Senior Category Manager, Corporate Services

Job Description:

Providing for loved ones, planning rewarding retirements, saving enough for whatever lies ahead – our policyholders count on us to be there when it matters most. It’s a big ask, but one that we have the power to deliver when we work together. We collaborate and innovate – pushing one another to transform not just Pacific Life, but the entire industry for the better.

Why? Because it’s the right thing to do. Pacific Life is more than a job, it’s a career with purpose. It’s a career where you have the support, balance, and resources to make a positive impact on the future – including your own.

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

As a Corporate 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 comfortable with ambiguity, able to think big without overlooking minute details, and thrives in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment, you’re perfect for our team.

• Strategic Sourcing & Category Management
  • Develop and execute sourcing category strategies for Corporate Services including Human Resources, Underwriting Services, Facilities, 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.

• Bachelor’s Degree required; MBA or advanced degree preferred
• 10+ years of hands‑on Strategic Sourcing experience
• Proven expertise in Category Management for Corporate Services including Human Resources, Underwriting Services, Facilities, 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.

• 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…