Associate Manager, Category Strategy: Procurement - Third Party Data

Candidates who live within 50 miles of Boston, MA; Portsmouth, NH; Seattle, WA; Indianapolis, IN; Columbus, OH; or Plano, TX will follow a hybrid schedule, coming into the office two days per week. Otherwise, this role is remote.

Summary

We’re looking for a strategic, stakeholder focused procurement leader. This is a rare opportunity to sit at the center of high impact decisions, partnering with internal teams to unlock the right external data, connecting stakeholders to best-in-class providers, and scouting emerging vendors and solutions that can shape how we compete. You’ll lead the strategy category.  You’ll bring market expertise, sharp analytics, and strong negotiation skills to deliver meaningful savings, smarter contracts, and better outcomes across the business. If you thrive in fast-moving, cross-functional environments and want to make a visible impact through the power of third-party data, this role offers the platform to do it.

Responsible for development and advancement of one or more categories and supplier spend management strategies that support key business objectives/ priorities and result in significant cost savings, service/quality and process improvements within categories. The Category Strategist will be the category leader and key stakeholder relation manager for assigned categories. This position will act as an advocate and change-manager for the value of Procurement throughout assigned Functional Areas and Business Groups by demonstrating category knowledge, adding value and educating stakeholders on Strategic Sourcing process. The role will work closely with key stakeholders to develop effective cost reduction strategies and implement plans. This role will lead cross-functional, non-reporting teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop relationships and work with key business partners to understand strategic direction, supply requirements and corporate business objectives and priorities.
• Work collaboratively with Functional Area and Business Group partners to conduct opportunity identification and prioritization.
• Develop and execute multi -year category planning process to develop opportunity pipelines. Identify and prioritize sourcing initiatives within the categories through Category planning process for annual plan.
• Develop category/ sourcing strategies and lead/coordinate negotiation for a variety of assigned product and service areas.
• Build reputation as a subject matter expert for assigned product and service areas.
• Lead/participate in cross-functional teams in the development of sourcing strategies. Steps in the process include:
• Internal assessments of Company current and future needs; assessments of market trends and supply base;
• Understanding of supplier economics, agreement on optimal relationship between Company and prospective suppliers;
• Assessment of total cost of ownership and opportunities to leverage changes in process, systems and products to lower that cost;
• Working closely with the stakeholders to establish and execute the sourcing strategy, which will include development and implementation of communication strategies for key stakeholders on overall process, timing and end products.

• Deep understanding of third-party data products, suppliers, and market
• Effectively influences, collaborates, and partners with business leaders to drive results
• Develops solutions to complex problems
• Regularly uses ingenuity and innovation to develop solutions that are consistent with organization objectives
• Very strong analytic and negotiation skills
• Superior communications, interpersonal and presentation skills with strong influencing and persuasive abilities
• Understanding of Six Sigma and Project Management methodologies
• Experience interacting with and defending positions with stakeholders and senior management
• Leads through empowerment and instills sense of responsibility and self-discipline in subordinates
• Expertise in MS Office including Excel, Word and PowerPoint
• Working knowledge of online sourcing tools (ideally Ariba), SharePoint and Connect
• Bachelor’s degree (preferably in Business) or equivalent experience with at least 5 years’ experience in related field

Pay Philosophy: The typical starting salary range for this role is determined by a number of factors including skills, experience, education, certifications and location. The full salary range for this role reflects the competitive labor market value for all employees in these positions across the national market and provides an opportunity to progress as employees grow and develop within the role. Some roles at Liberty Mutual have a corresponding compensation plan which may include commission and/or bonus earnings at rates that vary based on multiple factors set forth in the compensation plan for the role.

At Liberty Mutual, our goal is to create a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported, and can thrive. We build an environment that welcomes a wide range of perspectives and experiences, with inclusion embedded in every aspect of our culture and reflected in everyday interactions. This comes to life through comprehensive benefits, workplace flexibility, professional development opportunities, and a host of opportunities provided through our Employee Resource Groups. Each employee plays a role in creating our inclusive culture, which supports every individual to do their best work. Together, we cultivate a community where everyone can make a meaningful impact for our business, our customers, and the communities we serve.

We value your hard work, integrity and commitment to make things better, and we put people first by offering you benefits that support your life and well-being. To learn more about our benefit offerings please visit: https://LMI.co/Benefits

Liberty Mutual is an equal opportunity employer. We will not tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, disability, veteran's status, pregnancy, genetic information or on any basis prohibited by federal, state or local law.

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