Senior Category Manager - Technology External Workers

McKinsey & Company
parental leave, paid time off
United States, Massachusetts, Boston
May 21, 2025
Procurement Senior Category Manager - Technology External Workers Job ID: 97966 Do you want to work on complex and pressing challenges-the kind that bring together curious, ambitious, and determined leaders who strive to become better every day? If this sounds like you, you've come to the right place. Your Impact You will lead the external worker category program within the technology portfolio and oversee targeted spend, suppliers, and third-party relationships to support the firm's strategic priorities. As the Senior Category Manager, Technology External Workers, you will be part of our Optimize Team. You will align sub-category strategies with the broader category direction in close collaboration with the Category Director and functional teams. You will partner with functional leaders to understand business needs, identify category opportunities, and align procurement solutions with the firm's goals. You will translate business requirements into a fit-for-purpose category strategy, driving financial impact, innovation, and strategic grow. You will stay informed about market dynamics, supplier capabilities, and industry shifts, using these insights to refine category strategies and enhance decision-making. You will oversee key supplier and third-party relationships to ensure alignment with category objectives, promote continuous improvement, and create long-term value. You will integrate sustainability and risk standards into category decisions, enhancing compliance, resilience, and the firm's competitive advantage. The external worker strategy is crucial to the success of McKinsey's technology organization and therefore, its internal and external clients. Your work will help allow the firm's technology team to strategically leverage external talent to accelerate speed to capability and subsequent speed to market. Your Growth You are someone who thrives in a high-performance environment, bringing a growth mindset and entrepreneurial spirit to tackle meaningful challenges that have a real impact. In return for your drive, determination, and curiosity, we'll provide the resources, mentorship, and opportunities to help you quickly broaden your expertise, grow into a well-rounded professional, and contribute to work that truly makes a difference. When you join us, you will have: Continuous learning: Our learning and apprenticeship culture, backed by structured programs, is all about helping you grow while creating an environment where feedback is clear, actionable, and focused on your development. The real magic happens when you take the input from others to heart and embrace the fast-paced learning experience, owning your journey. A voice that matters: From day one, we value your ideas and contributions. You'll make a tangible impact by offering innovative ideas and practical solutions. We not only encourage diverse perspectives, but they are critical in driving us toward the best possible outcomes. Global community: With colleagues across 65+ countries and over 100 different nationalities, our firm's diversity fuels creativity and helps us come up with the best solutions. Plus, you'll have the opportunity to learn from exceptional colleagues with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Exceptional benefits: In addition to a competitive salary (based on your location, experience, and skills), we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, mental health, and vision coverage for you, your spouse/partner, and children. Your qualifications and skills Undergraduate degree: advanced graduate degree (e.g., MBA, PhD, etc.) or equivalent work experience preferred; degree/education requirements may vary by country or practice. 5+ years of External Worker Procurement experience. Excellent organizational capabilities, including the ability to initiate tasks independently and see them through to completion. Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, in English and local office language(s), with the ability to adjust your style to suit different perspectives and seniority levels. Proficient in rational decision making based on data, facts, and logical reasoning. Ability to create work product-focused materials/outputs, category strategy and supporting plan documents, which may include PowerPoint decks, Excel models, articles, or other written deliverables. Exceptional time management to meet your responsibilities in a complex and largely autonomous work environment. Ability to work or attend meetings outside of traditional business hours or take on projects with limited or no notice at times. Ability to travel to and work in varying environments that may be challenging and/or not accessible (e.g., factories, hospitals, mines). Please review the additional requirements regarding essential job functions of McKinsey colleagues. Apply Now Apply Later FOR U.S. APPLICANTS: McKinsey & Company is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Certain US jurisdictions require McKinsey & Company to include a reasonable estimate of the salary for this role. For new joiners for this role in the United States, including all office locations where the job may be performed, a reasonable estimated range is $190,900 - $254,600 USD -to help you understand what you can expect. This reflects our best estimate of the lowest to highest [salary/hourly wages] for this role at the time of this posting, ensuring you have a clear picture right from the start, though it's important to remember that actual salaries may vary. Factors like your office location, your unique blend of experience and skills, start date and our current organizational needs all play a part in determining the final figure. Certain roles are also eligible for bonuses, subject to McKinsey's discretion and based on factors such as individual and/or organizational performance. Additionally, we provide a comprehensive benefits package that reflects our commitment to the wellness of our colleagues and their families. This includes medical, mental health, dental and vision coverage, telemedicine services, life, accident and disability insurance, parental leave and family planning benefits, caregiving resources, a generous retirement contributions program, financial guidance, and paid time off. FOR NON-U.S. APPLICANTS: McKinsey & Company is an Equal Opportunity employer. For additional details regarding our global EEO policy and diversity initiatives, please visit our McKinsey Careers and Diversity & Inclusion sites. Job Skill Group - N/A Job Skill Code - SPMN - Senior Procurement Manager Function - Firm Administration;Technology Industry - High Tech Post to LinkedIn - #LI-DNI Posted to LinkedIn Date - LinkedIn Posting City - LinkedIn Posting State/Province - LinkedIn Posting Country - LinkedIn Job Title - Senior Category Manager - Technology External Workers LinkedIn Function - LinkedIn Industry - LinkedIn Seniority Level -