*About the Operational Services Division (OSD)* The Operational Services Division (OSD) is an oversight agency of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts within the Executive Office for Administration and Finance. OSD’s primary focus is to help our government buyers and business customers succeed in meeting their goals by providing outstanding customer service, competent advice and guidance, and high-quality products and services that exceed the expectations of those we serve. *Join our Dynamic Team* OSD's diverse team of 150 professionals is transforming the way government operates. Our hybrid work environment fosters creativity and collaboration, allowing us to deliver cutting-edge solutions in Category Management, Print and Mail, Surplus Property, and more. Join us and make a lasting impact. The Category Management unit is a forward-thinking, innovative team of procurement professionals responsible for the development and oversight of statewide contracts that generate $2.2 billion in annual spend. Through effective category management, stakeholder engagement, and data-driven analysis, our unit delivers procurement solutions that meet the evolving needs of public buyers and incorporate positive climate change and supplier diversity into the procurement process. Together with Category Partners and employing your experience in information technology software and services and category management, you will drive year-over-year growth and continuous improvement in the Information Technology Software and Services category. You will use your strong communication and analytical skills to build and lead cross-functional, results-driven teams to construct and manage the statewide contract sourcing process end-to-end, including market research, trend analysis, solicitation development, evaluation, negotiations, and vendor relationship management. You will foster a positive, innovative, and purpose-driven culture that can effectively manage ambiguity and uncertainty to remain focused on achieving desired procurement outcomes. Your success in this role will be measured by your ability to cultivate strategic relationships with stakeholders that create flexible, innovative, buyer centric contracts that deliver best procurement value and incorporate key initiatives like positive climate change and supplier diversity into your portfolios as well as grow the use of your contracts improving addressable spend. *_KEY RESPONSIBILITIES_:* *Team Management:* * Build and manage best in class strategic teams of internal and external experts to provide subject matter expertise for the sourcing process. * Monitor strategic team members’ performance. * Foster and maintain an innovative and collaborative team environment. *Strategic Planning:* * Lead the development and implementation of category strategies. * Analyze market trends and customer insights to identify opportunities and risks. * Collaborate with cross functional teams to implement and manage category strategies. * Deliver products and services that anticipate customer needs *Category Management: * * Oversee the pricing, promotion, and portfolio offerings for assigned categories. * Develop and execute category strategies to drive best value procurement. * Manage category performance based on annual goals and objectives. * Ensure product and service availability to meet customer needs. * Develop exit strategies for underperforming offerings * Ensure alignment with industry trends and market standards. *Vendor and Stakeholder Relations: * * Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors, customers and industries within each portfolio. * Negotiate contracts and terms to achieve the best value. * Coordinate with internal teams to ensure category success and growth. *Performance Monitoring: * * Establish, track and analyze category performance metrics. * Implement corrective actions * Assess risk and gather intelligence on market trends and technical specifications * Present regular reports to senior management and other audiences, ensuring information is accurate, understandable and readily available *Value Creation:* * Manage the revenue goals of the category to be in line with overall OSD revenue targets * Increase spend under management (addressable spend) within the category to be in line with OSD’s SUM targets *_Preferred Qualifications_:* * Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Supply Chain Management, Business, Marketing, or a related field. * Strong understanding of information technology software and services industries * Proven experience in category management * Strong leadership and team management skills. * Excellent research, analytical and strategic planning abilities. * Effective communication and negotiation skills. * Proficiency in data analysis and market research tools. * Familiarity with marketing and sales principles * The ability to manage multiple projects and tasks with defined timelines * Problem Solving and Critical Thinking * Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 tools, particularly Teams, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint The Operational Services Division values staff diversity and contributions to an inclusive working and learning environment. *DEI Value Statement* Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are integral to the Operational Services Division’s (OSD's) mandate to oversee transparent and equitable practices through a variety of public services and programs within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OSD commits to cultivating and nurturing a diverse workforce, which is reflective of the communities we serve and recognized as our greatest strength. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are our core principles, guiding us in who we aspire to be in our business operations and partnerships. MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have at least (A) five (5) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration or clinical management of which (B) at least one (1) year must have been in a project management, supervisory or managerial capacity or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below. Substitutions: I. A certificate in a relevant or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required (A) experience. II. A Bachelor's degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required (A) experience. III. A Graduate degree in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required (A) experience. IV. A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for four (4) years of the required (A) experience. _*Comprehensive Benefits*_ When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future. Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards! *An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.* The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role. **Job:** **Administrative Services* **Organization:** **Operational Services Division* **Title:** *Category Manager, IT Software and Services* **Location:** *Massachusetts-Boston-1 Ashburton Place* **Requisition ID:** *25000190*