At JetBrains, code is our passion. Ever since we started back in 2000, we have strived to make the strongest, most effective developer tools on earth. By automating routine checks and corrections, our tools speed up production, freeing developers to grow, discover, and create.
JetBrains’ Procurement team is seeking an experienced, strategic, and driven Professional Services Category Specialist to develop and implement strategic category plans globally, manage supplier engagements, drive effective contract management disciplines, and enhance supply base and supplier development. Reporting to the Global Manager of Indirect Procurement, this role is vital in driving strategic planning, sourcing, and supply management activities.

In this role, you will:

• Category strategy development and execution:

• Develop and implement global category purchasing strategies for marketing, HR, travel, legal, and other professional services. - Collaborate with internal stakeholders to align category strategies with business objectives. - Establish category strategies that drive cost savings, operational efficiencies, and innovation.

• Supplier sourcing and relationship management:

• Lead strategic sourcing initiatives, ensuring best-in-class supplier selection. - Conduct fact-based negotiations utilizing industry benchmarks, supplier analysis, and cost structure reviews. - Build and maintain strong relationships with strategic vendors, ensuring continuous performance improvement and innovation. - Implement Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) methodologies to enhance value and reduce supply chain risks.

• Spend analysis and cost optimization:

• Analyze supplier spend and market trends to identify cost-saving opportunities and drive consolidation efforts. - Implement cost control measures to reduce expenses while maintaining high service levels.

• Procurement process and compliance:

• Assist in defining and optimizing Purchase-To-Pay (P2P) strategies for locally managed subcategories. - Ensure compliance with procurement policies through internal audits, risk assessments, and standardized category descriptions. - Align regional procurement strategies with global best practices to enhance process efficiency.

• Risk management and performance monitoring:

• Identify potential supplier risks and implement mitigation strategies. - Monitor procurement performance, escalate issues timely, and drive continuous process improvements. - Ensure compliance with company policies and industry regulations to avoid supply disruptions.

• Cross-functional collaboration and leadership:

• Be a strong and reliable partner for internal business teams to enhance procurement strategies and drive cross-functional initiatives. - Support and mentor local buyers to strengthen category management capabilities. - Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation within the procurement function.

We’ll be happy to see you as a part of the team if you have:

• Education: Master’s degree in Economics, Finance, Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field.
• Experience: At least seven years of experience in procurement or related purchasing roles, with two years of category management.
• Contract management and negotiation: Experience with negotiating complex supplier agreements and drafting terms and conditions of contracts.
• Technical and analytical skills: Advanced MS Excel skills (VLOOKUP, pivot tables, etc.), experience using procurement systems (Coupa, Ariba, or similar).
• Marketing knowledge: Solid understanding of marketing channel strategies and experience with integrating category and marketing plans across a variety of channels, such as social, influencers, PR, etc.
• Language skills: Proficiency in English (written and verbal); knowledge of Russian or German would be a plus.
• Organizational abilities: Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Discipline, responsibility, and ownership: A highly organized professional who takes full responsibility for tasks and drives projects to completion with a strong sense of ownership.
• Tech savvy: Passion for technology trends and a proactive, innovative mindset regarding tech tools and procurement solutions. Experience using and designing electronic sourcing platforms to manage purchases and supplier contracts.
• Proactive and communicative mindset: A team player with a positive attitude and strong interpersonal skills. Ability to partner with global and regional cross-functional teams to move projects and initiatives forward in changing and ambiguous environments against timelines.
• Team spirit: Commitment to mentoring a team that delivers excellent results and fosters a dynamic where the team takes great pride in their work and shows up ready to work hard for each other and have fun along the way.
• Balanced focus: Ability to find mutually beneficial solutions while maintaining JetBrains’ best interests.

• Category strategy development and execution