McKinsey & Company · 2 months ago
Senior Category Manager - External Talent (Contingent Labor)
Boston, United States
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
$191K/yr - $255K/yr
7+ years expMcKinsey & Company is a leading global management consulting firm known for tackling complex challenges. As a Senior Category Manager for External Talent, you will lead the strategy and execution of a comprehensive category portfolio, ensuring compliance and driving financial value while enhancing the colleague experience.
ConsultingManagement ConsultingProfessional Services
Responsibilities
Lead a high-impact, enterprise-wide portfolio encompassing hundreds of suppliers across a diverse external worker and advisor supplier domain
Shape and execute a comprehensive category strategy that supports the firm’s broader business objectives, driving financial value, ensuring regulatory and policy compliance, advancing sustainable procurement practices, and enhancing the colleague’s experience
Define the long-term direction of the Non-Tech EW and Advisor categories by developing forward-looking plans, building strong cross-functional partnerships, and fostering relationships with top-tier and niche external worker providers
Drive innovation and efficiency in how the firm sources and manages external worker and advisor engagements, particularly in complex or high-risk areas—ensuring that supplier relationships deliver measurable business outcomes
Collaborate closely with global and local business leaders to identify and act on opportunities to rationalize the supplier landscape, expand strategic partnerships, and optimize costs without compromising quality, performance, or client satisfaction
Focus on risk mitigation, improving contract structures, and ensuring invoice accuracy and audit readiness
Streamline procurement operations, reduce complexity, and unlock economies of scale through disciplined supplier performance management and strategic sourcing initiatives
Build and leverage relationships with industry experts, peer organizations, and suppliers to continuously enhance the firm’s category management capabilities and bring best-in-class thinking into procurement decisions
Drive the evolution to a scalable and sustainable strategy that continuously unlocks value through supplier relationship management, operational efficiencies and financial impact that empowers the Firm to scale and innovate effectively
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree required
7 years of experience in sourcing, category management, procurement, or consulting, with a strong track record of delivering business value
Proven ability to assess complex problems, synthesize insights, and drive data-backed decisions. Skilled in creating and interpreting analytical outputs, including Excel models and category performance reports
Ability to produce high-quality deliverables, including PowerPoint presentations, sourcing documentation, contract summaries, and other written materials that support decision-making
Highly organized and self-motivated, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, balance long- and short-term goals, and see initiatives through from concept to execution
Strong time management and attention to detail in a dynamic, fast paced, and often autonomous work environment
Demonstrated ability to drive structured processes and deliver consistent, repeatable outcomes
Adept at building trusted relationships across functions, geographies, and levels of seniority
Ability to influence without authority and work effectively in cross-functional teams
Embraces a collaborative, non-hierarchical approach and fosters a culture of mutual respect and accountability
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages to a variety of audiences and seniority levels. Comfortable presenting to, and influencing, senior stakeholders
Preferred
advanced degree (e.g., MBA, PhD) or equivalent practical experience strongly preferred
Proven experience in managing a large global contingent workforce program is preferred
Benefits
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
Paid time off
Company
McKinsey & Company
McKinsey & Company is a global management consulting firm and trusted advisor by businesses, governments, and institutions.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
McKinsey & Company has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
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Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Guy Perry
Vice President
Abhyuadaya Shrivastava
Partner
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