Global Category Manager

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.

Key Responsibilities:

• Drive the execution of sub-category strategies (A&E, construction, furniture, owner s project management) aligned with 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 favourable 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 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 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:

• Bachelor s degree (required) in supply chain, business, engineering, real estate, or a related field
• 7+ years of significant, hands-on experience managing large, complex procurement categories, ideally within the Real Estate and Capital Projects space.
• Experience supporting major corporate real estate or capital projects within a global or multinational context
• Demonstrated ability to negotiate, draft, and manage complex supplier contracts and relationships
• Strong analytical skills; experience conducting financial, spend, and market analysis for strategic decision-making
• Demonstrated success in driving cost reduction, productivity, or transformation initiatives.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, comfortable engaging with senior leaders (VP/SVP level) and diverse teams.
• Proficiency with procurement digital tools and systems (e.g., SAP Ariba, Coupa) and Microsoft Office Suite
• Strong understanding of procurement processes, compliance, governance, category management, and supplier performance frameworks.

Preferred:

• Experience in pharmaceutical, life sciences, or other regulated industries; background in sustainability/LEED initiatives; exposure to multicultural/global team environments, familiarity with AIA contractual frameworks.