Category Specialist

Pay Range: $45 to $50/hr.

Description: Hybrid - 4 days onsite and 1 day remote.

Possible extension -

Interviews - Teams video or onsite.

1st interview will be a team's invite

2nd if asked back, will be onsite.

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Must be experienced with understanding of indirect sourcing / consultative

Someone with good energy

Practical hands-on experience

Experience in creative firms, market research firms, sales & marketing firms --HUGE PLUS

Experience in a regulated environment

Job Title: Category Specialist – Human Resources and Professional Services

Some responsibilities:

• Manage boilerplate email communication with vendors

• Identify RFP participants

• Draft RFPs

• Conduct pricing analyses

• Partner with internal stakeholders to complete privacy impact assessments

• Manage cybersecurity risk assessment process with new vendors

• Complete legal intake forms

• Usher contracts through a prescribed workflow

• Attend standing and ad hoc meetings, taking thorough notes

Key Responsibilities:

•Category Management: Develop and implement category strategies for Human Resources and Professional Services projects. Typical projects include consulting and services related to various business units needs, as well as HR projects including training and recruiting services.

•Supplier Management: Identify, evaluate, and manage relationships with key suppliers to ensure quality, cost-effectiveness, and innovation.

•Oversee the drafting, review, and negotiation of contracts to secure best terms.

•Market Analysis and Benchmarking: Conduct market research and benchmarking to stay informed about industry trends and best practices.

•AI Integration: Leverage artificial intelligence to enhance sourcing strategies, optimize supplier performance, and drive efficiencies in procurement processes.

•Global Strategy: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align sourcing strategies with global business objectives. Ensure consistency and compliance with corporate policies and standards.

•Work closely with internal stakeholders, including Human Resources, Finance, Quality, Engineering, and R&D teams, to understand their needs and requirements.

Quantitative Requirements:

•Cost Savings Goals: Utilize benchmarking and industry data to achieve cost savings goals and cost avoidance objectives for Human Resources and Professional Services categories.

•Performance Metrics: Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure supplier performance, cost savings, and overall category management effectiveness.

•Data-Driven Decisions: Implement data analytics to drive decision-making processes, ensuring optimal sourcing strategies and supplier selection.

•Budget Management: Develop and manage budgets for sourcing activities, ensuring alignment with financial Clients and business objectives.

•Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in sourcing processes, leveraging industry best practices and innovative solutions.

Key Responsibilities – Legal and Compliance

1.Supplier Performance Management:

o Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and service level agreements (SLAs) to measure supplier performance.

o Conduct regular performance reviews and implement corrective actions as needed.

2.Risk Management and Compliance:

o Identify and mitigate risks associated with legal sourcing and supplier management.

o Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements in all sourcing activities.

3.Stakeholder Collaboration:

o Work closely with internal stakeholders, including legal, finance, and IT departments, to understand their needs and requirements.

o Facilitate effective communication and collaboration between stakeholders and suppliers.

4.Market Analysis and Benchmarking:

o Conduct market research and benchmarking to stay informed about industry trends and best practices.

o Use insights to drive continuous improvement in sourcing strategies and processes.

5.Contract Management:

o Oversee the drafting, review, and negotiation of contracts with legal service providers.

o Ensure contracts are aligned with organizational policies and objectives.

6.Cost Savings and Efficiency:

o Identify opportunities for cost savings and process efficiencies in legal sourcing.

o Implement initiatives to achieve cost reduction and improve overall sourcing effectiveness.

7.Reporting and Analytics:

o Develop and maintain reports on sourcing activities, supplier performance, and cost savings.

o Use data analytics to drive decision-making and strategic planning.

Qualifications:

6 years related experience with BA or 4-5 years with MBA.

There is a component of environmental, social, and governance in the work, and lifecycle analysis (LCA) experience will be needed.

•Must be experienced with understanding of indirect sourcing/consultative work.

•Someone with good energy.

•Practical hands-on experience.

•Experience in a regulated environment.

•Experience in HR Sourcing and consulting, R&D and Engineering services — huge plus.