Category Manager - Marketing

IBM Category Manager - Marketing in Toronto, Ontario

Introduction

In this procurement consulting role, the Category Manager will lead the development, execution, and ongoing management of category/sourcing strategies for IBM's Procurement BPO clients. Above and beyond strategic sourcing activities, the Category Manager should understand external variables, learn the internal landscape of our client (requirements, organizational structure, priorities) and develop relationships to successfully deliver improved cost, reduced risk, and more efficient programs.

Your Role and Responsibilities

1. Understand business requirements (priorities, challenges, and key value drivers) and address the requirements as appropriate via commercial procurement activities.
2. Develop and secure cross-functional alignment for annual category strategies and/or sourcing strategies for the assigned areas of responsibility.
3. Implement category strategies utilizing various commercial levers that deliver improved value such as lower cost, reduced risk, increased flexibility, and improved business outcomes for IBM's clients.
4. Build deep relationships with cross-functional client stakeholders by providing compelling category insights & strategies, aligning and delivering results against commercial plans, and providing consistent professional communication & issue resolution.
5. Play an active role in supplier/agency relationship management (SRM) through leading or participating in key meetings, documenting mutual feedback and action items, ensuring right stakeholder engagement and through senior interactions with agencies where needed.
6. Identify cost savings opportunities across the client's Marketing spend.
7. Act as a trusted advisor and SME in the areas of sourcing and negotiating contracts for Marketing and other Indirect categories.
8. Achieve cost savings, risk mitigation, and process efficiencies through various value levers.
9. Lead the supplier selection process across multiple simultaneous projects within the category.
10. Lead negotiations with current and potential suppliers as part of the contract renewal or vendor selection process.
11. Collect and analyze internal/external category data, metrics, and reports to track performance against targets and identify new sourcing opportunities or category insights.
12. Innovate within the procurement space; look at new ways to structure programs or categories, benefit from changes in supply market, or modify tools/processes to add value.
13. Provide support throughout the sourcing and contracting process when necessary, ensuring seamless handoff to our clients when appropriate.

Required Technical and Professional Expertise

1. A minimum of 7 years of strategic sourcing and category management experience.
2. 4+ years sourcing Marketing categories in areas such as: Creative & Advertising, Production, Digital, Media, Branding, Promotional Items, Market Research, and Events.
3. Strong communication skills with proven ability to analyze data & present findings in a clear and cohesive manner.
4. Candidates must be detail oriented self-starters, with a demonstrated record of taking end-to-end ownership, solving problems, and learning from failures. Must be comfortable working independently in ambiguous situations, and managing external vendor relationships.
5. Candidates must be willing and able to travel to client locations based on business requirements.
6. The required location for this position is Toronto, ON.

Preferred Technical and Professional Expertise

1. Previous experience in a client facing / consultative role.
2. Degree in Business, Law, Supply Chain Management or other applicable field.

Location Statement

Must have the ability to work in Canada without sponsorship.

Being You @ IBM

IBM is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, caste, genetics, pregnancy, disability, neurodivergence, age, veteran status, or other characteristics. IBM is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.