Overview

AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin.

This is a senior level people management position within the Procurement and Contract Management organization and reports to the Director, Procurement. The position will be accountable for leading and providing direct category ownership for one or more of AARP's major spend categories in Indirect, Professional Services, Information Technology & Telco, and Marketing & Advertising. This position will be responsible for leading, mentoring, and coaching a team of Procurement staff, developing and executing category strategies, leading strategic sourcing events using established multi-step methodologies, negotiating contractual terms and conditions, and enabling procurement actions that achieve cost savings objectives.

Responsibilities

• Creating, executing, and managing the overall category management strategy for one or more category(ies) of AARP's main spend areas and identifying potential sourcing and demand management opportunities for: (a) Telecom & IT (b) Marketing and Advertising (c) Indirect, or; (d) Professional Services (each category is over $100 million in annual spend)
• Serving as the primary Procurement subject matter expert in assigned category, to include but not limited to, developing category/subcategory plans and insights by analyzing historical and projected spend, contractual relationships, and industry trends, by maintaining knowledge of internal usage, demand, and spend forecasts, and by managing key supplier contract requirements, performance, and relationships
• Collaborating with Procurement and business unit stakeholders to develop and execute category, strategic sourcing, and contracting strategies and plans to drive optimal value for purchased goods and services
• Developing and executing strategic sourcing strategies and plans to include leading the competitive selection of suppliers following the established multi-step strategic sourcing methodology
• Leading complex, contract negotiations to include communicating and collaborating with key stakeholders across the enterprise to understand business objectives, assessing and identifying potential risks that may threaten the reputation, safety, security and/or the financial success of the enterprise
• Planning, managing, and executing activities related to acquisition of goods and services, monitoring and maintaining complete and accurate procurement files and documentation, and managing and maintaining compliance with AARP procurement policies, processes, and procedures
• Managing and maintaining key business unit, supplier, and staff relationships, resolving disputes, managing escalations, and driving innovation and continuous improvement (customer and supplier relationship management)

Qualifications

• Four-year college degree, MBA preferred
• 7+ years of commercial procurement experience in strategic sourcing, contracting and category management with more than $50 million in managed spend, and 5+ years of progressive direct management experience
• Proven experience leading and developing a team of direct reports
• Ability to build/maintain strong cross-functional relationships and lead/influence change despite complexity and ambiguity
• Demonstrated Indirect category management expertise including spend analytics, strategy creation, applying strategic sourcing methodology, and implementing contract negotiation strategies
• Strong commercial negotiation skills with a deep understanding of contractual terms and conditions, and assessing business risk in legal language
• Knowledgeable of both the source-to-contract and procure-to-pay segments of procurement operations
• Superior oral and written communication skills; Excellent organizational, interpersonal, leadership, time management, and problem-solving skills
• Prefers industry designated certification such as Certified Sourcing Professional (CSP), Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), or Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM)

Flexible Work Arrangement (FWA)

AARP observes Mondays and Fridays as telecommuting workdays, except for essential functions. Remote work and telecommuting can only be done within the United States and its territories.

Compensation and Benefits

AARP offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including a 401(k); 100% company-funded pension plan; health, dental, and vision plans; life insurance; paid time off to include company and individual holidays, vacation, sick, caregiving, and parental leave; performance-based and peer-based recognition; tuition reimbursement; among others.

Equal Employment Opportunity

AARP is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. AARP does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, color, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.