DWS - Category Management Specialist (Technology) - AVP

About DWS:

Today, markets face a whole new set of pressures – but also a whole lot of opportunity too. Opportunity to innovate differently. Opportunity to invest responsibly. And opportunity to make change.

Join us at DWS, and you can be part of an industry-leading firm with a global presence. You can lead ambitious opportunities and shape the future of investing. You can support our clients, local communities, and the environment.

We're looking for creative thinkers and innovators to join us as the world continues to transform. As whole markets change, one thing remains clear; our people always work together to capture the opportunities of tomorrow. That's why we are 'Investors for a new now'.

As investors on behalf of our clients, it is our role to find investment solutions. Ensuring the best possible foundation for our clients' financial future. And in return, we'll give you the support and platform to develop new skills, make an impact and work alongside some of the industry's greatest thought leaders. This is your chance to achieve your goals and lead an extraordinary career.

This is your chance to invest in your future.

Read more about DWS and who we are here.

Team / division overview

DWS Group (DWS) is one of the world's leading asset managers with EUR 833bn of assets under management (as of 30 June 2022) building on more than 60 years of experience, it has a reputation for excellent in Germany, Europe, the Americas and Asia. DWS is recognised by clients globally as a trusted source for integrated investment solutions, stability and innovation across a full spectrum of investment disciplines. DWS continues its journey as a publicly listed asset manager since its IPO and is in the process of establishing its own infrastructure and corporate functions, including Procurement.

The Sourcing Contract Specialist reports to the relevant Head of Category and performs activities such as contract negotiation, contract finalization, and amendments to contracts related to the legal terms and conditions of supplier contracts. They liaise closely with Procurement colleagues, business stakeholders, and suppliers, as relevant. The Sourcing Contract Specialist will support the setup and management of the entire contract lifecycle, from initiation to execution, and electronic storage. They will work with the Legal function regarding utilization and updates to standard contract templates. The Sourcing Contract Specialist also supports the sourcing process working with Category Management colleagues and stakeholders to produce and evaluate RFP's (Request For Proposal) from suppliers in accordance with our policies and procedures

Your responsibilities

As our Procurement Specialist, you will:

Role Details

As a Procurement Specialist you will (be):

• Working closely with Senior Category Managers with the development and maintenance of global sourcing strategies, projects, contracting, guided sourcing and purchasing content management (category cards, preferred supplier lists, product/service catalogues and rate cards etc)
• Contributing to broader development initiatives through collaborating with Procurement colleagues in Vendor Management and Third Party Risk Management, as well as DWS business stakeholders to ensure they are fully aligned with objectives and requirements
• Conducting analysis of category spend and market data, which can be used to help drive appropriate decision making
• Supporting the implementation of sourcing projects which includes planning, RFP, evaluation, negotiation and contracting
• Defining and producing sourcing reports to help provide advice and guidance to key DWS business stakeholders

We are looking for

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Industrial Engineering or any related course
• Solid background in Procurement with recent Category Management/ Sourcing experience in a relevant category – ideally IT Services, Software, SaaS, Infrastructure and/or Consulting.
• Experience working with SAP Ariba (or other Cloud based platforms for procurement)
• Experience of spend analysis and category management/sourcing strategies.
• Experience in commercial and contractual negotiations, driving contracts to signature, assuring legal and compliance alignments with corporate control functions
• Excellent relationship management, analytical, financial and problem solving skills
• Strong team player, able to work in virtual/global teams
• Self-organised, strategic thinker as well as an "executer" with emphasis on getting things done in right quality and on time taking ownership for sourcing issues and actively participates in their resolution
• An ambitious and highly driven professional who is able to set priorities and work under pressure
• Open to mid-shift schedule - 2pm to 11pm

What we'll offer you:

At DWS we're serious about diversity, equity and creating an inclusive culture where colleagues can be themselves and it's important to us that you enjoy coming to work - feeling healthy, happy and rewarded. At DWS you'll have access to a range of benefits including, but not limited, to the below:

• A hybrid working model, allowing for in-office / work from home flexibility, comprehensive leave policy, personal and volunteer days.
• Competitive compensation packages including health and wellbeing benefits.
• Access to best in class trainings, in role development and career progression opportunities.

If you require any adjustments or changes to be made to the interview process for any reason including, or related to a disability or long-term health condition, then please contact your recruiter and let them know what assistance you may need. Examples of adjustments include providing a change to the format of the interview, or providing assistance when at the DWS office. This will not affect your application and our recruitment team will discuss options with you