Category Leader, Professional Services Procurement jobs in United States
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International Paper · 16 hours ago

Category Leader, Professional Services Procurement

International Paper is seeking a strategic and results-oriented Category Leader to manage assigned Information Technology (IT) categories in support of the organization’s objectives. The role involves developing sourcing strategies, managing supplier relationships, and leading contract negotiations to optimize cost and service levels.

ManufacturingMarketingPaper ManufacturingProduct DesignSales
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H1B Sponsor Likelynote

Responsibilities

Own and lead multiple IT categories. Develop and execute sourcing strategies that optimize cost, quality, and service levels
Build strong supplier relationships and maintain deep knowledge of category intelligence, market dynamics, and emerging trends. Collaborate with internal stakeholders to manage supplier performance and identify risks and opportunities
Lead and/or assist in both conventional and complex contract negotiations and establish contracts that deliver best-in-class value. Leverage your contract language development, negotiation skills, and contract management abilities. Work with Legal and other internal stakeholders to optimize critical terms and conditions while ensuring compliance with corporate policies
Drive Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) improvements through supplier engagement, process enhancements, and strategic sourcing initiatives

Qualification

Strategic sourcingCategory managementContract negotiationProcurement expertiseAnalytical skillsRisk managementTechnical proficiencyProject managementResourcefulnessBusiness insightLeadershipCommunication skillsInterpersonal skills

Required

Bachelor's degree
A minimum 5 years of strategic sourcing and category management experience; specifically, within IT categories
Proven success in negotiating high-value contracts and delivering measurable cost savings
Strong understanding of procurement processes, supplier management, and commercial practices
Strong analytical capabilities to interpret market trends, build cost models, and forecast budget impacts
Experience in identifying, assessing, and mitigating supplier financial and security risks to IP and its operational systems
Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams through a disciplined strategic process to drive collaboration, influence change, and ensure successful results
Exceptional communication and influential skills to achieve specific outcomes through the cultivation of strategic relationship and rapport-building talents
Effectively manage multiple projects with competing priorities
Proficient in Microsoft Office and digital procurement tools (e.g., e-sourcing platforms, contract lifecycle management, analytics dashboards)

Benefits

Medical
Dental
Life insurance
Flexible Spending Accounts
Short-term and Long-term Disability
401(k)
Company-funded retirement contributions
Paid Time Off
Education & Development (including Tuition Reimbursement)
Student Loan Repayment Assistance
Voluntary Benefits including insurance for home, auto, vision and pets

Company

International Paper

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International Paper manufactures paper and paper-packaging products.

H1B Sponsorship

International Paper 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 (10)
2024 (11)
2023 (22)
2022 (20)
2021 (19)
2020 (34)

Funding

Current Stage
Public Company
Total Funding
unknown
1978-01-13IPO

Leadership Team

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Michael Amick
Senior Vice President, North American Paper, Pulp & Consumer Packaging
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Thomas G. Kadien
Sr. Vice President
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Company data provided by crunchbase