Category Manager

Category Manager – Strategic Sourcing (IT Procurement) Position Overview We are seeking an experienced Category Manager to lead strategic sourcing initiatives for complex technology and enterprise software spend. This individual will manage high-value procurement projects, negotiate large-scale commercial agreements, and develop sourcing strategies that optimize cost, mitigate risk, and strengthen supplier partnerships. The ideal candidate has extensive experience negotiating complex enterprise agreements with global technology vendors such as Microsoft, IBM, Oracle, SAP, Cisco, Salesforce, AWS, Google, or similar organizations. Responsibilities Lead end-to-end strategic sourcing events for assigned technology categories. Develop and execute category strategies that align with business objectives. Manage complex RFP, RFQ, and contract negotiation processes. Lead commercial negotiations for multi-million-dollar software licensing, cloud services, infrastructure, hardware, and professional services agreements. Build strong partnerships with business stakeholders to understand current and future procurement needs. Analyze supplier proposals and develop total cost of ownership (TCO) comparisons. Negotiate pricing, payment terms, renewals, licensing structures, and service-level agreements. Manage supplier performance and identify opportunities for continuous improvement. Conduct market research and benchmark pricing across strategic suppliers. Partner closely with Legal, Finance, Security, and business leaders throughout the sourcing lifecycle. Ensure procurement activities comply with internal governance and purchasing policies. Identify cost savings and process improvements while maintaining service quality and minimizing supplier risk. Required Qualifications 7+ years of strategic sourcing, procurement, or category management experience. Experience leading large, complex procurement negotiations with enterprise technology vendors such as: Microsoft IBM Oracle SAP Cisco Salesforce AWS Google Cloud Strong understanding of enterprise software licensing models and commercial contract structures. Experience managing high-value procurement projects from strategy through execution. Demonstrated success negotiating favorable commercial terms and delivering measurable cost savings. Excellent stakeholder management and executive communication skills. Strong analytical and financial evaluation skills. Experience leading cross-functional sourcing initiatives. Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. Preferred Qualifications Experience supporting a global enterprise procurement organization. Knowledge of SaaS, Cloud, Infrastructure, Telecom, and IT Services procurement. Experience with supplier risk management. Familiarity with procurement platforms such as Ariba, Coupa, Oracle, SAP, Jaggaer, or similar. Professional certifications (CPSM, CPM, CIPS) are a plus. Desired Skills Strategic sourcing Category management Supplier relationship management Vendor negotiations Contract negotiations Enterprise software procurement Technology procurement Spend analysis Cost optimization Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) RFP/RFQ management Cross-functional leadership Stakeholder management Work Environment Hybrid schedule (3 days per week onsite). Candidates should reside within commuting distance of the office or be willing to commute three days per week. Flexible working hours, provided core business hours of 9:00 AM–3:00 PM are covered. Compensation $60-70/hr (W2) #1273

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