Senior Category Manager - External Talent

McKinsey & Company
parental leave, paid time off
United States, Massachusetts, Boston
Sep 24, 2025
Procurement Senior Category Manager - External Talent Job ID: 101889 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 As Senior Category Manager for External Talent Category (e.g. Non-Tech External Worker (EW) and Advisor) you will lead a high-impact, enterprise-wide portfolio encompassing hundreds of suppliers across a diverse external worker and advisor supplier domain. You will be accountable for shaping and executing 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. In this strategic role, you will 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. You'll 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. You will 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. A strong focus will be placed on risk mitigation, improving contract structures, and ensuring invoice accuracy and audit readiness. Through disciplined supplier performance management and strategic sourcing initiatives, you will streamline procurement operations, reduce complexity, and unlock economies of scale. You will also serve as a key knowledge hub-building and leveraging 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 Your work will 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. 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: On top of a competitive salary (based on your location, experience, and skills), we provide a comprehensive benefits package to enable holistic well-being for you and your family. Your qualifications and skills Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree (e.g., MBA, PhD) or equivalent practical experience strongly preferred 7 years of experience in sourcing, category management, procurement, or consulting, with a strong track record of delivering business value Proven experience in managing a large global contingent workforce program is preferred 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 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 Industry - Post to LinkedIn - Yes Posted to LinkedIn Date - Mon Sep 29 00:00:00 GMT 2025 LinkedIn Posting City - Boston LinkedIn Posting State/Province - Massachusetts LinkedIn Posting Country - United States LinkedIn Job Title - Senior Category Manager - External Talent LinkedIn Function - Purchasing LinkedIn Industry - Management Consulting LinkedIn Seniority Level - Mid-Senior level