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McKinsey & Company · 2 days ago

Senior Category Manager - External Talent (Contingent Labor)

Boston, MA

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level

7+ years exp

McKinsey & Company is a global management consulting firm seeking a Senior Category Manager for External Talent. In this strategic role, you will lead the category strategy for external workers and advisors, driving financial value and ensuring compliance while enhancing the colleague experience through effective supplier management.

ConsultingManagement ConsultingProfessional Services

Growth Opportunities

H1B Sponsor Likely

Responsibilities

Lead a high-impact, enterprise-wide portfolio encompassing hundreds of suppliers across a diverse external worker and advisor supplier domain

Shape and execute a comprehensive category strategy that supports the firm’s broader business objectives, driving financial value, ensuring regulatory and policy compliance, advancing sustainable procurement practices, and enhancing the colleague’s experience

Define the long-term direction of the Non-Tech EW and Advisor categories by developing forward-looking plans, building strong cross-functional partnerships, and fostering relationships with top-tier and niche external worker providers

Drive innovation and efficiency in how the firm sources and manages external worker and advisor engagements, particularly in complex or high-risk areas—ensuring that supplier relationships deliver measurable business outcomes

Collaborate closely with global and local business leaders to identify and act on opportunities to rationalize the supplier landscape, expand strategic partnerships, and optimize costs without compromising quality, performance, or client satisfaction

Focus on risk mitigation, improving contract structures, and ensuring invoice accuracy and audit readiness

Through disciplined supplier performance management and strategic sourcing initiatives, streamline procurement operations, reduce complexity, and unlock economies of scale

Serve as a key knowledge hub—building and leveraging relationships with industry experts, peer organizations, and suppliers to continuously enhance the firm’s category management capabilities and bring best-in-class thinking into procurement decisions

Drive the evolution to a scalable and sustainable strategy that continuously unlocks value through supplier relationship management, operational efficiencies and financial impact that empowers the Firm to scale and innovate effectively

Qualification

Category managementProcurementSourcingData analysisContingent workforce managementExcel modelingPowerPoint presentationsCommunicationTime managementRelationship buildingCollaboration

Required

Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree (e.g., MBA, PhD) or equivalent practical experience strongly preferred

7 years of experience in sourcing, category management, procurement, or consulting, with a strong track record of delivering business value

Proven ability to assess complex problems, synthesize insights, and drive data-backed decisions. Skilled in creating and interpreting analytical outputs, including Excel models and category performance reports

Ability to produce high-quality deliverables, including PowerPoint presentations, sourcing documentation, contract summaries, and other written materials that support decision-making

Highly organized and self-motivated, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, balance long- and short-term goals, and see initiatives through from concept to execution

Strong time management and attention to detail in a dynamic, fast paced, and often autonomous work environment

Demonstrated ability to drive structured processes and deliver consistent, repeatable outcomes

Adept at building trusted relationships across functions, geographies, and levels of seniority

Ability to influence without authority and work effectively in cross-functional teams

Embraces a collaborative, non-hierarchical approach and fosters a culture of mutual respect and accountability

Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages to a variety of audiences and seniority levels. Comfortable presenting to, and influencing, senior stakeholders

Preferred

Proven experience in managing a large global contingent workforce program is preferred

Benefits

Medical, dental, mental health, and vision coverage for you, your spouse/partner, and children

Company

McKinsey & Company

Glassdoor4.1

McKinsey & Company is a global management consulting firm and trusted advisor by businesses, governments, and institutions.

Founded in 1926

New York, New York, USA

10001+ employees

http://www.mckinsey.com

H1B Sponsorship

McKinsey & Company has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)

Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship

Represents job field similar to this job

Trends of Total Sponsorships

2025 (612)

2024 (647)

2023 (613)

2022 (811)

2021 (740)

2020 (471)