Senior Procurement Specialist (Category Head - Technology)

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank Group (WBG) is a global partnership of five institutions established to provide financial and technical assistance to developing countries. Founded in 1944, the organization aims to reduce poverty and support development by providing loans, grants, and expertise. With 189 member countries and over 120 offices worldwide, the WBG is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for development. The organization focuses on various sectors, including education, health, infrastructure, and environmental sustainability, and works closely with public and private sector partners to implement projects that address the most pressing global challenges.

Job Overview:
The Senior Procurement Specialist (Category Head - Technology) position at the World Bank involves leading a team of Category Managers and Analysts in the procurement of technology-related goods and services. This role requires a deep understanding of category management strategies and practices, particularly in IT and related services. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and implementing category strategies that optimize costs, enhance supplier performance, and align with the organization's objectives. The position also entails providing strategic leadership and oversight across multiple procurement categories, ensuring effective stakeholder engagement, and fostering team development. The Category Head will work closely with senior business leaders and stakeholders to ensure procurement strategies meet operational and strategic business needs, while also managing complex sourcing initiatives and negotiations for major contracts.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Category Strategy and Leadership: Develop and oversee the implementation of category strategies across assigned spend categories, identify opportunities for cost optimization, value creation, demand management, and process improvement. Drive a category management approach focusing on total cost of ownership, supplier innovation, and long-term value. Lead periodic category reviews and strategic planning exercises.
• Team Leadership and People Management: Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Category Managers and procurement professionals. Establish clear objectives, priorities, and performance expectations for team members. Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, continuous improvement, and customer service. Support staff development through coaching, training, and succession planning. Monitor workload distribution and ensure efficient allocation of resources across categories and projects.
• Strategic Sourcing Oversight: Provide oversight and guidance on complex, high-value, and strategic sourcing initiatives. Review and approve sourcing strategies, procurement approaches, solicitation documents, and evaluation methodologies. Ensure procurement activities are conducted in accordance with organizational policies and governance requirements. Support negotiations for major contracts and strategic supplier agreements. Ensure timely delivery of procurement outcomes while maintaining quality and compliance standards.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Business Partnership: Build strong relationships with senior business leaders and key stakeholders. Act as a trusted advisor on procurement, sourcing, and category management matters. Ensure procurement strategies are aligned with operational and strategic business requirements. Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to support procurement planning and execution. Manage stakeholder expectations and resolve escalated procurement issues. Manage and oversee the engagement and evaluation of technical consultants within the WBPCP unit, as needed. Due to the requirements of the job, this position may require frequent adjustments to the work schedule created by the time zone difference with many of the clients it supports and may also involve a limited amount of travel.

Required Qualifications:
A Master's degree in Supply Management, Finance Management, Marketing, Human Resources, Operations, Applied Economics, or a related field, with a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in category management and sourcing complex procurements, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Proven experience in category management in IT and technology-related products and services, including IT Infrastructure, Business Applications, IT Software and Services, and familiarity with cloud-based software services. Demonstrated experience in leading a high-performing team and building effective relationships with senior business leaders and stakeholders. Strong interpersonal and analytical capabilities, logical problem-solving skills, and project management skills with extensive experience in managing multiple related projects.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in a relevant field such as Supply Management, Finance Management, Marketing, Human Resources, Operations, Applied Economics, or a related discipline. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively manage procurement processes and strategies.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in category management and sourcing complex procurements. Candidates should have proven experience in category management specifically related to IT and technology products and services. This experience should include familiarity with various IT solutions, disruptive technologies, and the ability to lead and motivate a team of procurement professionals.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English, with superior communication skills required in verbal, written, and comprehension forms. While English is the primary language, proficiency in additional languages may be considered advantageous but is not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role with a term duration of 3 years. It involves international recruitment, indicating that candidates from various countries may apply. The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan, medical, life and disability insurance, and paid leave, including parental leave. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunity for all applicants regardless of gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.