Director, Global Category Manager

At Barings, we are as invested in our associates as we are in our clients. We recognize those who work diligently for us and reward them for personal and professional integrity, communication skills, distinct competencies and expertise in specific strategies, ability to collaborate as a team member and true dedication to the interests of our clients.

We thank you for your interest in joining the Barings team, and invite you to explore our current employment opportunities.

Title: Director, Global Category Manager

Business Unit: Global Procurement and Vendor Management Team

Location: Charlotte, NC

Barings is a leading global financial services firm dedicated to meeting the evolving investment and capital needs of our clients and customers. Through active asset management and direct origination, we provide innovative solutions and access to differentiated opportunities across public and private capital markets. A subsidiary of MassMutual, Barings maintains a strong global presence with business and investment professionals located across North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific.

Job Summary

The Global Procurement and Vendor Management Team (“P&VM”) is seeking a Global Category Manager with background in a variety of categories – investment-related services relating to IT, Market Data, Marketing and Professional Services Procurement. The ideal candidate will report directly to the Global Head of Procurement Category Management and should have broad procurement knowledge with strong communication and collaboration skills. This individual is expected to deliver strong results, manage sourced projects, reduce spend, increase spend transparency and minimize supplier risk.

Primary Responsibilities

This individual will have a dedicated focus within P&VM to support all aspects of sourcing and cost optimization projects. This individual will be expected to work closely with several strategic partners and suppliers to drive project initiatives, as well as consult, problem solve, and conduct data analysis that will be the basis for strategic decision making, in partnership with such key stakeholders.

In this capacity, this role will be responsible for:

• Leading all aspects associated with contract negotiations, acquisition and management of goods and services and drive successful supplier relationships.
• Ensuring strong alignment with, and becoming a trusted advisor to, key functional leaders.
• Developing and aligning supplier strategies to meet business stakeholder needs.
• Collaborating with the VM Team to solidify an end-to-end Procurement and Vendor Management Life Cycle.
• Identifying and managing supplier base that reduces spend and removes duplication to aid in the firms’ growth & profitability measures.
• Develop, align and implement standardized process, workflows, tools and templates to support the procurement process.

Qualifications

• Robust interpersonal skills - self-aware, accountable, and empathetic
• Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain, IT, Business Management, Finance or similar field is preferred
• 5 plus years of experience leading sourcing initiatives preferred
• 10 plus years of relevant business experience
• Demonstrated project management and management consulting capabilities
• Sourcing experience in the development and management of a global supply base is required
• Supplier diversity strategy experience a plus
• Skilled at influencing others through growth and change
• Strong written and communication skills

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Requisite Skills

Additional Skills

Barings is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer; Minority/Female/Age/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Individual with Disability/Protected Veteran. We welcome all persons to apply.

Barings offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

CORE BENEFITS & WELLNESS

• Medical (including Virtual Care), Prescription, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Fitness Center Reimbursement Program (Including Online Memberships)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Fertility Benefits

FINANCIAL WELL-BEING

• Highly competitive 401(k) Plan with Company Match
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with Company Contributions
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) - Health Care & Dependent Care
• Retirement Health Reimbursement Account

LIFE INSURANCE

• Basic and Supplemental Life Insurance
• Spouse and Child Life Insurance

TIME OFF, DISABILITY AND LEAVE OF ABSENCE

• Paid Vacation, Sick Days and Annual Holidays
• Paid Leave of Absences (Maternity Leave, Parental Leave, Caregiver Leave, Bereavement Time)
• Short and Long Term Disability Plans
• Paid Volunteer Time

 OTHER BENEFITS

• Education Assistance Program
• Charitable Matching Gifts Program
• Commuter Reimbursement Program
• Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement Program