Procurement Specialist (Category Manager - Technology Sourcing)

The Procurement Specialist (Category Manager) leads and independently manages category and sourcing initiatives within Corporate Procurement, focusing on technology sourcing and related categories. The role involves developing procurement plans, conducting market research, managing bidding processes, negotiating contracts, and advising on policy matters to support the World Bank Group's procurement function globally.

Responsibilities

• Lead and independently manage the category and sourcing initiatives for categories within Corporate Procurement.
• Partner with clients to develop procurement plans; carry out market research to identify sources of supply, trend analysis and benchmarks.
• Develop evaluation criteria, generate solicitations, manage bidding process, review technical specifications for completeness and competitive qualities.
• Prepare contracts and engage vendors in process discussions and negotiate contract terms and conditions.
• Provide guidance and direction to Project Managers on commercial contract management issues.
• Demonstrate expert level understanding of commerciality and ability to demonstrate value for money through strategic planning, solicitation, and negotiations.
• Maximize positive impact on sustainability (diversity, environment, social responsibility) through the sourcing process and category management.
• Assess risks and work with business partners to mitigate risks through sourcing.
• Interact frequently with WBG staff at all levels and supplier representatives including heads of companies, VPs, account managers, sales representatives, commodity specialists, and technical representatives.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Supply Management, Finance Management, Marketing, Human Resources, Operations, Applied Economics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in category management and sourcing complex procurements, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proven experience in category management in Consulting, Labor, Technology or professional services.
• Knowledge of international procurement practices and public/private sector procedures.
• In-depth experience in corporate-level service procurement at an international organization or multinational company.
• Extensive experience in developing category strategies incorporating industry benchmarks, understanding sources of supply, market trends, pricing, etc.
• Strong negotiating skills, including ability to negotiate complex contract terms and conditions (e.g., international regulations, technology issues, data privacy, indemnification, intellectual property, cultural issues, assignment, contract termination).
• Knowledge of sustainable procurement trends and practices, including supplier diversity & inclusion activities.
• Strong interpersonal and analytical capabilities and logical problem-solving skills.
• Ability to structure data and assign resources effectively, monitor implementation and deliver results in line with project goals.
• Project Management skills with extensive experience in managing multiple related projects to ensure alignment with strategic objectives.
• Ability to deal sensitively in a multicultural environment and build effective working relationships with clients, colleagues, and other stakeholders.
• Expert user with MS Office applications (Excel, PPT, Word) and comfortable with adoption of technology and/or systems relevant to the functional area.
• Superior communication skills in English (verbal, written, and comprehension).
• Ability to resolve interpersonal conflict.
• Ability to function effectively in multi-disciplinary teams within a matrix management environment, as well as an individual contributor.
• Ability to analyze and compare various sources of data, information and digital content and storytelling.
• Embracement of various digital tools and advocate for the use of emerging technologies in work program delivery.

Skills

• Category Management
• Sourcing Technology
• Complex Procurement Processes
• International Procurement Procedures
• Corporate Service Procurement
• Category Strategy Development
• Market Research
• Contract Negotiation
• Sustainable Procurement
• Supplier Diversity
• Project Management
• Data Analysis
• Resource Allocation
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Conflict Resolution
• Multicultural Communication
• Digital Tools Utilization
• Emerging Technologies

Languages

English