Senior Category Manager-Marketing

U.S. Cellular is the fifth-largest full-service wireless carrier in the United States, providing national network coverage and industry-leading innovations designed to elevate the customer experience. The Chicago-based carrier has a strong line-up of cutting-edge devices that are all backed by a high-quality network in big and small cities and rural communities, and currently,

The Sr. Category Manager leads and develops sourcing strategies for assigned categories to drive cost savings and ensure the Company is making informed, best value purchasing decisions. Additionally, the Sr. Category Manager is an informal leader on the Sourcing & Procurement team mentoring and assisting in the development of other team members. The position is responsible for negotiating the most complex purchasing agreements, leading cross-functional teams in identifying and executing onsourcing and cost savings opportunities, developing sourcing strategies, communicating opportunities and influencing stakeholders (including executive stakeholders), leading the process for requesting supplier information, proposals and quotes (“RFx”), evaluating, negotiating and implementing contracts and managing supplier performance.

* Develop forward looking sourcing strategies and a playbook for assigned commodity/spend categories * Meet cost savings targets * Identify highly-complex sourcing and cost savings opportunities through category, market, spend, financial, total cost of ownership analyses and risk assessments * Build and create business cases / value propositions for identified sourcing opportunities * Communicate and present sourcing opportunities to influence and build internal support among clients and stakeholders, including Vice Presidents, Directors and Managers * Identify and address purchasing/contracting needs of internal clients * Build and maintain relationships with internal clients and key stakeholders, such as Operations, Legal, Accounting and Finance * Lead cross-functional sourcing teams, prepare RFx’s, develop RFx scoring models, perform vendor analysis, develop SLA’s and manage sourcing projects * Negotiate mutually beneficial high value purchasing agreements with key suppliers * Establish and maintain supplier relationships * Manage supplier performance and perform supplier evaluations. Develop plans for service improvement and implement corrective actions as required. * Communicate and present sourcing opportunities to influence and build internal support among clients and stakeholders, including Vice Presidents, Directors and Managers * Maintain telecommunications industry and professional sourcing & supply knowledge and stay up-to-date on industry trends

* 10-12 years of sourcing or procurement experience * 12-15 years of relevant work experience * Bachelor's degree required preferably in Business, Finance, Supply Chain or related field * MBA or Masters of Supply Chain is strongly preferred * CPSM, PMP or Six Sigma certification is strongly preferred * Demonstrated a mastery level of knowledge and understanding of entire supply chain, category management, strategic sourcing, negotiations and contracting concepts. * Demonstrated a mastery-level of ability to successfully lead and manage projects * Demonstrated ability to identify opportunities through complex data and financial analysis, risk assessments and process reviews * Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and facilitate cross-functional meetings (internal and external) * Demonstrated ability to influence decision makers through creating value propositions and effective communication skills (oral, written & presentation) * Continuous improvement skills required. (Six Sigma Green Belt and Lean experience strongly preferred) * Successful experiences in negotiating with senior level management of suppliers is required * Demonstrated problem solving capability through using fact-based decision making and applying out-of-the-box thinking while assessing the implications of the decision * Knowledge of and experience with ERP systems, particularly SAP, Contract Management and E-Sourcing Systems * Working knowledge of e-procurement initiatives and technologies is a plus * Knowledge of the telecommunications or wireless industry is beneficial * Proficiency with Windows and MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Project) * Must have excellent interpersonal and customer service skills