Category Manager

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Key Responsibilities

Leverage extensive global experience across indirect procurement categories including IT (hardware, software, services, and infrastructure), data center construction, and facilities management to develop and implement high-impact global sourcing strategies.

Apply advanced global sourcing methodologies and analytical tools consistent with best-in-class procurement practices to deliver measurable value.

Work closely with business unit leaders to assess current environments, define global requirements, and build actionable roadmaps that support long-term growth.

Serve as a strategic partner within NTT Data Global Data Center, helping to elevate strategic sourcing role and influence across the organization.

Lead global sourcing events, manage supplier relationships, and oversee contract governance to ensure alignment with business objectives and compliance standards.

Act as the strategic interface between internal stakeholders and global suppliers, ensuring alignment of sourcing strategies with business objectives and supplier capabilities.

Lead complex, high-value global sourcing initiatives, including RFx development, supplier selection, contract negotiation, and executive-level presentations.

Drive supplier base optimization through consolidation and tail spend management, reducing complexity and unlocking cost efficiencies.

Deliver multi-million-dollar cost savings through strategic sourcing, demand planning, and process transformation, supporting aggressive financial targets.

Design and execute global category strategies that promote standardization, innovation, and long-term value creation across global business units.

Conduct in-depth analysis of supplier proposals, cost structures, and market trends to inform data-driven sourcing decisions and enhance total cost of ownership (TCO).

Negotiate and manage global strategic supplier agreements, optimizing global commercial terms, service levels, and performance metrics.

Evaluate, benchmark, product and service offerings, documenting key differentiators to support informed decision-making and stakeholder engagement.

Monitor global supplier performance and cost metrics, generating actionable insights and monthly reporting for leadership reviews and continuous improvement.

Identify, qualify, and onboard innovative suppliers, expanding sourcing options and driving competitive advantage.

Mentor and develop junior sourcing professionals, fostering a high-performance culture and building procurement capabilities across the team.

Oversee order fulfillment and supplier compliance, ensuring adherence to contractual obligations, delivery timelines, and service-level agreements.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge & Attributes

Demonstrates executive presence and strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and engage senior stakeholders in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Skilled communicator and problem-solver, capable of navigating ambiguity and driving clarity in evolving business contexts.

Passionate about global strategic sourcing, supplier management, and procurement excellence.

Experienced global sourcing professional in analyzing market trends to determine optimal timing and selection for supplier contracts, supply orders, and significant investments in products or technology.

Expertise in cost-benefit analysis, with a strategic mindset for evaluating global sourcing decisions and maximizing value delivery.

Advanced negotiation capabilities, fostering strong, collaborative relationships with suppliers while securing favorable terms and performance outcomes.

Comprehensive understanding of product and service quality standards, ensuring compliance and consistency across global sourcing activities.

Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize effectively in dynamic, fast-paced environments.

High emotional intelligence, maintaining composure and sound judgment under pressure while navigating complex stakeholder dynamics and global ambiguity.

Proven leadership and team collaboration skills, capable of driving cross-functional initiatives.

Exceptional communication skills, adept at facilitating global discussions, documenting global sourcing strategies, and delivering impactful reports to stakeholders.

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, for data analysis, reporting, and presentations and AI usage for streamlining routine skills and data analysis.

Hands-on experience with leading procurement platforms, including Ariba, Coupa, SAP, Power BI, Microsoft Teams, and CRM systems, enabling efficient global sourcing operations and data-driven decision-making.

Academic Qualifications & Certifications

A bachelor's degree in a relevant field of study; Master's degree a plus.

Relevant certifications, e.g., CSCP, CPIM.

Required Experience

10+ years of seasoned global experience working in the category field and related procurement / strategic sourcing experience within a regulated industry.

Physical Requirements

Primarily sitting with some walking, standing, and bending.

Able to hear and speak into a telephone.

Close visual work on a computer terminal.

Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate any required computer keyboard, mouse, and other technical instruments.

Work Conditions & Other Requirements

This position is remote with some global travel required for bi-monthly on-site collaboration team meetings in a shared work environment (4-5 days).

Extensive daily usage of workstation or computer.

Must have flexible work schedule to accommodate across global business hours. This is a remote position that requires reliable internet connection and electricity. A monthly stipend is provided to cover expenses associated with working remotely and use of a personal mobile device, if applicable.

NTT Global Data Centers Americas, Inc. offers competitive compensation based on experience, education, and location. Base salary for this position is $145,800 - $208,200. All regular full-time employees are eligible for an annual bonus; payout is dependent upon individual and company performance. Employees receive paid time-off, medical, dental, and vision benefits, life and supplemental insurance, short-term and long-term disability, flexible spending account, and 401k retirement plan to create a rich Total Rewards package.

About NTT DATA

NTT DATA is a $30+ billion trusted global innovator of business and technology services. We serve 75% of the Fortune Global 100 and are committed to helping clients innovate, optimize and transform for long-term success. We invest over $3.6 billion each year in R&D to help organizations and society move confidently and sustainably into the digital future. As a Global Top Employer, we have diverse experts in more than 50 countries and a robust partner ecosystem of established and start-up companies. Our services include business and technology consulting, data and artificial intelligence, industry solutions, as well as the development, implementation and management of applications, infrastructure, and connectivity. We are also one of the leading providers of digital and AI infrastructure in the world. NTT DATA is part of NTT Group and headquartered in Tokyo.

Equal Opportunity Employer

NTT DATA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer with a global culture that embraces diversity. We are committed to providing an environment free of unfair discrimination and harassment. We do not discriminate based on age, race, color, gender, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, disability, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected category. Join our growing global team and accelerate your career with us. Apply today.

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