Global Category Manager

Position : Global Category Manager

Location : Cambridge, MA ( Hybrid for 8-10 days onsite a month)

Duration : 6+ Months

Position Summary :

The Global Category Manager (GCM) plans and leads complex global category initiatives for Real Estate & Capital Projects, primarily focused on office and lab space, with a typical spend portfolio exceeding 200 million dollars. This role manages key sub-categories including architectural and engineering, construction, furniture, and owner’s project management. The GCM is directly accountable for delivering significant savings and driving operational excellence and innovation by leading end-to-end sourcing, demand management, process re-engineering, and supplier performance efforts. The GCM serves as the subject matter expert for internal stakeholders and partners closely with senior procurement and business leaders within the client.

Key Responsibilities :

• Drive the execution of sub-category strategies (A&E, construction, furniture, owner’s project management) aligned with the client’s global objectives.
• Lead sourcing projects, demand management, and process re-engineering initiatives to achieve cost savings and operational efficiency.
• Build, manage, and report on a pipeline of category initiatives (savings, productivity, risk management, innovation).
• Negotiate contracts to secure favorable terms, pricing, and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Manage supplier relationships and oversee supplier performance against established KPIs.
• Act as category subject matter expert and primary point of contact for global stakeholders (procurement, real estate, senior leadership).
• Partner closely with the client’s Global Real Estate Team to support and execute the global capital plan for office and workplace projects.
• Translate business needs into procurement strategies.
• Drive cost-saving initiatives through strategic sourcing, competitive bidding, vendor consolidation, and supply base management.
• Oversee category-related compliance with procurement governance and corporate standards.
• Represent the category in global planning, stakeholder meetings, and project management activities.
• Support the advancement and standardization of category management processes, tools, and systems across the client.
• Ensure effective implementation and administration of contracts and category initiatives globally.
• Collate and analyze supplier, market, and internal business data to inform strategic decisions.

Qualifications :