Category Manager, Global Real Estate & Construction Procurement

Aquent is partnering with a premier global investment management organization to recruit a Category Manager for Global Real Estate & Construction Procurement. The role will spearhead strategic sourcing and procurement for an expansive global real estate portfolio, influencing the design, construction, and operation of workplaces worldwide. The position is a temporary placement with a start date of Nov 12, 2026, a duration of 12 months with possible extension, and a salary of $95-97 hourly. Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute comprehensive global category strategies for design, construction, project management, furniture, workplace technology, and facilities services; Conduct in-depth spend analysis, market intelligence, and risk assessments to pinpoint sourcing opportunities and lead optimization initiatives; Lead all sourcing activities for critical capital projects worldwide, including consultant selection, design services, owner's representative services, furniture procurement, general contractors, and specialty vendors; Manage competitive processes with clear evaluation criteria, balancing cost, quality, schedule, and risk; Drive high-stakes commercial negotiations and execute contracts for all design and construction-related agreements; Partner with legal and risk management teams to establish contract standards, negotiate terms, and ensure appropriate risk allocation, insurance, and performance obligations; Establish and oversee governance programs for strategic design, construction, and workplace vendors, including performance reviews and scorecards; Act as a trusted commercial advisor to project managers, workplace planning teams, design leaders, and business stakeholders, providing guidance on budgeting, forecasting, change orders, and claims management; Ensure adherence to corporate procurement policies, delegated authority, and financial controls; Champion ethical sourcing, transparency, supplier diversity, sustainability, and corporate responsibility; Leverage enterprise procurement and sourcing technology platforms to manage pipeline visibility, approvals, supplier records, and audit-ready documentation; Build partnerships with senior business leaders, project sponsors, and cross-functional stakeholders; Mentor team members and contribute to the evolution of procurement best practices within a complex, global matrixed organization

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Real Estate, or a related field; 10+ years of progressive strategic sourcing, procurement, or commercial management experience; Minimum 5 years of direct experience supporting corporate real estate, workplace, design, or construction programs; Demonstrated expertise in leading complex RFPs and global sourcing initiatives; Proven experience negotiating professional services agreements, construction contracts, consulting agreements, and master service agreements; Strong financial acumen, robust contract management expertise, and superior commercial negotiation skills; Demonstrated stakeholder management capabilities within a matrixed global organization; Proficiency with sourcing intake, contract lifecycle, procurement workflow, and supplier management technology platforms, including comparable enterprise systems

Nice to have

Experience within asset management, banking, insurance, private equity, or other highly regulated financial services organizations; Extensive experience supporting global office portfolios and enterprise workplace programs; Professional certifications such as CPSM, CIPS, PMP, MRICS, CCM, or LEED; Familiarity with various construction delivery methods including Design-Bid-Build, CMAR, Design-Build, and Integrated Project Delivery; Experience working across diverse global regions including North America, EMEA, APAC, and Latin America

Benefits

Subsidized health, vision, and dental plans; Paid sick leave; Retirement plans with a match