Category Manager, Information Technology Equipment, Software, Telecommunications and Services

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Job Description - Category Manager, Information Technology Equipment, Software, Telecommunications and Services (260000AA)

Job Description

Category Manager, Information Technology Equipment, Software, Telecommunications and Services - ( 260000AA )

The Operational Services Division (OSD) enables state government to obtain the goods and services it needs to serve the people of Massachusetts. OSD ensures that state procurements deliver best value and utilize fair, open, and competitive practices. The agency also helps thousands of businesses offer products and assistance to state agencies, local governments, and other public bodies - creating opportunities that contribute to economic growth and development.

We work at the nexus between government and business and are privileged to make connections that support both sectors.

OSD's dynamic team is guided by the following values: SERVICE, PARTNERSHIP, CREATIVE-PROBLEM SOLVING and RESPONSIVENESS. Our flexible, hybrid work environment fosters work-life balance and collaboration, allowing us to effectively serve our state agency and local government partners so they can achieve their goals on behalf of the people of Massachusetts.

You’ll be a great fit for our team if you believe in making state government work better, are forever curious and love building relationships and knowledge with partners in the public and private sectors. We look for people who are able to take initiative with a strong sense of urgency and enthusiasm, stay current on evolving policies, practices, industry and market trends, and consistently bring fresh ideas that contribute to a culture of innovation.

The Category Management Unit is a forward-thinking, creative team of procurement professionals responsible for the development and oversight of statewide contracts that enable more than $2 billion in goods and services purchasing every year. Through effective category management, stakeholder engagement, and data-driven analysis, our unit delivers procurement solutions that meet the evolving needs of public buyers and incorporate climate change, sustainability, and supplier diversity into the procurement process.

Partnering with another Category Manager, you’ll bring your knowledge of procurement practices to help us obtain IT Equipment, Telecommunications, Software and Services for state and local governments. You’ll lead cross-functional, results-driven teams through each stage of the statewide contracting process – conducting market research, analyzing trends, developing solicitations, evaluating and awarding vendors, negotiating contracts, and managing vendor relationships. Your strong communication and analytical skills will be essential in delivering solutions that meet the evolving needs of agency and local government partners.

You will help foster a positive and purpose-driven culture that can effectively manage a constantly changing landscape to remain focused on achieving desired sourcing outcomes.

• Develop and implement innovative category strategy.
• Analyze market trends and customer feedback to uncover new opportunities and manage risks.
• Collaborate with cross functional teams to implement and manage category strategies.
• Deliver products and services that anticipate customer needs.
• Build and guide high-performing sourcing teams composed of internal and external experts.
• Monitor sourcing members’ performance to ensure successful procurements.
• Foster a collaborative, innovative work environment that supports continuous learning and improvement.
• Oversee pricing, promotion, and product/service offerings within the IT Equipment, Telecommunications, Software and Services portfolios.
• Develop and execute category strategies to drive best value procurement.
• Identify and phase out underperforming offerings and introduce strategic new ones.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors, customers and industry stakeholders.
• Lead contract negotiations to achieve best-value outcomes.
• Collaborate with internal teams to…