Senior Category Strategist

smartdept. is searching for a Senior Category Strategist for a financial client located in Plano, TX. The ideal candidate will come with 6+ years of experience. This is a full-time, hybrid, duration-month contract opportunity with the possibility of an extension. Compensation for this position is expected to be $56-$66/hour depending on experience level and fit. 

What You’ll Do: 

• Sourcing/Procurement of Professional Services that should include the categories of Marketing, Business Development, Financial, Consulting, Bank Operations, and/or Data Analytics.
• Familiarity with/experience in a Financial Institution or Bank is a plus.
• Successful candidate will have a solid understanding of the nuances of categories and verticals in which we operate.  
• Must be a skilled practitioner is all aspects of Sourcing, Procurement, and Category Management including spend analytics, market research, strategy definition, competitive solicitation, supplier negotiation, and contract management.
• Must have excellent interpersonal skills and be able to communicate professionally at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to lead projects and initiatives is prerequisite.
• Supervisory experience is good, but will not be part of the job going forward.
• A Positive attitude and the ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, and deal with the incumbent pressures of such an environment, will be important success factors.

What You’ll Need: 

•  Print/Marketing and Direct Mail and/or Credit Card Processing
  2. Project Management
  3. Data Analytics
  Certification Requirements (Any Preferences): Preferences: CPM by ISM, Certified Contract Manager, or equivalent
• Bachelors is required; Masters is a plus. CPSM, CPM, or equivalent certification desired.
• Must reside in one of these cities: