Category Manager - Professional Services

Accountabilities: Develop and execute strategic sourcing and category management plans for consultants, contract labor, staff augmentation, professional services, and related spend. Build and maintain strategic relationships with staffing agencies, consultants, contractors, and professional services providers to understand supplier capabilities, market rates, and emerging talent trends. Partner with business stakeholders across departments to understand workforce needs, required skills, project timelines, and budget constraints. Conduct market research and benchmarking to identify best practices, establish pricing baselines, and monitor trends in talent sourcing and professional services. Lead procurement processes, including RFx activities, supplier evaluations, vendor selection, rate negotiations, and contract finalization. Negotiate supplier and service provider contracts, ensuring competitive commercial terms, compliance with internal policies, and alignment with legal and risk requirements. Collaborate with Legal and Finance teams on supplier onboarding, contracting, compliance, and invoicing processes. Identify cost-saving opportunities, optimize category spend, negotiate favorable rates, and deliver measurable return on investment. Monitor supplier performance through regular business reviews, quality assessments, and continuous improvement initiatives. Prepare business cases and presentations outlining sourcing recommendations, cost-saving initiatives, and supplier decisions to secure stakeholder alignment. Track and report key performance indicators, including spend, headcount, savings, supplier performance, and compliance across talent categories. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of staffing markets, professional services ecosystems, and talent management best practices. Requirements: Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Procurement, Human Resources, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience. At least 8 years of experience in strategic sourcing, category management, or procurement. At least 3 years of demonstrated experience managing talent-related categories, such as staffing, consulting, professional services, or contract labor. Proven track record of delivering cost savings, negotiating contracts, and managing supplier relationships. Deep understanding of staffing markets, talent ecosystems, and professional services industries. Knowledge of HR processes, compliance requirements, and employment-related considerations, including W-2 and 1099 classifications, visa sponsorship, and employment law implications. Strong strategic thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills. Excellent negotiation, contract management, and supplier relationship management capabilities. Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all organizational levels. Proficiency in procurement systems, data analysis tools, and Microsoft Office. Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously. Results-oriented mindset and a demonstrated ability to deliver measurable business impact. Resourceful and entrepreneurial approach, with the ability to drive initiatives independently and with limited resources. Collaborative working style and ability to build relationships across functions, cultures, geographies, and time zones. Strong attention to detail, sense of urgency, and commitment to seeing initiatives through to completion. Legally authorized to work in Canada. Employment sponsorship is not available for this position. Willingness to travel occasionally to meet with suppliers, clients, and internal stakeholders. Benefits: Fully remote work arrangement, with a home office setup. Full-time employment. Annual starting salary range of CAD $96,000–$122,000 for candidates based in Canada. Compensation within the stated range depends on relevant skills, education, qualifications, experience, performance, organizational needs, and geographic location. Flexible work arrangements within a virtual-first environment. Opportunities for learning and professional development. Collaborative, international working environment focused on innovation, data-driven decisions, trust, and accountability.