Category Manager III

The Category Manager III is responsible for the development of sourcing strategies for assigned categories to drive cost savings and ensure the Company is making informed, best value purchasing decisions.

The position is responsible for leading the supplier request process for information, proposals, quotes and bids (RFX Request for Information (RFI), Request for Proposal (RFP), Request for Quote (RFQ), and Request for Bid (RFB)). Additionally evaluates and negotiates the most complex purchasing agreements, leads cross-functional teams in identifying and executing sourcing and cost-saving opportunities, develops sourcing methods, influences stakeholder relationships for achieving or exceeding cost saving goals while managing supplier performance.

The pay range listed for this position represents the low and high end of the base compensation range. The actual offer amount will carefully consider multiple factors, such as relevant skills, qualifications, work experience, location and/or competencies that align with the specified role. Certain positions are eligible for additional forms of compensation such as bonuses and equity awards.

This position has the ability to work remotely in any of the 40+ States in which TDS Telecom operates.

TDS Telecommunications LLC (TDS Telecom/TDS) delivers high-speed internet, TV entertainment, and phone services to a mix of small to mid-sized urban, suburban and rural communities throughout the U.S. With 1.2 million connections, TDS is a rapidly growing technology company. Powered by fiber-optics and new industry-leading technologies, TDS delivers up to 8 Gigabit internet speeds and offers internet-protocol based TV entertainment solutions along with traditional phone services. TDS also offers businesses VoIP advanced communications solutions, dedicated internet service, data networking, and hosted-managed services. Visit tdstelecom.com.

TDS Telecom, headquartered in Madison, Wis., employs 3,400 people and is a subsidiary of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. [NYSE: TDS]. Founded in 1969, Telephone and Data Systems provides wireless, broadband, video and voice; and hosted and managed services to approximately 6 million connections nationwide through its businesses: UScellular and TDS Telecom. Visit tdsinc.com.

Lead cross-functional sourcing teams; prepare and develop requests (RF - X) and scoring models; perform vendor analysis; develop service level agreements (SLA); and manage associated sourcing projects.

Maintain thorough knowledge of products & services within category area(s) of focus, supplier's processes and industry trends and practices.

Actively identify sourcing and cost savings through category, spend, financial and industry data to identify sourcing, as well as cost- savings and reduction opportunities through analysis and risk assessment and collaboration with clients and stakeholders to meet or exceed cost saving targets.

Negotiation of mutually beneficial, high value purchasing agreements with key suppliers.

Build and maintain relationships with internal clients and key stakeholders, such as Operations, Legal, Accounting and Finance by identifying and addressing purchasing/contracting needs. Present sourcing opportunities to build internal support among clients and stakeholders.

Establish and maintain supplier relationships. Manager supplier performance and perform supplier evaluations. Develop plans for service improvement and implement corrective actions where necessary.

Required Qualifications

Bachelors degree (or higher) -OR- 4+ years professional work experience.
• 8+ years' sourcing or procurement experience.

Other Qualifications

• Legal and/or Information Technology experience/acumen is preferred.
• CPSM, PMP or Six Sigma certification a plus.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of supply chain, category management, strategic sourcing, negotiations and contracting concepts.
• Successful experience or demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage projects and achieve project goals; identify opportunities through data and financial analysis, risk assessment and process review; and negotiate purchasing agreements a plus.
• Knowledge of, and experience with, ERP (particularly SAP), Contract Management and E-Sourcing Systems.
• Working knowledge of e-procurement initiatives and technologies is a plus.
• Knowledge of the telecommunications or wireless industry is beneficial.
• Proficiency with Windows and MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Project).

Do you meet all of the Required Qualifications, but aren't sure if your experience meets the Other Qualifications? We encourage you to apply! Research shows that some candidates may not apply for jobs unless they feel they meet 100% of the qualifications, when, in fact, they have the skills and experience to be successful in the role! Experience and skills come in many different forms and may not always look identical to what we have on paper, but still lead to success in the role. If you meet the Required Qualifications and believe you have what it takes to be successful in the position, apply today!

Benefits

Associates scheduled to work 20 or more hours per week have access to medical, dental, vision, life insurance, a 401(k) plan, and paid time off benefits such as vacation (15 days accrued per year for full-time; pro-rated for part-time associates working between 20-39 hours), sick leave (10 days accrued per year for full-time and pro-rated for all other associates), seven paid national holidays and one floating holiday, paid parental leave (2 weeks after 12 months of employment), among others. Short Term Disability and Long Term Disability coverage is also available for associates working 30 or more hours per week and Education Assistance is available to full-time associates. Associates scheduled to work under twenty hours per week or for a limited term (i.e. interns) are eligible for medical coverage, the 401(k) plan (if 18 or older), as well as sick leave (10 days accrued per year for full-time and pro-rated for all other associates).

At TDS, we embrace Equal Employment Opportunity by valuing our differences and consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by law.