Global Procurement - Category Manager (Professional Services) - United Airlines

There’s never been a more exciting time to join United Airlines. We’re on a path towards becoming the best airline in the history of aviation. Our shared purpose – Connecting People, Uniting the World – is about more than getting people from one place to another. It also means that as a global company that operates in hundreds of locations around the world with millions of customers and tens of thousands of employees, we have a unique responsibility to uplift and provide opportunities in the places where we work, live and fly, and we can only do that with a truly diverse and inclusive workforce. And we’re growing – in the years ahead, we’ll hire tens of thousands of people across every area of the airline. Our careers include a competitive benefits package aimed at keeping you happy, healthy and well-traveled. From employee-run "Business Resource Group" communities to world-class benefits like parental leave, 401k and privileges like space available travel, United is truly a one-of-a-kind place to work. Are you ready to travel the world?

We believe that inclusion helps us thrive and grow at United across our collaborative Finance teams consisting of Financial Planning & Analysis, Internal Audit, Treasury, Global Procurement, Controllership, Investor Relations and more. These teams provide the financial fuel that keeps our operation running from providing detailed analyses of financial planning, performance, and forecasts to managing our investments and financial strategies. Our Finance team plays an integral role in making our airline profitable and successful by meeting our financial goals.

Key Responsibilities:

The Global Procurement organization at United Airlines is responsible for procuring goods and services and developing/maintaining relationships with third-party providers with the objective of reducing total cost and risk to the company while improving levels of quality, service, and technology.

The Global Procurement - Category Manager supports United’s Global Procurement team with critical initiatives including contract reviews, supporting Requests for Proposal (RFPs)/market research/analysis, process improvements, and Procurement system updates/improvements. The goal of these initiatives is to gather real total cost of ownership (TCO) savings and drive process efficiencies.

• Lead Requests for Proposal (RFP) process across various commodities with detailed external supply market analysis, internal demand assessment, sophisticated RFP analysis with detailed financial modeling, and supplier evaluation scorecards
• Develop and implement category plans for designated categories to achieve intended business objectives. Includes research of current state and future needs, analysis of market trends and potential suppliers, and identification of continuous improvement opportunities
• Support development of procurement processes and procedures between all partners
• Gather direct savings on assigned categories by working with Procurement leadership to build sourcing strategies which enable cost reduction while ensuring that user needs for the assigned categories are met
• Develop PowerPoint presentations summarizing recommendations for leadership
• With input from United’s legal department, procurement leadership, and other partner departments, redline and negotiate contracts within designated categories
• Lead business relationships with key external suppliers including routine improvements to agreements, communication of demand/volume changes, updating contracts and sharing end-user feedback
• Maintain and develop relationships with internal partners including Division Leads, Operational Field Team, Legal, IT Security
• Develop knowledge and expertise in a spend category as needed
• Develop & maintain relationships with internal and external partners

United values diverse experiences, perspectives, and we encourage everyone who meets the minimum qualifications to apply. While having the “desired” qualifications make for a stronger candidate, we encourage applicants who may not feel they check ALL of those boxes! We are always looking for individuals who will bring something new to the table.

What’s needed to succeed (Minimum Qualifications):

• Bachelor's degree
• 3 years of experience in Procurement, Sourcing, Supply Chain and/or Finance
• Basic knowledge of strategic sourcing, contract terms, contingent labor, and/or labor services
• Highly analytical with excellent problem-solving skills
• Strong verbal communication and people skills
• Organized, detail-oriented, detailed, and professional
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship
• Successful completion of interview required to meet job qualification
• Reliable, punctual attendance is a crucial function of the position

What will help you propel from the pack (Preferred Qualifications):

• Master's degree
• CPSM Certification or other relevant certification
• Business, Supply Chain, Finance
• Knowledge of Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) concepts and strategic procurement process
• Experience with Coupa or other Procurement/Spend Management platforms
• Ability to act as a change agent who seeks out and advocates for new and innovative solutions to meet business needs

United Airlines is an equal opportunity employer. United Airlines recruits, employs, trains, compensates and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical ability, age, veteran status and other protected status as required by applicable law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform crucial job functions. Please contact JobAccommodations@united.com to request accommodation.