Sr Category Manager, Professional & Outsourced Services

Job Description:

Providing for loved ones, planning rewarding retirements, saving enough for whatever lies ahead – our policyholders count on us to be there when it matters most. It’s a big ask, but it’s one that we have the power to deliver when we work together. We collaborate and innovate – pushing one another to transform not just Pacific Life, but the entire industry for the better. Why? Because it’s the right thing to do. Pacific Life is more than a job, it’s a career with purpose. It’s a career where you have the support, balance, and resources to make a positive impact on the future – including your own.

We’re actively seeking a talented Professional & Outsourced Services Sr. Category Manager to join our Global Procurement Solutions team in either Charlotte, NC or Newport Beach, CA. Relocation Assistance may be provided.

As a Professional & Outsourced Services Sr. Category Manager, you’ll play a key role in Pacific Life’s growth and long-term success by supporting execution of key strategic sourcing initiatives set forth by sourcing managers within the Procurement Function. You’ll be responsible for supporting execution of spend and supply/market analysis, strategy development, execution of RFx activities, vendor evaluation/selection, negotiation of terms and conditions and bid award activities. If you’re an expert in strategy and sourcing who’s a self-starter who’s comfortable with ambiguity, able to think big without overlooking minute details, and who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, you’re perfect for our team.

How you’ll help move us forward:

• Strategic Sourcing & Category Management

  • Develop and execute sourcing category strategies for professional services including Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), Third-Party Administrators (TPA), Management Consulting, Actuarial Consulting, General Consulting, and other specialty services.

  • Execute multiple medium to high risk and complex projects simultaneously.

  • Conduct market research, benchmarking, and analysis to inform category strategies.

  • Lead RFx initiatives and contract negotiations to maximize value, reduce costs, and mitigate risk.

  • Redline contracts to ensure compliance with corporate policies and favorable terms.

• Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration

  • Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders and senior leadership.

  • Partner with Vendor Management to define and monitor SLAs and KPIs.

  • Drive alignment, adoption, and compliance with category strategies across the organization.

  • Lead cross-functional teams and projects as needed.

• Analytics & Decision Support

  • Perform advanced quantitative analysis to assess financial impacts and category performance.

  • Interpret complex data, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions to optimize procurement processes.

  • Develop models to improve cost efficiency and business outcomes.

• Innovation & Cost Improvement

  • Champion the adoption of new technologies and best practices to enhance procurement effectiveness.

  • Identify and implement opportunities for continuous process improvement and innovation.

  • Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, risk management standards, and corporate policies.

• Global Sourcing

  • Manage international vendors and lead global sourcing initiatives.

The experience you bring:

• Bachelor’s Degree required; MBA or advanced degree preferred

• 10+ years of hands-on Strategic Sourcing experience

• Proven expertise in Category Management for Professional Services including Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), Third-Party Administrators (TPA), Management Consulting, Actuarial Consulting, General Consulting, and other specialty services..

• Experience with ERP, GRC and Procurement systems ( e.g., Coupa, Archer, PeopleSoft).

• Advanced proficiency in Excel; strong skills in PowerPoint and Word.

• Strong mathematical and analytical skills with attention to detail.

• Ability to work independently and solve complex problems in a fast-paced environment.

• Excellent interpersonal, leadership, and communications skills.

• Demonstrated success in stakeholder management and vendor negotiations.

• Experience in risk management, compliance, and global strategic sourcing.

What makes you stand out:

• Procurement certifications (e.