Category Leader - IT services

Join our team and what we'll accomplish together

 As a Category Leader within the TELUS Procurement team, you’ll have the opportunity to not only apply and hone your expertise but also drive new best practices.

• You’ll collaborate with and provide consultation and intelligence to Vice Presidents across TELUS on strategic sourcing for multi-million dollar spending with global brands.
• You’ll influence the next generation of practitioners as you partner with and guide a team of expert Category Managers to develop and execute a robust category strategy through sound internal and external data intelligence and analysis. A new standard for global procurement industry leadership will be set by you and a legacy. 

We are audaciously obsessed with doing better for our customers every single day.

What you will do

• The Category Leader for IT Services (IT Outsourcing, Business Process Outsourcing, Call Center Outsourcing, and Consulting Services) is an individual contributor role within the TELUS Procurement team
• The Category Leader is responsible for developing sourcing strategies and the strategic procurement process for the IT Services category and its sub-categories
• They will also manage supplier relationships, identify cost-saving opportunities, and stay abreast of global IT services market trends and technology advancements
• Additionally, they will drive Total Value of Ownership and ongoing supplier performance, coordinating efforts between internal stakeholders and supplier account teams to achieve procurement objectives
• The Category Leader will use their market knowledge to develop and deploy world-class approaches to spend management while utilizing e-procurement tools to deliver cost reduction
• The Category Leader will also be responsible for negotiating, drafting, administering and managing commercial contracts
• The Category Leader is accountable for a portfolio of assigned vendors with a primary expectation to: deliver on Technology Services categories, deliver on vendor negotiations driving value for money, execute sourcing strategies, spend category intelligence and analytics, contract negotiation, drafting and administration, and perform ongoing vendor performance monitoring and evaluation

Here’s how

• Leading an expert team providing IT Services subject matter category expertise and pro-active opportunity identification to stakeholders across the organization
• Driving best-in-class strategic sourcing that supports profitable growth and an unsurpassed client experience
• Influencing key strategic decisions through clear storytelling, impactful thought leadership, risk approach, and a consultative approach
• Applying expert skills in data analytics, market research, sourcing, relationship and contract management
• Leading major contract negotiations, strategic sourcing activities, cross-functional projects, risk and relationship management, and savings initiatives
• Optimizing our transformational delivery model to maximize impact for TELUS, including coaching and mentoring of team members
• Improving IT services processes and support with the implementation of a collaboration tool and leveraging automation, robotic process automation (RPA), and generative AI (GenAI) to streamline procurement activities, improve data accuracy, and enhance risk management

What you bring

• IT Services and/or IT Outsourcing category management experience
• Proven experience in development, implementing, and delivering on a strategic sourcing strategy in the services space
• Expertise in contracting and understanding services & outsourcing terms
• Experience with working with IT Services Suppliers
• Solid understanding of negotiation theory, strategies and practices
• Good understanding of strategic sourcing concepts and best practices, related to the procurement of products and services
• Strong Strategic Vendor Management subject-matter expertise
• Exceptional communication skills (written and oral)
• Embraces change and innovation
• Regarded as an exceptional communicator, influencer and negotiator, able to build and maintain effective partnerships internally and externally with all stakeholders, including senior leaders
• Excellent business and financial acumen
• Proven experience in leading supplier negotiations and structuring deals, including establishing contract terms and conditions (i.e. pricing, performance management and SLA development), drafting legal agreements, and implementing risk mitigation best practices
• Sought out for your ability to seek out, analyze and translate facts, data and intelligence into key insights, concept and recommendations
• Project execution excellence
• Bachelor’s degree in any domain

Great-to-haves

• Strong financial acumen
• Project Management experience