Job Description

Overview: Oracles Global Indirect Procurement team is seeking a highly motivated Lead Category Manager to oversee the Meetings Events (ME) category for EMEA. This role will focus on supplier management, contract negotiation, cost savings, and ensuring the highest quality and value from Oracle s ME suppliers, including hotels, event agencies, venues, and conference centers. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in consolidating and negotiating regional supplier agreements, driving cost-saving initiatives, and managing procurement projects for large-scale events. As part of the Global Indirect Procurement Services team, the Lead Category Manager will ensure alignment with Oracles global procurement objectives, fostering strong supplier relationships, optimizing spend, and ensuring the success of events and meeting services worldwide, with an emphasis on the EMEA region. This is a strategic role requiring advanced project management, negotiation, and cross-functional collaboration skills. Skills Qualifications: 5 to 8 years of experience in procurement, category management, or event management, ideally within the hotel industry, event agencies, or logistics/marketing companies. Proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint; Strong financial acumen and ability to conduct spend analysis and cost-saving initiatives. Strong negotiation skills with the ability to communicate effectively across all levels. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential. Proven experience in managing large, complex procurement projects and supplier relationships. Ability to work autonomously and as part of a virtual, global team. Must be a team player and comfortable working across time zones. Strong analytical skills and a continuous improvement mindset, with the ability to propose and implement efficiencies. Bachelor s degree (BS/BA) in business, procurement, or related fields is a plus. Familiarity with Oracle s procurement systems, policies, and global operations is a plus. Key Responsibilities: Manage the sourcing strategy for the Meetings Events category, including the consolidation and negotiation of supplier agreements across regions. Handle supplier sourcing, Request for Proposals (RFPs), and contract negotiations for event-related commodities such as hotels, venues, and event agencies. Maintain strong relationships with ME suppliers, ensuring the best quality at the best value. Manage the supplier base, including master agreements, rate cards, and performance monitoring. Drive cost savings through supplier negotiations and strategic partnerships. Lead high-value contract negotiations with ME suppliers, ensuring compliance with Oracles legal and procurement policies. Monitor contract cost, schedules, and scope while managing risks associated with large-scale event projects. Oversee complex ME procurement initiatives, ensuring seamless execution of large events and alignment with business needs. Manage RFP processes for significant event projects, working with regional suppliers, lines of business, and internal procurement teams. Conduct in-depth analysis of global spending trends within the ME category. Identify opportunities for cost savings, propose strategies for process efficiencies, and implement improvements to streamline procurement operations and drive financial benefits. Partner with internal stakeholders, including the events, marketing, and operations teams, to provide procurement support and ensure event success. Collaborate with global procurement teams and regional suppliers to align on objectives and implement best practices. Lead training initiatives to educate internal teams on procurement policies, tools, and processes. Continuously seek out and implement process improvements to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the procurement function. #LI-DNI