Procurement Category Manager - It

Procurement Category Manager - IT

Job purpose

CLS recognises procurement capability has a huge potential to contribute to cost management capability as well as improving the value from our vendors. This role is to develop CLS’s Procurement capability, moving it from a tactical requisition-based engagement model to a function supporting strategic vendor-based decisions.

The Category Manager is to embrace the Procurement vision, supporting the day-to-day business activities for all procurement aspects of CLS’s vendor engagements, across all divisions globally - ensuring appropriate levels of risk control, appreciation of business drivers, optimisation of costs, and strong negotiation of contractual terms, whilst maintaining exemplary standards of quality and collaboration both with vendors and stakeholders alike.

Essential Function / major duties and responsibilities of the job

The Category Manager defines and implements the strategy of the relevant category, whilst driving sourcing initiatives as required, whether it is for operational, or project related work as required. The Category Manager promotes and works within the agreed Third-Party Management Framework (TPM) and is a strong advocate for the Procurement Team procedures, while promoting value-add that will assist CLS to meet its targets. In addition, the Category Manager supports the Head of Procurement in developing CLS Procurement capabilities, transforming it from a tactical requisition-based engagement model to a function supporting strategic vendor-based decisions.

§ Research and identify innovative procurement solutions for assigned category or initiative

§ Develop category strategy plans, including road map and stakeholder mapping

§ Develop effective relationships with internal stakeholders that support the Procurement strategy

§ Develop effective relationships with 3rd Parties, adhering to emerging SRM framework

§ Lead and communicate with cross-functional teams to execute strategy and drive performance

§ Raise and maintain Procurement Profile

§ Conduct strategic sourcing initiatives including fact-based negotiations (vendor and industry analysis, benchmarks and cost structure analysis)

§ Negotiate commercials and contract terms with support of legal and Risk Domains

§ Mitigate contractual risks as identified in the service segmentation and work with the internal stakeholders to ensure they understand and ultimately own the risks not mitigated.

§ Ensure each treatment strategy of the vendor, used for on-going monitoring, is adequately contracted and communicated to the relevant service owner and vendor relationship owner.

§ Support vendors’ exit strategy

Operational

§ Ensure sourcing and category initiatives meet the top corporate objectives of the organisation

§ Report and track benefits and performance of implemented category plans

§ Lead and support the business to utilise the P2P (Purchase to Pay) system to ensure compliance with financial standards

§ Improve TPM Lifecycle through a series of enhancements

§ Support the remediations of any Procurement findings derived from either Internal Audit or FRBNY examinations.

Talent Nurturing and Team Management

§ Leads by example

§ Take personal responsibility for embedding the highest standards of ethics, including regulatory and business conduct, across CLS

§ Ability to use strong interpersonal and leadership skills, to effective coach, assist others with personal development, while being emotionally resilient and able to maintain high performance.

Experience / essential and desired for successful job performance

§ Minimum 5 years plus in similar role

§ Degree and Procurement certification achieved (i.e. CIPS)

§ Experience working for an FMI ( Financial Market Infrastructure) is preferable

§ Coaching experience required

Qualifications / certifications

§ Undergraduate Degree/CIPS accreditation desirable

Knowledge, skills and abilities / competencies required for successful job performance

Knowledge

§ Procurement and Supply Chain in-depth knowledge

§ Contract Law and legal knowledge relevant to Procurement activities

§ Experience of applying Procurement skills and techniques to positively disrupt business strategy and outcomes.

§ Proven track record in taking ownership for resolving issues within Procurement environment.

§ Excellent Stakeholder management skills with the ability to build and maintain complex and multiple business stakeholder relationships.

§ Team management or coaching initiative

Skills and Abilities

§ Commercial acumen

§ Strong negotiation skills

§ Ability to clearly articulate and communicate

§ Strong decision-making attributes

§ Project management preferable

§ Problem solving

§ Analytical mindset

§ Ability to interpret a range of differing priorities

Success factors / ‘How’. Personal characteristics contributing to an individual’s ability to excel in the position

§ Customer satisfaction at the forefront

§ Team player with the ability to work constructively and flexibly in a regulated environment - including assisting in tasks which are not necessarily within their immediate responsibility when required.

§ Strong collaboration and influencing skills with all stakeholders.

§ Category plans that deliver savings & improvements

§ Flexible and willing to ‘go the extra mile’.

§ Proactive individual with a ‘can do’ attitude