Category Management Indirect Sr. Manager

Position SummaryJOB DESCRIPTION The Senior Manager of Vendor Management Services (VMS) is the primary business owner responsible for starting up and overseeing the non-FTE (Full-Time Equivalent) lifecycle management. This strategic leadership role focuses on establishing a "best-in-class" Contingent Workforce Management (CWM) Center of Excellence (CoE) to optimize the supply chain for external talent. The Senior Manager will maintain a critical "firewall" between direct employees and external workers to mitigate co-employment risks. By treating contractors through a B2B (Business-to-Business) framework, this role protects the company from legal liabilities that traditional HR Business to Customer (B2C) frameworks may blur. You will lead the selection and implementation of VMS software, manage a substantial category of spend, and ensure that procurement initiatives align with HR and Compliance Risk policies and overall business goals. Responsibilities

• VMS Strategy & Governance: Define the target operating model and set VMS goals regarding cost, compliance, and talent.
• Governance Leadership: Chair the CWM CoE, implementing a "Diamond" approach where Procurement owns the commercial engine while HR dictates the human policies.
• System Ownership: Act as the accountable owner for VMS software licensing, funding, and configuration—effectively managing the "pipes" through which the workforce flows.
• Supplier & Rate Management: Optimize the supplier network Managed Services Providers (MSPs), and staffing agencies, standardize rate cards, and lead Master Service Agreement (MSA) negotiations to provide the "teeth" for enforcing SLAs.
• Compliance & Risk Mitigation: Enforce worker classification standards (1099 vs. W-2 vs. SOW) and tenure limits to avoid implied employment.
• Manufacturing Integration: Partner with EHS (Environmental Health & Safety) to dictate safety training, certifications, and background checks required for badge issuance.
• Lifecycle Management: Oversee the core process from onboarding (legal agreements and provisioning) to in-life management and offboarding.
• Accountability in Offboarding: Serve as the Accountable (A) owner for offboarding to ensure billing stops and suppliers are notified, while coordinating with IT and Hiring Managers for asset retrieval.
• Cost & Visibility: Audit supplier margins and enforce volume discounts to manage contractors as a major spend category.
• Technology & Data Standards: Select and implement VMS software, establishing data standards and security while ensuring integration with ERP, HR (Oracle HCM), and Identity Management systems (AD/Okta).
• Performance & Reporting: Track Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), measure program effectiveness, and present comprehensive reports to senior management.
• Team Development: Lead and mentor a high-performing procurement team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.

• Master's degree or relevant professional certifications (e.g., CPSM, CIPS) preferred.

• Experience: Minimum of 10 years in procurement or supply chain management.

• At least 5 years in a leadership role within a manufacturing environment.
• Proven track record in developing and executing global category strategies and standing up VMS/MSP programs.
• Extensive experience in managing capital expenditures and indirect procurement commodities.

• Skills: Ability to lead cross-functional teams (HR, IT, Legal, Finance) in a fast-paced environment.

• Deep understanding of B2B legal frameworks and co-employment risk mitigation.
• Proficiency in VMS technology implementation and establishing data standards.
• Expertise in total landed cost and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) modeling.

Anticipated Business Travel: ~30% About The Team Work Authorization No calls or agencies please. Vertiv will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States. This is not a position for which sponsorship will be provided. Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1, H-1, H-2, L, B, J, or TN or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire. Equal Opportunity Employer We promote equal opportunities for all with respect to hiring, terms of employment, mobility, training, compensation, and occupational health, without discrimination as to age, race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity / expression (including transgender status or sexual stereotypes), genetic information, citizenship status, national origin, protected veteran status, political affiliation, or disability.