Understand business requirements (priorities, challenges, and key value drivers) and address the requirements as appropriate via commercial procurement activities.Develops and secures cross-functional alignment for annual category strategies and/or sourcing strategies for the assigned areas of responsibility.  Implements category strategies utilizing various commercial levers that deliver improved value such as lower cost, reduced risk, increased flexibility, and improved business outcomes for IBM’s clients.Builds deep relationships with cross-functional client stakeholders by providing compelling category insights & strategies, aligning and delivering results against commercial plans, and providing consistent professional communication & issue resolution.Plays an active role in supplier / agency relationship management (SRM) through leading or participating in key meetings, documenting mutual feedback and action items, ensuring right stakeholder engagement and through senior interactions with agencies where needed.Identifies cost savings opportunities across the client’s Marketing spend.Acts as a trusted advisor and SME in the areas of sourcing and negotiating contracts for Marketing and other Indirect categories.Achieves cost savings, risk mitigation, and process efficiencies through various value levers.Leads supplier selection process across multiple simultaneous projects within the category.Leads negotiations with current and potential suppliers as part of the contract renewal or vendor selection process.Collects and analyzes internal/external category data, metrics, and reports to track performance against targets and identify new sourcing opportunities or category insights.Innovates within the procurement space; looking at new ways to structure programs or categories, benefit from changes in supply market, or modify tools/processes to add value.Provides support throughout the sourcing and contracting process when necessary, ensuring seamless handoff to our clients when appropriate.