Strategic Sourcing Category Lead

Are you a leader with deep subject matter expertise in technology procurement looking to continue growing your career? If so, then this could be the role for you!

This role has the ability to work hybrid or completely remote anywhere in the United States.

Aon is in the business of better decisions

At Aon, we shape decisions for the better to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world.

As an organization, we are united through trust as one inclusive, diverse team, and we are passionate about helping our colleagues and clients succeed.

What the day will look like

The Strategic Sourcing Category Lead leads or assists internal project teams in the sourcing process to yield cost savings / spend reduction, while maintaining appropriate levels of quality, governed by contracts that minimize Aon’s risk.

• Ability to independently manage teams of internal category / subject-matter experts through the strategic sourcing process, for levels of transactions of above average complexity
• This position works closely with the business units and the shared services organization, applying the Global Spend Management sourcing and procurement policies and strategies to meet the needs of internal customer requirements
• Leads project teams throughout the sourcing process for complicated IT Hardware (compute, storage, network), Telecom, Data center and Cloud services projects
• Leads cross-functional teams in the development of sourcing strategies for the category
• Plans and executes a strategy of both direct and indirect influence efforts in order to gain support and ownership from others
• Gains broad agreement from others or bridges differences when viewpoints may be very far apart.
• Identify and pre-qualify potential suppliers
• Construct financial and qualitative models to provide fact-based assessments of suppliers’ abilities to meet / exceed Aon’s needs at competitive price points
• Role models active listening to ensure clear identification of both the content and emotion of a message
• Embrace the corporate supplier diversity objectives and seek to contract with diverse firms, or secure commitments from primary suppliers to subcontract / utilize diverse suppliers.
• Draft and negotiate business contract language of above average complexity
• Encourages others to push for closure and make decisions even when there is not a total agreement or consensus
• Assist internal client with gaining consensus for final recommendation, finalize agreement accordingly and timely, and assist with implementation / transition / communication
• Experience in presenting and communicating to various levels of the organization
• Manage the overall relationship with IT Hardware (compute, storage, network), Telecom, Data center and Cloud services suppliers, including the goals and objectives of the business
• Remain involved in quarterly review meetings with supplier to stay current on issues, validate that supplier is performing according to the contract, and be able to re-source when agreement comes due
• Effectively manage projects with a pipeline of sourcing activities and deliver on associated timelines
• Help to train / develop Sourcing Specialists
• Strong relationship building skills
• Ability to work in a geographically diverse workplace

How this opportunity is different

This role will give you the opportunity to potentially work across both a variety of geographies and stakeholder groups.

Skills and experience that will lead to success

• 
  Eight plus years of experience in a technology focused sourcing environment with exposure to hardware, telecom and cloud-based products strongly preferred.
• Strong proficiency in managing multiple sourcing activities
• Direct people management experience is preferred
• Sourcing experience with software products is a plus

Education: Bachelor’s degree in relevant field or equivalent years of industry experience.

How we support our colleagues

In addition to our comprehensive benefits package, we encourage a diverse workforce. Plus, our agile, inclusive environment allows you to manage your wellbeing and work/life balance, ensuring you can be your best self at Aon. Furthermore, all colleagues enjoy two “Global Wellbeing Days” each year, encouraging you to take time to focus on yourself. We offer a variety of working style solutions, but we also recognize that flexibility goes beyond just the place of work... and we are all for it. We call this Smart Working!

Our continuous learning culture inspires and equips you to learn, share and grow, helping you achieve your fullest potential. As a result, at Aon, you are more connected, more relevant, and more valued.

Aon values an innovative, diverse workplace where all colleagues feel empowered to be their authentic selves. Aon is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.

Aon provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran, marital, domestic partner status, or other legally protected status. Aon is committed to a diverse workforce and is an affirmative action employer. People with criminal histories are encouraged to apply.

We provide individuals with disabilities reasonable accommodations to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment in accordance with applicable law. Please contact us to request an accommodation on ReasonableAdjustments@Aon.com

Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

The salary range for this position (intended for U.S. applicants) is $135,000 to $185,000. The actual salary will vary based on applicant’s education, experience, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. The salary may also be adjusted based on applicant’s geographic location.

This position is eligible to participate in one of Aon’s annual incentive plans to receive an annual discretionary bonus in addition to base salary. The amount of any bonus varies and is subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable incentive plan.

Aon offers a comprehensive package of benefits for full-time and regular part-time colleagues, including, but not limited to: a 401(k) savings plan with employer contributions; an employee stock purchase plan; consideration for long-term incentive awards at Aon’s discretion; medical, dental and vision insurance, various types of leaves of absence, paid time off, including 12 paid holidays throughout the calendar year, 15 days of paid vacation per year, paid sick leave as provided under state and local paid sick leave laws, short-term disability and optional long-term disability, health savings account, health care and dependent care reimbursement accounts, employee and dependent life insurance and supplemental life and AD&D insurance; optional personal insurance policies, adoption assistance, tuition assistance, commuter benefits, and an employee assistance program that includes free counseling sessions. Eligibility for benefits is governed by the applicable plan documents and policies.

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