(Hiring salary will be based on experience, credentials, pay equity, and statewide rules)

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

As a member of the DOAS Strategic Sourcing team, you will have the opportunity to implement complex IT and Services solicitations utilizing the Seven Stages of Procurement to reduce costs, optimize processes and leverage expertise in major categories of spend. Category Managers will be required to manage projects, build and lead teams of volunteer contributors from various government entities while supporting and enforcing applicable laws and policies.

Category Managers work on a team of professionals responsible for achieving target savings and performances for the assigned category, developing and executing procurement strategies that are designed to maximize customer satisfaction and minimize cost for the assigned categories within the category, and developing and maintaining strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders. The Category Manager we seek will be dynamic, progressive and collaborative; in a work environment that is vibrant, fast moving and stimulating. You will research selected markets and similar contracts; work with stakeholders, colleagues in other states and suppliers; and lead initiatives to inform and educate on markets, solicitation strategies and best practices to optimize contract benefits.

Join the Department of Administrative Services – State Purchasing Division, Strategic Sourcing team and help drive best-in-class sourcing strategies for the State of Georgia.

Job Responsibilities:

Set sourcing strategy based on overall procurement objectives, customer needs, supply market dynamics, technological changes in the marketplace and other relevant factors derived from extensive research.

Identify and finalize target savings for assigned category.

Manage and foster key relationships within category of responsibility with both internal personnel and external customers.

Deliver year to year cost reductions and maximize the total cost of ownership.

Collaborate with Contract Management and Data Team and any others as circumstances dictate to facilitate knowledge transfer and deliver optimal results.

Lead negotiations and drive for the best optimized value proposition (life-cycle management, TCO, value stream mapping, etc.)

Exhibit proactive communication; assess the need for immediate action.

Provide guidance, leadership and category expertise to peers and peer groups.

Develop, mentor, and coach others to execute strategies while building/elevating skills sets and career advancement.

Manage and execute Request for Quotes (RFQ’s), Request for Proposals (RFP’s) and other solicitation documents based on specified sourcing strategies and supervise subordinate employees in the performance of these functions.

Seek and share best practices (market analysis, cost modeling, risk analysis, benchmarking, eRFx, etc.) while developing synergies within the State Purchasing Division and with key stakeholders across the State’s enterprise.

Ensure that procurement activities are conducted in a professional and ethical manner.

Manage resource allocation within category activities and special projects within the group.

Exhibit excellent negotiation skills. Demonstrate strong decision making skills and make decisions that are consistent with the overall mission and goals of State Purchasing.

Answer protests and/or vendor questions for specific solicitations in accordance with established timeframes.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Efficient and effective research and benchmarking strategies

Strong presentation, oral and written communication skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Strong people management skills (managing, motivating, developing staff)

Ability to effectively work with internal and external stakeholders

Strong decision making skills

Strong category and strategic sourcing background

Ability to lead sourcing teams in the development of financial and technical evaluation criteria

Knowledge of pricing and negotiation strategies

Knowledge of major supply markets, categories, and products

Ability to think strategically

Ability to balance multiple complex initiatives and work with established time constraints

Familiarity with PeopleSoft 9.2

Familiarity with catalog management

Strong computer skills in the utilization of appropriate software (e.g. Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, PeopleSoft, SharePoint)

This position may require some travel.

Completion of a pre-employment background check is required.

DOAS participates in a hybrid work environment and

telework is encouraged with some days in the office required.

MINIMUM ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in business or public relations or a related field from an accredited college or university AND seven years’ experience in purchasing/contract or procurement sourcing AND two years as a manager

OR Two years’ experience at the lower level or equivalent (FEM050)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Preference will be given to applicants who, in addition to meeting the minimum qualifications, possess one or more of the following:

Ten or more years professional level experience in purchasing contracts or procurement/sourcing

Government procurement experience

Experience negotiating contractual terms and conditions

Experience using PeopleSoft Financials

Certification as a Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB), Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO), Certified Associate Contracts Manager (CACM), Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM), or a Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM or CPSM) Georgia Certified Procurement Manager (GCPM).

Applications accepted at Team Georgia Careers

Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or email. Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted by the hiring agency.

This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified.

DOAS is an equal opportunity employer

When applying for this position, you will be asked if you meet the minimum qualifications for this position as stated below and may possibly be presented with additional questions to assess preferred qualifications. Preference will be given to applicants who meet one or more of the preferred qualifications and have demonstrated experience clearly indicated in their work history.