Senior Group Manager - Procurement Services (IT Category) - WNS Denali, Powered by the Smart Cube

Outcome-driven companies partner with WNS Procurement to optimize their end-to-end procurement ecosystems, increase value, and outperform the market. Our practitioners provide a range of advisory and managed services, along with technology-enabled solutions, that help organizations increase procurement’s strategic impact on key business outcomes. WNS Denali has been recognized by several key industry analysts for excellence in areas such as Procurement BPO Services and Digital Transformation Services, and our mission is to utilize our expertise to enable growth for our clients. WNS Procurement provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

The Sr. Manager, Sourcing and Category Management (IT) is a member of a client dedicated procurement service delivery team responsible for co-leading (together with client)

This will be a remote role

IT category planning and strategy development, benchmarking, collecting market intelligence, managing stakeholders, and developing project pipelines.

He or she will lead the client’s defined strategic sourcing execution process, including building cost models, designing and launching of RFIs/RFPs, evaluating bids, planning and executing negotiation strategies, and making award recommendations.

Additionally, this role may be responsible for leading a team of 1-2 members.

A successful candidate will drive year-over-year savings while ensuring quality and service level requirements are met.

This role frequently interacts with senior members of the client’s organization, so he or she must have excellent communication skills and be comfortable leading and participating in discussions across levels and cultures.

In addition, he or she is also responsible for creating a positive work environment and fostering cross-functional and cross-regional collaboration.

Key Responsibilities / Job Duties 

Developing medium to long-term category strategies for a variety of IT sub-categories

Developing and executing sourcing strategies using the client’s strategic sourcing process· Identifying cost savings through negotiations, event driven activities, and alternate sourcing strategies to achieve assigned cost saving goals

Leading commercial negotiations and drafting contracts

Managing overall supplier relationships, including supplier performance, capability development, risk mitigation, cost savings, and quality improvements

If applicable, managing the team’s objective setting, performance, career growth, training, and competency development

Acting as the escalation point for the source to contract (S2C) team, communicating and resolving operational issues, and escalating to the Regional Delivery Lead as necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Hands-on knowledge of IT sub-categories (including IT Hardware, Software, Networking Equipment, Consulting, Managed Services)

Awareness of IT industry, key suppliers, major trends, cost drivers, pricing models and contracting structures

Deep understanding of strategic sourcing methods and approaches and an ability to apply various concepts to category-level activities at the client

Ability to determine the appropriate procurement strategy for assigned categories and business requirements

Ability to draft simple to complex contractual agreements

Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills

Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to provide custom solutions to address the client’s challenges

Ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects and initiatives simultaneously

Strong leadership skills, including ability to motivate and manage people

Proficiency using Microsoft Office tools such as Excel, Word and PowerPoint

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor’s Degree, MBA preferred

10 – 12 years of work experience strategic sourcing and category management. 

7+ years of experience with IT and related sub-categories

Additional information

Business Fundamentals:

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Demonstrated teamwork and team leadership capabilities

Client Services Capabilities:

Strong customer service orientation including demonstrated issue resolution and relationship management skills

Ability to learn and master client specific processes, terminology, political environment, systems and unique requirements by various business groups

Solid decision-making ability using available facts in sensitive client situations• Contract negotiation and drafting