Senior Procurement Specialist (Category Head - Technology)
New Closes 27 Aug 2026
Senior Procurement Specialist (Category Head - Technology)
| Job #: | req38049 |
| Organization: | World Bank |
| Sector: | Procurement |
| Grade: | GG |
| Term Duration: | 3 years 0 months |
| Recruitment Type: | International Recruitment |
| Location: | Washington, DC,United States |
| Required Language(s): | English |
| Preferred Language(s): | |
| Closing Date: | 8/26/2026 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC |
Description
• Risk Management: Predict, mitigate, and manage vendor related risks to protect WBG’s interests • Identify opportunities for cost optimization, value creation, demand management, and process improvement. • Lead periodic category reviews and strategic planning exercises. • Establish clear objectives, priorities, and performance expectations for team members. • Support staff development through coaching, training, and succession planning. • Review and approve sourcing strategies, procurement approaches, solicitation documents, and evaluation methodologies. • Support negotiations for major contracts and strategic supplier agreements. • Act as a trusted advisor on procurement, sourcing, and category management matters. • Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to support procurement planning and execution. • Supplier representatives typically head of companies and VPs, account managers, sales representatives, and commodity specialists, and technical representatives etc.Do you want to build a career that is truly worthwhile? Working at the World Bank Group provides a unique opportunity for you to help our clients solve their greatest development challenges. The World Bank Group is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries; a unique global partnership of five institutions dedicated to ending extreme poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development. With 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide, we work with public and private sector partners, investing in groundbreaking projects and using data, research, and technology to develop solutions to the most urgent global challenges. For more information, visit www.worldbank.orgAdvertisement VPU Context: The WBG Budget and Procurement (WBP) is organized into five Departments: WBP Centers of Excellence (WBPCE) with teams supporting the corporate strategic business and budget planning process, providing WBP systems, knowledge, and shared services; WBP IBRD/IDA Regional Units (WBPRU) with teams supporting IBRD/IDA clients in the regions; WBP IFC/MIGA Budget Partners (CSRDR) with teams supporting IFC/MIGA clients in the HQ and the regions; WBP Corporate Units (WBPCU) with teams supporting the Knowledge Bank and corporate units and providing capital budget support; and WBP Corporate Procurement (WBPCP) with teams providing group-wide procurement services.Unit Context: The Corporate Procurement Department supports the mission of the WBG by performing the procurement function following the principles of transparency, fairness, competition, and best value in an efficient, effective, and customer-focused manner. These principles are employed globally and represent the strategic elements that guide the Bank Group’s activities in procurement and contracting practices. Corporate Procurement is responsible for coordinating and overseeing the sourcing strategy, selection, and contract execution for more than 130 Bank Group offices around the globe, serving our clients from offices located in Washington, D.C. Global Business Centers located in Chennai, India and Sofia, Bulgaria. Within the BPSSM delivery model, the Corporate Procurement Department focuses on three core principles: • Commerciality: Deliver best “value for money” supply solutions measured by cost, quality, and speed. • Sustainability: Develop environmentally and socially sustainable supply chains. Advertisement Categories of spend include: i) Corporate Services and Real Estate; ii) Human Resources and Professional Services; ; iii) Technology and iv) Consulting Services. The duty station will be Washington D.C.The Sr. Procurement Specialist (Category Head) for Technology category position reports to the Global Head Sourcing and Supplier Manager.Leads and manages a team of 10+ Category Managers and Analyst staff based in the HQ, Global Business Centers (GBC). The position for the category head requires familiarity and knowledge of category management strategies and practices for IT and IT related services, and skills to advise the team in conducting their sourcing initiatives, negotiations, and dispute resolution; collaborate with business partners; and advising colleagues in WBG office worldwide on policy related matters.Duties and accountabilities: The Category Head is responsible for leading a team of Category Managers and developing category strategies that deliver value, strengthen supplier performance, reduce risk, and support organizational objectives. The role provides strategic leadership, governance, and oversight across multiple procurement categories while ensuring effective stakeholder engagement and team development.1. Category Strategy and Leadership• Develop and oversee the implementation of category strategies across assigned spend categories.• Drive a category management approach that focuses on total cost of ownership, supplier innovation, and long-term value.2. Team Leadership and People Management• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Category Managers and procurement professionals.Advertisement • Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, continuous improvement, and customer service.• Monitor workload distribution and ensure efficient allocation of resources across categories and projects.3. Strategic Sourcing Oversight• Provide oversight and guidance on complex, high-value, and strategic sourcing initiatives.• Ensure procurement activities are conducted in accordance with organizational policies and governance requirements.• Ensure timely delivery of procurement outcomes while maintaining quality and compliance standards.4. Stakeholder Engagement and Business Partnership• Build strong relationships with senior business leaders and key stakeholders.• Ensure procurement strategies are aligned with operational and strategic business requirements.• Manage stakeholder expectations and resolve escalated procurement issuesManages and oversees the engagement and evaluation of technical consultants within the WBPCP unit, as needed.Due to the requirements of the job, this position may require frequent adjustments to the work schedule created by the time zone difference with many of the clients it supports and may also involve a limited amount of travel.Advertisement Work implies frequent interaction with the following:• WBG staff at all levels, typically Business Unit Managers, Country Directors and Managers, Chief Administrative Officers, Legal Counsels, Resource Managers, Administrative Procurement Review Committee Members, and Project Task Leaders etc.
Selection Criteria
• Proven experience in category management in IT and technology related products and services. The category may include, IT Infrastructure (Data Center & colocation service, Networks, Data Back-up services. etc), Business Applications across the organization, and IT Software and Services, FinTech, familiarity with cloud-based software services (XaaS), other related IT solutions and disruptive technologies. • Demonstrated experience in leading a high-performing team along with proven ability to have motivated category managers and procurement professionals. • Project Management skills with extensive experience in managing multiple related projects to ensure the overall program is aligned and directly supports the achievement of strategic objectives. • Ability to function effectively in multi-disciplinary teams within a matrix management environment, as well as an individual contributor. • Embracement of various digital tools and advocate for the use of emerging technologies in work program delivery.• Master's degree in Supply Management, Finance Management, Marketing, Human Resources, Operations, Applied Economics, or a related field, with a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in category management and sourcing complex procurements, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.• Proven ability to build effective relationships with senior business leaders and stakeholders in the organization acting as a trusted advisor on sourcing and commercial matters. Strong interpersonal and analytical capabilities and logical problem-solving skills, to resolve conflicts and influence decisions without direct authority. • Ability to deal sensitively in a multicultural environment and build effective working relationships with clients, colleagues, and other stakeholders. General Competencies:• Superior communication skills in English (verbal, written, and comprehension), and ability to resolve interpersonal conflict. • Ability to analyze and compare various sources of data, information and digital content and storytelling.
WBG Culture Attributes:
1. Sense of urgency: Anticipate and quickly respond to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
2. Thoughtful risk-taking: Challenge the status quo and push boundaries to achieve greater impact.
3. Empowerment and accountability: Empower yourself and others to act and hold each other accountable for results.
World Bank Group Core Competencies
The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; and paid leave, including parental leave, as well as reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
We are proud to be an equal opportunity and inclusive employer with a dedicated and committed workforce, and do not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.
Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC including our values and inspiring stories.
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