Associate Category Manager
Aon Corporation, Chicago, IL, United States
Reporting to the Global Spend Management (GSM) Director, the Associate Category Manager/Senior Specialist will be responsible for managing sourcing and negotiation activities for a pipeline of procurement opportunities within the Corporate Services and Facilities category.
What the day will look like
Management of procurement activities including sourcing, commercial negotiations, and project management for a variety of projects with an aim to mitigate risks and achieve intended financial outcomes.
Accountable for the management and delivery of a pipeline of multiple projects including renewals and consolidations of existing relationships, request for proposals, and new supplier arrangements.
Providing market intelligence, go-to-market, and negotiation strategy, assessing supplier risk, and engaging in leading procurement practices. Initiate appropriate sourcing work efforts against the pipeline using the appropriate resources, provide guidance and manage escalations on those individual efforts.
Independently apply procurement or subject matter expertise to determine methods and procedures on assignments, ability to think creatively and adapt approach when necessary, including gaining acceptance on alternatives.
Maintain productive relationships with colleagues on the Category Management team, internal stakeholders, suppliers, and procurement BPO partners.
As part of the global category team, contribute to our global category strategies and work across multiple category teams to develop strategies and link opportunities across regions and categories when appropriate.
How this opportunity is different
This role puts you at the center of a strategic, global procurement organization where your work directly shapes business decisions— not just contracts. You’ll own a pipeline of sourcing and negotiation initiatives across Corporate Services and Facilities, with real visibility and accountability. Working alongside experienced Global Spend Management leaders, cross‑functional partners, and suppliers, you’ll have the support, autonomy, and exposure to build strong procurement expertise while delivering tangible impact in a collaborative, fast‑moving environment.
Skills and experience that will lead to success
Bachelor’s degree with 2+ years of experience in procurement/supply chain
Exceptional ability to effectively articulate difficult ideas and concepts through clear and concise verbal, written communication and/or presentations.
Strong project management and organizational skills, with excellent attention to detail and a thorough understanding of the sourcing process and ability to influence stakeholders/suppliers.
Strong problem solving, analytics and troubleshooting skills.
An inquisitive self‑starter that has a passion for procurement.
For positions in San Francisco and Los Angeles, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction record in accordance with local Fair Chance ordinances.
Pay Transparency Laws
The salary range for this position (intended for U.S. applicants) is $73,000 - $85,000 annually. The actual salary will vary based on applicant’s education, experience, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. The salary may also be adjusted based on applicant’s geographic location. The salary range reflected is based on a primary work location of Chicago, Illinois. The actual salary may vary for applicants in a different geographic location.
This position is eligible to participate in one of Aon’s annual incentive plans to receive an annual discretionary bonus in addition to base salary. The amount of any bonus varies and is subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable incentive plan.
Aon offers a comprehensive package of benefits for full-time and regular part-time colleagues, including, but not limited to: a 401(k) savings plan with employer contributions; an employee stock purchase plan; consideration for long‑term incentive awards at Aon’s discretion; medical, dental and vision insurance, various types of leaves of absence, paid time off, including 12 paid holidays throughout the calendar year, 15 days of paid vacation per year, paid sick leave as provided under state and local paid sick leave laws, short-term disability and optional long-term disability, health savings account, health care and dependent care reimbursement accounts, employee and dependent life insurance and supplemental life and AD&D insurance; optional personal insurance policies, adoption assistance, tuition assistance, commuter benefits, and an employee assistance program that includes free counseling sessions. Eligibility for benefits is governed by the applicable plan documents and policies.
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What the day will look like
Management of procurement activities including sourcing, commercial negotiations, and project management for a variety of projects with an aim to mitigate risks and achieve intended financial outcomes.
Accountable for the management and delivery of a pipeline of multiple projects including renewals and consolidations of existing relationships, request for proposals, and new supplier arrangements.
Providing market intelligence, go-to-market, and negotiation strategy, assessing supplier risk, and engaging in leading procurement practices. Initiate appropriate sourcing work efforts against the pipeline using the appropriate resources, provide guidance and manage escalations on those individual efforts.
Independently apply procurement or subject matter expertise to determine methods and procedures on assignments, ability to think creatively and adapt approach when necessary, including gaining acceptance on alternatives.
Maintain productive relationships with colleagues on the Category Management team, internal stakeholders, suppliers, and procurement BPO partners.
As part of the global category team, contribute to our global category strategies and work across multiple category teams to develop strategies and link opportunities across regions and categories when appropriate.
How this opportunity is different
This role puts you at the center of a strategic, global procurement organization where your work directly shapes business decisions— not just contracts. You’ll own a pipeline of sourcing and negotiation initiatives across Corporate Services and Facilities, with real visibility and accountability. Working alongside experienced Global Spend Management leaders, cross‑functional partners, and suppliers, you’ll have the support, autonomy, and exposure to build strong procurement expertise while delivering tangible impact in a collaborative, fast‑moving environment.
Skills and experience that will lead to success
Bachelor’s degree with 2+ years of experience in procurement/supply chain
Exceptional ability to effectively articulate difficult ideas and concepts through clear and concise verbal, written communication and/or presentations.
Strong project management and organizational skills, with excellent attention to detail and a thorough understanding of the sourcing process and ability to influence stakeholders/suppliers.
Strong problem solving, analytics and troubleshooting skills.
An inquisitive self‑starter that has a passion for procurement.
For positions in San Francisco and Los Angeles, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction record in accordance with local Fair Chance ordinances.
Pay Transparency Laws
The salary range for this position (intended for U.S. applicants) is $73,000 - $85,000 annually. The actual salary will vary based on applicant’s education, experience, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. The salary may also be adjusted based on applicant’s geographic location. The salary range reflected is based on a primary work location of Chicago, Illinois. The actual salary may vary for applicants in a different geographic location.
This position is eligible to participate in one of Aon’s annual incentive plans to receive an annual discretionary bonus in addition to base salary. The amount of any bonus varies and is subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable incentive plan.
Aon offers a comprehensive package of benefits for full-time and regular part-time colleagues, including, but not limited to: a 401(k) savings plan with employer contributions; an employee stock purchase plan; consideration for long‑term incentive awards at Aon’s discretion; medical, dental and vision insurance, various types of leaves of absence, paid time off, including 12 paid holidays throughout the calendar year, 15 days of paid vacation per year, paid sick leave as provided under state and local paid sick leave laws, short-term disability and optional long-term disability, health savings account, health care and dependent care reimbursement accounts, employee and dependent life insurance and supplemental life and AD&D insurance; optional personal insurance policies, adoption assistance, tuition assistance, commuter benefits, and an employee assistance program that includes free counseling sessions. Eligibility for benefits is governed by the applicable plan documents and policies.
#J-18808-Ljbffr