Category Sourcing Manager of Networks

When you join Verizon

You want more out of a career. A place to share your ideas freely — even if they’re daring or different. Where the true you can learn, grow, and thrive. At Verizon, we power and empower how people live, work and play by connecting them to what brings them joy. We do what we love — driving innovation, creativity, and impact in the world. Our V Team is a community of people who anticipate, lead, and believe that listening is where learning begins. In crisis and in celebration, we come together — lifting our communities and building trust in how we show up, everywhere & always. Want in? Join the V Team Life.

What you’ll be doing...

You’ll be leading the sourcing process for network solutions, specifically, as the lead category souring expert for Samsung radio access network (RAN) technologies, where we spend in excess of eight hundred million dollars annually.

Our agreements support the purchase of hardware and software products that will be deployed throughout Verizon’s Wireless network, with your scope of responsibility typically including liaising with clients across Global Network and Technology (GN&T) and a multitude of organizations including Supply Chain, Finance, Engineering and Operations to develop and achieve consensus on requirements and strategies.

Our purchasing power combined with your skills and expertise will help Verizon maintain its market-leading position. Other aspects of the job include:

• Joint strategy development, budget planning, and regular communication cadence with your business partners.

• Usage/inventory data analysis, benchmarking, and should-cost modelling to drive negotiation strategies.

• Manage the contract documentation and execution processes with the Supplier Risk Office, Contract Management, and Legal colleagues to ensure compliance with Verizon’s policies.

• Work with Sourcing colleagues to proactively incorporate maintenance terms and pricing into new product purchases, ensuring a total cost of ownership view.

• Validating that suppliers are upholding contract terms and conditions.

What we’re looking for...

You understand network technologies and you’re proficient in wireless communications lingo. Because you are a master relationship builder, external suppliers see you as an invaluable partner and internal clients see you as a trusted advisor. You have no problem prioritizing multiple simultaneous projects and you’re no stranger to tight timelines. Balancing the intersection of cost, efficiency, and quality, you expertly negotiate the best outcomes for all parties.

You’ll need to have:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in either of engineering, business administration, or supply chain, plus relevant work experiences preferably in wireless technologies.

• Experience in strategic sourcing, ideally in the technology areas such as network equipment and infrastructure, software licensing, network maintenance, and cloud infrastructure, etc.

Even better if you have one or more of the following:

• Ability to solve complex problems to ensure business and financial issues result in sound decisions.

• Project management skills in complex multi-project environments.

• Strong interpersonal and client service skills.

• Credentials from Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS), International Association for Contract & Commercial Management (IACCM) or Irish Institute of Purchasing & Materials Management (IIPMM).

• Lean Six Sigma experience.

• Experience with Microsoft Suite applications (including PowerPoint, Excel and Word).

If Verizon and this role sound like a fit for you, we encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every “even better” qualification listed above.

Where you’ll be workingIn this hybrid role, you'll have a defined work location that includes work from home and assigned office days set by your manager.

Scheduled Weekly Hours37.5

Diversity and Inclusion

We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer. At Verizon, we know that diversity makes us stronger. We are committed to a collaborative, inclusive environment that encourages authenticity and fosters a sense of belonging. We strive for everyone to feel valued, connected, and empowered to reach their potential and contribute their best. Check out our diversity and inclusion page to learn more.