Senior Category Manager

Job Description

Responsibilities

Lead end‑to‑end, high‑stakes negotiations  (often multi‑million, multi‑year) for professional services, SaaS / software / technology, data & analytics, outsourcing (BPO / ITO / managed services), etc.; structure and execute RFx, evaluation and award strategies to deliver measurable value, speed and risk‑balanced outcomes.

Serve as the primary point of contract for assigned business partners,  translating business goals and risk appetite into contracting strategies and decision frameworks; facilitate cross‑functional alignment and executive updates.

Immerse in the assigned business area to understand its drivers, challenges, and success metrics; proactively engage with stakeholders to learn what makes the function tick, and tailor procurement strategies to align with its unique needs and objectives.

Own the redline to signature lifecycle by driving issue logs and closure plans; draft, redline, and reconcile master terms, SOWs / work orders, order forms, and amendments with precise change control.

Help the business understand risk by translating contracting language to business terms with quantified trade-offs.

Partner with internal stakeholders to ensure contracts and supplier agreements support operational efficiency, innovation and scalability.

Develop and execute category strategies that optimize value, manage risk and support corporate priorities. Act as a trusted advisor to business stakeholders for procurement decisions related to the category. Spearhead the greenfield development of category strategies where necessary.

Use market intelligence  (benchmarks, supplier stratification, consolidation opportunities and innovation scouting) to shape category strategies and supplier partnerships that improve capabilities and total cost of ownership.

Track and report outcomes  (savings, avoidance, and broader value creation) in line with department reporting standards.

Mentor and provide guidance to fellow team members on negotiation tactics, contracting best practices and category trends.

Assure continuous improvement of category process, strategies, data sources, tools, and metrics.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, supply chain management or a related field, or equivalent experience

Five years of experience category management, procurement, strategic sourcing, supplier management, and contract management

Strong supplier identification, evaluation, and selection skills

Excellent negotiation skills with the ability to build good rapport with suppliers, while keeping the company’s interests in mind

Skilled in supplier management, procurement, and category management best practices and industry trends for relevant technology space

Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills requiring a balance of assertiveness, tact and diplomacy

Strong business acumen and ability to put strategic plans into operations, influence others, and drive change

Ability to influence and lead conversations, collaborate, facilitate, and achieve consensus among key stakeholders

Ability to work effectively and cultivate relationships across all levels of the organization and external parties

Ability to work effectively with teams across geographic locations and time zones

Ability to manage ambiguous situations and drive towards clarification

Analytical and problem-solving skills, and attention to detail

Ability to work under pressure, set priorities, and meet deadlines in a rapid-paced environment

Self-motivated and the ability to manage multiple projects and support activities within a single job function

Preferred Qualifications

MBA, JD, or equivalent combination of advanced education and experience.

Experience in the financial services (insurance or investment) industry.

Experience managing outsourcing and / or professional services suppliers with global product / service provisioning models

Global perspective and experience working with diverse customer and suppliers

Understanding of outsourcing models, supplier, products and services

Experience working in a Contracting Lifecycle System (CLM)

Certified Sourcing Professional (CSP), Certified Outsourcing Professional (COP), or similar industry certification

Participation in Sourcing, Procurement, and / or Outsourcing Industry Associations such as Sourcing Industry Group (SIG), International Association of Outsourcing Professionals (IAOP), Procurement Foundry, institute for Supply Management (ISM), or National Contract Management Association (NCMA)

Working Conditions

Hybrid (Tuesday - Thursday)

Occasional Travel

The Salary for this position generally ranges between$94,000 - $120,000 annually. Please note that the salary range is a good faith estimate for this position and actual starting pay is determined by several factors including qualifications, experience, geography, work location designation (in-office, hybrid, remote) and operational needs. Salary may vary above and below the stated amounts, as permitted by applicable law.

Additionally, this position is typically eligible for an Annual Bonus based on the Company Bonus Plan / Individual Performance and is at the Company’s discretion.

This job description is not a contract of employment nor for any specific job responsibilities. The Company may change, add to, remove, or revoke the terms of this job description at its discretion. Managers may assign other duties and responsibilities as needed. In the event an employee or applicant requests or requires an accommodation to perform job functions, the applicable HR Business Partner should be contacted to evaluate the accommodation request.

What We Offer

For eligible employees, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support both the personal and financial well-being of our employees.

Compensation Benefits

Competitive Pay

Bonus for Eligible Employees

Benefits Package

Pension Plan

401k Match

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Tuition Reimbursement

Disability Insurance

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Employee Discounts

Career Training & Development Opportunities

Health and Work / Life Balance Benefits

Paid Time Off starting at 160 hours annually for employees in their first year of service.

Ten (10) paid holidays per year (typically mirroring the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) holidays).

Be Well Company holistic wellness program, which includes Wellness Coaching and Reward Dollars

Parental Leave – fifteen (15) days of paid parental leave per calendar year to eligible employees with at least one year of service at the time of birth, placement of an adopted child, or placement of a foster care child.

Adoption Assistance

Employee Assistance Program

College Coach Program

Back-Up Care Program

PTO for Volunteer Hours

Employee Matching Gifts Program

Employee Resource Groups

Inclusion and Diversity Programs

Employee Recognition Program

Referral Bonus Programs

Inclusion & Diversity

We believe our commitment to diversity and inclusion creates a work environment filled with exceptional individuals. We’re thrilled to have been recognized for our efforts throughthe Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index, Dave Thomas Adoption Friendly Advocate, and several Seramount lists, including theInclusion Index, 100 Best Companies for Working Parents, Best Companies for Dads, and Top 75 Companies for Executive Women.

To foster a culture of inclusivity throughout our workforce, workplace, and marketplace, Transamerica offers a wide range of diversity and inclusion programs. This includes our company-sponsored, employee-driven Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), which are formed around a shared interest or a common characteristic of diversity. ERGs are open to all employees.Theyprovide a supportive environment to help us better appreciate our similarities and differences and understand how they benefit us all.

Giving Back

We believe our responsibilities extend beyond our corporate walls. That's why we created the Aegon Transamerica Foundation in 1994. Through a mix of financial grants and the volunteer efforts of our employees, the foundation supports nonprofit organizations focused on the things that matter most to our people in the communities where we live and work.

Transamerica’s Parent Company

Aegonacquired the Transamerica business in 1999. Since its start in 1844, Aegon has grown into an international company serving more than 23.9 million people across the globe.

• It offers investment, protection, and retirement solutions, always with a clear purpose : Helping people live their best lives. As a leading global investor and employer, the company seeks to have a positive impact by addressing critical environmental and societal issues, with a focus on climate change and inclusion and diversity.
• As of December 31, 2023