Strategic Sourcing - Category Manager

Job Title: Strategic Sourcing - Category Manager Job Type: Hybird Role - Milwaukee, WI - 3 days a weekJob Duration: 12+ Months ContractResponsibilitiesSupport development and execution of category strategies for professional services spendIdentify opportunities for rate optimization, vendor consolidation, and scope rationalizationManage demand pipelines and align sourcing with organizational prioritiesExecute sourcing engagements across consulting firms, system integrators, staffing vendors, legal firms, and BPO providersDevelop and manage rate cards, benchmarking, and pricing frameworks across service providersNegotiate resource mix, utilization assumptions, and delivery models (onshore/offshore)Managed end-to-end sourcing cycle, understand business needs, perform vendor research to identify potential participants to getting the contract signedDevelop and published RFP in AribaConduct market research and analysis to identify potential suppliers, evaluate their capabilities, and gather market intelligence to support decision-making Lead supplier selection and qualification processes, including issuing RFIs, RFPs, and conducting supplier evaluations and negotiations Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand their requirements and ensure the sourcing strategy meets their needsNegotiate contracts, terms, and pricing with suppliers to secure favorable agreements that optimize value while mitigating risksManage project plan for all assigned sourcing requests from requirement gathering to contractingNegotiate contracts, terms, and pricing with suppliers to secure favorable agreements (MSA/SOW) that optimize value while mitigating risksLiaise with legal, business and supplier to finalize contractsDocument and analyze supplier responses to ensure it contains valid and detailed informationCo-ordination with various stakeholders (business, procurement, suppliers) for setting up meetings, presentations and other sessionsLiaising with business stakeholders, procurement team and suppliers to ensure timely and successful completions of tasks and activities (related to RFx events, NDA management and contracting)Partner with business stakeholders, Finance, Legal, and delivery teams to understand requirements and drive sourcing outcomesMaintaining project plans/ tracker for all requests and sourcing events, including timely reporting to all stakeholdersTrack and report savings, cost avoidance, and spend visibility across professional services categoriesQualificationsBachelor’s Degree5+ years of sourcing/procurement experience with a focus on professional services, consulting, advisory, BPO etcProven experience as a Sourcing Specialist, Procurement Specialist, or similar roleStrong knowledge of strategic sourcing methodologies, procurement best practices, and supplier managementMust possess excellent verbal and written communication skillsGood project management/ business analysis/ process analysis skillsStrong organizational skills with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple prioritiesProfessional certifications such as Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) or Project Management Professional (PMP)® Certification will be a plus