Procurement Category Manager | Professional Services

Job Overview

We are seeking a Procurement Category Manager for Professional Services to support the Technology team at a Fortune 100 company. The role involves developing category strategies, guiding engagement models, and leading commercial negotiations for technology and outsourcing initiatives in a hybrid work environment with in‑person collaboration in the Columbus, Ohio office two days per week.

• Partner with Business Partners, Finance, Technology, and other Procurement team members to manage new sourcing requests and current contract pipelines for multimillion‑dollar categories.
• Collaborate with reporting teams to develop data analytics and recommend revisions to Procurement policies and procedures to ensure a predictable and efficient process.
• Conduct advanced, continuous industry research and benchmark analysis within defined spend categories.
• Establish category strategies for highly technical domains, monitor purchasing trends, and identify top suppliers and innovations.
• Build forecasts of demand, service level requirements, total cost of ownership models, and contractual risk requirements; identify cost‑reduction opportunities and provide recommendations.
• Act as a Project Manager with business partners, Finance, and Technology as needed.
• Facilitate competitive bid activities, including RFP, RFQ, and RFI, and negotiate contract terms, conditions, clauses, and service level agreements.
• Document achieved savings for Finance approval.
• Assess supplier risk prior to contract and collaborate with risk partners such as Information Risk Management, Technology Review Boards, and Privacy teams for specialized assessments.
• Align category goals with sustainability best practices and maximize usage of approved suppliers.
• Mentor and train new associates on Procurement policies, processes, and sourcing skills.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned.

• Undergraduate degree in supply chain, procurement, business, finance, accounting, management information systems, economics, or a related field.
• Eight or more years of experience in all aspects of supply chain management or a closely related industry.
• Professional certifications in procurement, purchasing, or project management a plus.
• Strong knowledge of supply chain practices, legal environment, enterprise structure, financial controls, and data processing concepts.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, mathematics, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to develop and maintain strong supplier relationships and lead project teams toward common objectives.
• Experience influencing decisions with limited authority and training others on complex procurement policies.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Exempt position. Normal office environment with hybrid work model requiring in‑person collaboration in Ohio two days per week. Occasional extended and non‑standard hours based on business needs.

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Life insurance, short‑term and long‑term disability coverage
• Paid time off: minimum 18 days per calendar year (pro‑rated by hire date), nine paid holidays, 8 hours of Lifetime Paid Time Off, 8 hours of Unity Day Paid Time Off
• 401(k) with company match
• Company‑paid pension plan
• Business casual attire

Nationwide is an equal‑opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels challenged, appreciated, respected, and engaged. Nationwide prohibits discrimination and harassment and affords equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable law.