Sr Category Manager, Professional & Outsourced Services

*
* Job Description:

** We’re actively seeking a talented Professional & Outsourced Services Sr. Category Manager to join our Global Procurement Solutions team in either Charlotte, NC or Newport Beach, CA. Relocation Assistance may be provided.

As a Professional & Outsourced Services Sr. Category Manager, you’ll play a key role in Pacific Life’s growth and long-term success by supporting execution of key strategic sourcing initiatives set forth by sourcing managers within the Procurement Function. You’ll be responsible for supporting execution of spend and supply/market analysis, strategy development, execution of RFx activities, vendor evaluation/selection, negotiation of terms and conditions and bid award activities.

If you’re an expert in strategy and sourcing who’s a self-starter who’s comfortable with ambiguity, able to think big without overlooking minute details, and who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, you’re perfect for our team.

How you’ll help move us forward:
* ** Strategic Sourcing & Category Management**  + Develop and execute sourcing category strategies for professional services including Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), Third-Party Administrators (TPA), Management Consulting, Actuarial Consulting, General Consulting, and other specialty services.  + Execute multiple medium to high risk and complex projects simultaneously.  + Conduct market research, benchmarking, and analysis to inform category strategies.  + Lead RFx initiatives and contract negotiations to maximize value, reduce costs, and mitigate risk.  

+ Redline contracts to ensure compliance with corporate policies and favorable terms.
* ** Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration**  + Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders and senior leadership.  + Partner with Vendor Management to define and monitor SLAs and KPIs.  + Drive alignment, adoption, and compliance with category strategies across the organization.  + Lead cross-functional teams and projects as needed.
* ** Analytics & Decision Support**  + Perform advanced quantitative analysis to assess financial impacts and category performance.  + Interpret complex data, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions to optimize procurement processes.  + Develop models to improve cost efficiency and business outcomes.
* ** Innovation & Cost Improvement**  + Champion the adoption of new technologies and best practices to enhance procurement effectiveness.  + Identify and implement opportunities for continuous process improvement and innovation.  + Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, risk management standards, and corporate policies.
* ** Global Sourcing**  + Manage international vendors and lead global sourcing initiatives.

The experience you bring:
* Bachelor’s Degree required; MBA or advanced degree preferred
* 10+ years of hands-on Strategic Sourcing experience
* Proven expertise in Category Management for Professional Services including Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), Third-Party Administrators (TPA), Management Consulting, Actuarial Consulting, General Consulting, and other specialty services..
* Experience with ERP, GRC and Procurement systems ( e.g., Coupa, Archer, People Soft).
* Advanced proficiency in Excel; strong skills in PowerPoint and Word.
* Strong mathematical and analytical skills with attention to detail.
* Ability to work independently and solve complex problems in a fast-paced environment.
* Excellent interpersonal, leadership, and communications skills.
* Demonstrated success in stakeholder management and vendor negotiations.
* Experience in risk management, compliance, and global strategic sourcing.

What makes you stand out:
* Procurement certifications (e.g., CPSM, CIPS).
* Experience in emerging technologies such as RPA, AI, and blockchain.
* Familiarity with business intelligence tools (e.g., Tableau, Alteryx, Power

BI).
* Track record of managing large strategic professional services vendors
* Deep knowledge of RFx processes and contract lifecycle management.

You can be who you are.

People come first here. We’re committed to an inclusive workforce. Learn more about how we create a welcoming work environment…