Category Manager, Global Real Estate & Construction Procurement AQ

Aquent is thrilled to partner with a premier global investment management organization, a leader in empowering clients to achieve their long‑term financial aspirations. Renowned for its deep research, enduring perspective, and unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional value, this organization offers a stable and impactful environment where strategic decisions truly drive global success. This is an unparalleled opportunity to leverage your expertise and leave a tangible, global mark on the operational efficiency and physical presence of a leading financial enterprise.

Are you ready to make a profound impact on the global footprint of a leading financial enterprise? We are seeking a visionary procurement leader to take the helm in shaping the physical infrastructure of dynamic global operations. This pivotal role will empower you to spearhead strategic sourcing and procurement for an expansive global real estate portfolio, directly influencing the design, construction, and operation of workplaces worldwide.

You’ll be instrumental in optimizing costs, ensuring unparalleled quality, and driving innovation across all capital projects, from initial architectural concepts to final construction and cutting‑edge workplace technology. This is an exceptional opportunity to leverage your commercial acumen and strategic foresight to implement best‑in‑class procurement practices, leaving a tangible mark on global presence and operational efficiency.

• Develop and execute comprehensive global category strategies for design, construction, project management, furniture, workplace technology, and facilities services. Conduct in-depth spend analysis, market intelligence, and risk assessments to pinpoint significant sourcing opportunities and lead optimization initiatives.
• Lead all sourcing activities for capital projects worldwide, including consultant selection, design services, owner’s representative services, furniture procurement, general contractors, and specialty vendors. Manage competitive processes (RFIs, RFQs, RFPs) with clear evaluation criteria, balancing cost, quality, schedule, and risk for optimal outcomes.
• Drive commercial negotiations and execute contracts for all design and construction-related agreements. Partner closely with legal and risk management teams to establish robust contract standards, negotiate favorable terms, and ensure appropriate risk allocation, insurance, and performance obligations.
• Establish and oversee governance programs for strategic design, construction, and workplace vendors. Conduct regular performance reviews, develop comprehensive scorecards, and collaborate with suppliers to foster continuous improvement, innovation, and efficient issue resolution.
• Act as a trusted commercial advisor to project managers, workplace planning teams, design leaders, and business stakeholders throughout the entire project lifecycle. Provide critical guidance on budgeting, forecasting, change orders, and claims management, ensuring all procurement activities align seamlessly with approved capital plans.
• Ensure strict adherence to corporate procurement policies, delegated authority, and financial controls. Champion ethical sourcing, transparency, and contribute to initiatives around supplier diversity, sustainability, and corporate responsibility. Utilize enterprise procurement and sourcing technology platforms to manage sourcing pipeline visibility, event execution, approvals, supplier records, and audit‑ready documentation.
• Build strong, trusted partnerships with senior business leaders, project sponsors, and cross‑functional stakeholders. Influence strategic sourcing decisions through data‑driven analysis and expert commercial judgment. Mentor team members…