Job Description

Position: Global Category Manager

Location: Cambridge, MA ( Hybrid for 8-10 days onsite a month)

Duration: 6+ Months

Position Summary:

The Global Category Manager (GCM) plans and leads complex global category initiatives for Real Estate & Capital Projects, primarily focused on office and lab space, with a typical spend portfolio exceeding 200 million dollars. This role manages key sub-categories including architectural and engineering, construction, furniture, and owner’s project management. The GCM is directly accountable for delivering significant savings and driving operational excellence and innovation by leading end-to-end sourcing, demand management, process re-engineering, and supplier performance efforts. The GCM serves as the subject matter expert for internal stakeholders and partners closely with senior procurement and business leaders within the client.

Key Responsibilities:

• Drive the execution of sub-category strategies (A&E, construction, furniture, owner’s project management) aligned with the client’s global objectives.

• Lead sourcing projects, demand management, and process re-engineering initiatives to achieve cost savings and operational efficiency.

• Build, manage, and report on a pipeline of category initiatives (savings, productivity, risk management, innovation).

• Negotiate contracts to secure favorable terms, pricing, and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

• Manage supplier relationships and oversee supplier performance against established KPIs.

• Act as category subject matter expert and primary point of contact for global stakeholders (procurement, real estate, senior leadership).

• Partner closely with the client’s Global Real Estate Team to support and execute the global capital plan for office and workplace projects.

• Translate business needs into procurement strategies.

• Drive cost-saving initiatives through strategic sourcing, competitive bidding, vendor consolidation, and supply base management.

• Oversee category-related compliance with procurement governance and corporate standards.

• Represent the category in global planning, stakeholder meetings, and project management activities.

• Support the advancement and standardization of category management processes, tools, and systems across the client.

• Ensure effective implementation and administration of contracts and category initiatives globally.

• Collate and analyze supplier, market, and internal business data to inform strategic decisions.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree (required) in supply chain, business, engineering, real estate, or a related field

• 7+ years of significant, hands-on experience managing large, complex procurement categories, ideally within the Real Estate and Capital Projects space.

• Experience supporting major corporate real estate or capital projects within a global or multinational context

• Demonstrated ability to negotiate, draft, and manage complex supplier contracts and relationships

• Strong analytical skills; experience conducting financial, spend, and market analysis for strategic decision-making

• Demonstrated success in driving cost reduction, productivity, or transformation initiatives.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, comfortable engaging with senior leaders (VP/SVP level) and diverse teams.

• Proficiency with procurement digital tools and systems (e.g., SAP Ariba, Coupa) and Microsoft Office Suite

• Strong understanding of procurement processes, compliance, governance, category management, and supplier performance frameworks.

• Preferred: Experience in pharmaceutical, life sciences, or other regulated industries; background in sustainability/LEED initiatives; exposure to multicultural/global team environments, familiarity with AIA contractual frameworks.

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