Optimize is the procurement capability of the firm creating leading solutions and experiences across our supplier ecosystem; enabling colleagues and the firm to live our purpose confidently.We are structured as 7 categories (Real Estate, Travel, External Workers, HR/Benefits, Learning, External Client Capabilities, and Events) and 7 functions (Purchasing, Sourcing, Risk, Sustainable Procurement, Operations, Tech Enablement Solutions and Strategic Planning).We are formalizing Technology as the 8th category with IT Category Director as it's leader. You will convene and work closely with 4 key stakeholder departments – Optimize, T&D, Client Tech and practice leaders.You will have an opportunity to lead an at-scale critical $800M+ IT portfolio of the firm across hundreds of suppliers. Your performance will be evaluated against key metrics, including the realization of an IT category strategy supporting the business strategy (i.e., innovation), financial impact, adherence to sustainable procurement & risk standards, and the strategic growth of the category.As a Category Director, you will steer the long-term direction of IT procurement and category management, aligning initiatives with the firm's strategic goals. Your role will involve developing strategic plans, leading cross-functional teams, fostering high-impact supplier partnerships, and driving innovation and efficiency across the procurement process.As the inaugural leader of the IT Category, you will be charged with developing a robust business plan to establish the team's structure and secure approval for its growth. Initially operating without direct reports, you will lay the groundwork for a scalable department.You will act as a CoE for colleagues/practices to strategically source, host, deploy and manage a best-in-class IT portfolio for client service and innovation enablement, aligning with the IT Function and firm's overall business strategy and aspiration.You will also keep a risk first view and safeguard our firm by governing and managing third party risks. Your stewardship will extend to resource allocation and expenditure, ensuring optimal utilization, cost minimization, and strategic investment management. Additionally, you will be instrumental in embedding sustainable procurement practices to promote responsible sourcing and long-term value creation.You will communicate vision and strategy to firm leaders to increase awareness of services and priorities; recommend innovative solutions and improvement opportunities to firm leadership based on analysis of Technology trends, key metrics, including colleague satisfaction, policy compliance, spend and vendor performance.You will develop and oversees strategic relationships both internally and with key external parties (e.g., vendors, industry experts, peers in other organizations) to build/maintain cutting-edge industry knowledge and leverage best practices to shape innovative strategies and solutions.You will maintain strong links with stakeholders to ensure Optimize is strongly integrated with firm's/practice's agenda including offerings, integrated client approaches, recipes, assets and delivery of knowledge to Client Service Teams (CSTs).You will serve as thought partner to Category Management team, cell leadership and other senior leaders providing expert guidance to resolve highly complex and sensitive escalation issues. You will orchestrate the resources to deliver priorities, set organizational structure and performance expectations for an engaged, participative category.You will have a growth mindset and demonstrate leadership that meets the Function and firm's needs, deliver as 'One Optimize', driving integration and collaboration within Optimize, operates as role model for developing talent in/outside of Category Management through coaching, feedback and providing growth opportunities.A visionary leader with a robust track record in IT procurement and category management within a global corporate landscapeBachelor's degree in business, supply chain management, or a related field; master's degree or professional certification is a plus10+ years of proven experience in IT procurement, vendor management, and category management, preferably in a similar role; open to consultants, C&I, product engineering/management with relevant experienceCommanding knowledge of current and emerging IT solutions, including AI, software, SaaS, cloud services, and hardware, with the ability to converse fluently with IT experts and leadersKnowledge of risk, legal and compliance requirements related to technology/procurement (i.e. well-versed in relevant laws, regulations, and standards that affect IT procurement, such as data privacy laws and compliance requirements)Demonstrated ability to interact with and influence leadership as a peer and operate as an integral member of the team collaborating in a complex organization with various firm cellsAbility to manage multiple points of view and perspectives towards syndicated solution; results oriented, highly equipped at delivering measurable outcomes and overcoming challengesComfort with navigating ambiguous situations with thoughtfulness and pragmatismStrong problem solving, structuring, communications and client service capabilitiesAn entrepreneurial, action and growth-oriented mindset
