Category Management & Analytics-Seniors

EY-GDS: Business Consulting -SC&O (Supply Chain & Operations)

As part of our EY-GDS team, you will support sourcing and procurement engagements by managing direct and indirect categories, conducting detailed spend analyses and market intelligence, and identifying opportunities for cost savings and process improvements. You will contribute to category management and strategic sourcing initiatives, perform contract analysis, and assist with vendor and performance management. Additionally, you will support purchasing, expediting, and end-to-end procure-to-pay (P2P) process optimization to drive greater efficiency and value.

The opportunity

We are seeking experienced professionals for the role of Senior with 3- 7 years of experience, who possess a strong consulting background and specialized expertise in core supply chain functions. The ideal candidate will have proven ability to identify and lead cost-saving initiatives, backed by deep knowledge of category management and strategic sourcing. You will be responsible for driving procurement excellence by developing and executing strategies that optimize spend, enhance supplier relationships, and deliver measurable business value across diverse categories.

Your key responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing & Category Management

• Develop and execute category strategies for direct and indirect spend that deliver year-over-year cost savings and supplier performance improvements.
• Lead RFP/RFQ processes including scope definition, supplier shortlisting, bid evaluation, and final negotiation.
• Conduct market intelligence and benchmarking to identify sourcing opportunities and validate pricing.
• Drive supplier consolidation initiatives to reduce complexity and improve leverage.
• Establish governance frameworks for category ownership, stakeholder alignment, and performance tracking.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (finance, operations, legal) to ensure category strategies align with business objectives.
• Monitor category performance using KPIs such as cost savings, compliance, and supplier service levels.
• Develop and utilize should-cost models to analyze supplier pricing structures, enabling informed negotiations and cost reduction strategies.
• Utilize AI-driven tools and data analytics to enhance decision-making in supplier selection, risk assessment, and demand forecasting, leading to more strategic sourcing outcomes.

Spend Analysis & Cost Optimization

• Perform detailed spend analysis leveraging tools like Excel, Power BI, Alteryx, or Tableau to identify cost drivers and leakage and build presentable visual representations.
• Build and maintain cost models (e.g., should-cost, TCO) to support sourcing decisions and negotiations.
• Identify maverick spend and implement controls to improve compliance and reduce off-contract purchases.
• Identify cost avoidance and cost saving opportunities using various sourcing levers.
• Segments spend data by category, supplier, and business unit to uncover actionable insights.
• Track savings realization and validate procurement impact through financial reconciliation.
• Use predictive analytics to forecast spend trends and inform sourcing strategies.
• Automate spend reporting and dashboards for real-time visibility and decision-making.

Skills and attributes for success

• Strong expertise in strategic sourcing, category management, and cost optimization within supply chain and procurement functions.
• Proven ability to lead complex procurement transformation initiatives, delivering measurable business outcomes.
• Advanced analytical skills with the ability to interpret spend data and derive actionable insights.
• Deep understanding of procurement processes, tools, and best practices, including digital procurement platforms.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence senior leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Strong project management capabilities, with experience delivering multiple initiatives simultaneously on time and within budget.
• Leadership qualities with a focus on mentoring, team development, and fostering collaborative environments.
• A strategic mindset with a problem-solving orientation and the ability to adapt in dynamic, fast-paced consulting environments.
• High levels of integrity, professionalism, and client service orientation.
• Familiarity with market intelligence tools and supplier performance management frameworks is a plus.

To qualify for the role, you must have

• Master's degree in business administration or supply chain & Operations from a Tier-1 or Tier-2 institute, with 3-7 years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated experience in leading cost-saving initiatives, strategic sourcing, and category management across direct and indirect spend areas
• Proven track record of delivering procurement transformation projects with measurable impact.
• Advanced data analysis and spend analytics capabilities using tools such as Excel, Power BI, or similar platforms.
• Consulting Experience in Spend Analysis, category management, governance frameworks, strategic sourcing.
• Supply chain consulting experience in Big 4, Supply chain global consulting firms preferred.
• 30% travel expected as per project requirements.

What we look for

• A Team of people with commercial acumen, technical experience, and enthusiasm to learn new things in this fast-moving environment
• An opportunity to be a part of market-leading, multi-disciplinary team of 1400 + professionals, in the only integrated global transaction business worldwide.
• Opportunities to work with EY SCO practices globally with leading businesses across a range of industries

What working at EY offers

At EY, we're dedicated to helping our clients, from startups to Fortune 500 companies - and the work we do with them is as varied as they are.

You get to work with inspiring and meaningful projects. Our focus is education and coaching alongside practical experience to ensure your personal development. We value our employees, and you will be able to control your own development with an individual progression plan. You will quickly grow into a responsible role with challenging and stimulating assignments. Moreover, you will be part of an interdisciplinary environment that emphasizes high quality and knowledge exchange. Plus, we offer:

• Support, coaching and feedback from some of the most engaging colleagues around
• Opportunities to develop new skills and progress your career
• The freedom and flexibility to handle your role in a way that's right for you