exceeding 200 million dollars. This role manages key sub-categories including architectural and engineering, construction, furniture, and owners project management. The GCM is directly accountable for delivering significant savings and driving operational excellence and innovation by leading end-to-end sourcing, demand management, process re-engineering, and supplier performance efforts. The GCM serves as the subject matter expert for internal stakeholders and partners closely with senior procurement and business leaders within the client.

Key Responsibilities :

Drive the execution of sub-category strategies (A&E, construction, furniture, owners project management) aligned with the clients global objectives.

Lead sourcing projects, demand management, and process re-engineering initiatives to achieve cost savings and operational efficiency.

Build, manage, and report on a pipeline of category initiatives (savings, productivity, risk management, innovation).

Negotiate contracts to secure favorable terms, pricing, and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

Manage supplier relationships and oversee supplier performance against established KPIs.

Act as category subject matter expert and primary point of contact for global stakeholders (procurement, real estate, senior leadership).

Partner closely with the clients Global Real Estate Team to support and execute the global capital plan for office and workplace projects.

Translate business needs into procurement strategies.

Drive cost-saving initiatives through strategic sourcing, competitive bidding, vendor consolidation, and supply base management.

Oversee category-related compliance with procurement governance and corporate standards.

Represent the category in global planning, stakeholder meetings, and project management activities.

Support the advancement and standardization of category management processes, tools, and systems across the client.

Ensure effective implementation and administration of contracts and category initiatives globally.

Collate and analyze supplier, market, and internal business data to inform strategic decisions.

Qualifications :

Bachelors degree (required) in supply chain, business, engineering, real estate, or a related field

7+ years of significant, hands-on experience managing large, complex procurement categories, ideally within the Real Estate and Capital Projects space.

Experience supporting major corporate real estate or capital projects within a global or multinational context

Demonstrated ability to negotiate, draft, and manage complex supplier contracts and relationships

Strong analytical skills; experience conducting financial, spend, and market analysis for strategic decision-making

Demonstrated success in driving cost reduction, productivity, or transformation initiatives.

Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, comfortable engaging with senior leaders (VP / SVP level) and diverse teams.

Proficiency with procurement digital tools and systems (e.g., SAP Ariba, Coupa) and Microsoft Office Suite

Strong understanding of procurement processes, compliance, governance, category management, and supplier performance frameworks.

Preferred : Experience in pharmaceutical, life sciences, or other regulated industries; background in sustainability / LEED initiatives; exposure to multicultural / global team environments, familiarity with AIA contractual frameworks.