Overview
The Senior Procurement Specialist (Category Head – HR and Professional Services) leads a team in developing and implementing category strategies for HR and professional services, focusing on value creation, supplier performance, and risk reduction.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and oversee the implementation of category strategies across assigned spend categories.
- Identify opportunities for cost optimization, value creation, demand management, and process improvement.
- Drive a category management approach that focuses on total cost of ownership, supplier innovation, and long-term value.
- Lead periodic category reviews and strategic planning exercises.
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Category Managers and procurement professionals.
- Establish clear objectives, priorities, and performance expectations for team members.
- Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, continuous improvement, and customer service.
- Support staff development through coaching, training, and succession planning.
- Monitor workload distribution and ensure efficient allocation of resources across categories and projects.
- Provide oversight and guidance on complex, high-value, and strategic sourcing initiatives.
- Review and approve sourcing strategies, procurement approaches, solicitation documents, and evaluation methodologies.
- Ensure procurement activities are conducted in accordance with organizational policies and governance requirements.
- Support negotiations for major contracts and strategic supplier agreements.
- Ensure timely delivery of procurement outcomes while maintaining quality and compliance standards.
- Build strong relationships with senior business leaders and key stakeholders.
- Act as a trusted advisor on procurement, sourcing, and category management matters.
- Ensure procurement strategies are aligned with operational and strategic business requirements.
- Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to support procurement planning and execution.
- Manage stakeholder expectations and resolve escalated procurement issues.
Required Experience
Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in category management and sourcing complex procurements. Proven experience in category management in HR / professional services sourcing. Demonstrated experience in leading a high-performing team. Proven ability to build effective relationships with senior business leaders and stakeholders. Project Management skills with extensive experience in managing multiple related projects.
Qualifications
Master's degree in Supply Management, Finance Management, Marketing, Human Resources, Operations, Applied Economics, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
