This role in summary

The ideal candidate will possess the right balance of strategic thought leadership, analytics, and operational excellence to optimize results for Whirlpool Corporation. A highly visible role working closely with senior business leaders, legal, and procurement to analyze, develop, and drive category sourcing strategy and respective initiatives to deliver breakthrough results in terms of cost savings, free cash flow, and supply base rationalization.

The IT services Category Manager is responsible for the strategic sourcing, vendor relationship management, and contract management of IT services categories. This role will work closely with internal stakeholders to develop and implement sourcing strategies that meet the needs of the business while also driving savings and value. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of the IT services market, as well as experience in strategic sourcing, contract management, and vendor relationship management. May be responsible for the direct supervision of various levels of procurement staff.

The role will require the definition and enforcement of policy and process associated with vendor management functions, including collaboration with business units and stakeholders who may be responsible for adherence to or execution of policy and process.

Employees in this role can work a hybrid schedule of three core days in the office and two days remote. This enables employees to come together to collaborate in person and gives employees the added flexibility to work remotely.

Your responsibilities will include

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies for IT services categories
• Manage vendor relationships and contracts
• Lead negotiations and negotiate favorable pricing and terms with vendors
• Monitor vendor performance and ensure compliance with contracts
• Achieve (year-on-year) value improvements for all aspects of quality, service, innovation, and cost
• Work closely with internal stakeholders to understand their needs and ensure that sourcing strategies meet those needs
• Stay up-to-date on the latest trends in the IT services market
• Interact and partner with IT, Legal, and other key stakeholder groups

Minimum requirements

• Bachelor's Degree
• 5+ years of experience in IT, Strategic Sourcing, Contract Management, or Vendor Relationship Management

Preferred skills and experiences

• Strong analytical and negotiation skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Global Category Management experience (Strategy Development and Execution in accordance with Strategic Sourcing methodology)
• Demonstrated leadership, customer service, problem-solving, communication, negotiation, tact, judgment, and organizational skills
• Influencing and leading internal teams and external suppliers to deliver results
• Proficiency in Procurement tools (P2P, ERP, e-sourcing. etc.

RSRWH