Procurement Professional Services Category Lead, Full-Time, Hybrid MA

Schedule

Summary:

This position will support our Professional Services Category. The position will be responsible for developing and implementing category strategies, managing supplier relationships, and optimizing costs for all Professional Servies-related procurements. This role requires a strategic thinker with strong negotiation skills, deep market knowledge, and the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Essential Functions:

• Category Strategy Development:
  
  
  
  • Develop and implement comprehensive category strategies for Professional Services, including consulting, legal, audit, financial services, HR-related services and lending services.
  • Analyze market trends, supplier capabilities and organizational requirements to identify cost-saving opportunities and innovative solutions.
  
  
  
  
• Supplier Management:
  
  
  
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and stakeholders.
  • Conduct regular supplier performance reviews and negotiations to ensure the best value and service levels.
  • Mange supplier risk and ensure compliance with company policies and industry procedures.
  
  
  
  
• Procurement Process Optimization:
  
  
  
  • Lead the procurement process from end-to-end, including RFP/RFQ, bid evaluation, contract negotiation, and supplier selection.
  • Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Ensure accurate and timely documentation and reporting of procurement activities.
  
  
  
  
• Cost Management
  
  
  
  • Develop and manage the Professional Services procurement budget.
  • Monitor and report on cost-saving initiatives and financial performance against targets.
  • Implement strategies to achieve cost reduction and value optimization.
  
  
  
  
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
  
  
  
  • Work closely with IT, finance, legal and other departments to ensure alignment of procurement activities with business objectives.
  • Facilitate effective communication and collaboration across teams to support project goals and timelines.
  
  
  
  
• Market Intelligence:
  
  
  
  • Stay abreast of market developments, emerging technologies, and industry best practices.
  • Provide insights and recommendations based on market intelligence to inform strategic decision-making.
  
  
  
  
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned or requested.
• Complies with regulatory compliance and assigned training requirements.

What You'll Need

Qualifications and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field. Master's degree or relevant professional certification (e.g., CPM, CPSM) is a plus.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in Professional Services procurement or a related field.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing category strategies and managing supplier relationships.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Proficiency in procurement software and tools, as well as Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in a Financial Institution, Credit Union specific, is a plus.
• Knowledge of IT hardware, software, and services procurement.
• Familiarity with legal and regulatory aspects of IT procurement.

What We Do

DCU is the largest credit union headquartered in New England - serving more than one million members in all 50 states. With over 1,700 team members, we strive to make DCU a great place to work with an excellent work-life balance and a community that cares.

DCU is an equal-opportunity employer, and we value diversity, inclusion, and equity at our company. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

If you're applying for a job and need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an email to career@dcu.org and let us know the nature of your request and contact information. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.

DCU is not currently offering Visa transfer/ sponsorship for this position.

Excepted Pay Range