Category Manager - HR Services
Location: Houston, TX preferred, Remote is an option
Duration: 12-months
Pay Rate: up to $35/hour W2
The Category Specialist for Professional Services will support our client with the sourcing, procurement, and supplier management activities for HR-related services, including Employee Benefits, Staff Augmentation, Consulting, and other HR-related categories. The role will focus on executing sourcing initiatives, managing vendor relationships, and supporting the overall category strategy as defined by senior management.
Key Responsibilities:
Sourcing and Procurement Support
- Assist in executing sourcing initiatives, including Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and Requests for Quotations (RFQs) for HR services, Employee Benefits, and Consulting.
- Conduct market research, supplier analysis, and spend analysis to support procurement decisions.
- Coordinate with suppliers to obtain quotes, clarify specifications, and manage bid processes.
Supplier Relationship Support -
- Help maintain relationships with key suppliers by assisting with contract administration, performance tracking, and issue resolution.
- Support supplier negotiations for pricing, terms, and contract renewals under the guidance of senior category managers.
Category Administration -
- Assist in managing purchase orders, invoices, and other procurement documentation to ensure compliance with company policies.
- Help monitor supplier performance metrics, contract compliance, and cost-saving initiatives.
- Maintain and update procurement systems (e.g., SAP Ariba, Oracle) with current supplier information, pricing, and contract terms.
Cross-functional Collaboration -
- Work closely with internal teams (HR, Finance, and Legal) to understand business needs and ensure alignment with procurement activities.
- Provide regular reports and updates to category managers on procurement progress, supplier performance, and contract status.
Cost Optimization Support -
- Support cost-saving initiatives by conducting spend analysis and identifying opportunities for cost reduction or service improvement.
- Assist in tracking and reporting on savings achieved through procurement activities.
Risk Management -
- Help identify and escalate supply chain or service risks to category managers.
- Assist in maintaining continuity of services by working with suppliers on contingency planning.
Qualifications:
- Bachelors degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Human Resources, or related field preferred.
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in procurement or sourcing, ideally in HR Services, Employee Benefits, Staff Augmentation, or Consulting.
- Basic knowledge of procurement processes and contract management.
- Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Excel and procurement software (e.g., SAP Ariba, Oracle).
Preferred Skills:
- CIPS, CPSM, or other procurement-related certifications are a plus.
- Experience in large, multinational organizations or the industrial sector.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks.
Key Competencies:
- Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills for working with suppliers and internal teams.
- Proactive problem-solver with a collaborative mindset.