Senior Category Manager – IT

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Virginia.

📋 Description

• Create and implement long-term category strategies that align with business goals and procurement value objectives.

• Formulate strategic sourcing plans, initiative pipelines, and category roadmaps for designated indirect categories.

• Utilize market intelligence, supplier segmentation, business demand trends, and risk mitigation strategies to guide sourcing approaches.

• Manage category strategies for Software, SaaS, Cloud, IaaS, Hardware, Telecom, AI, and IT services sectors.

• Oversee comprehensive sourcing events, encompassing stakeholder alignment, supplier selection, RFP/RFQ execution, analysis, negotiations, and award recommendations.

• Conduct high-stakes negotiations with major technology suppliers such as Microsoft, Oracle, SAP, Salesforce, AWS, Azure, and others.

• Create negotiation strategies that focus on commercial value, service expectations, risk management, contract flexibility, and supplier performance.

• Collaborate with Legal, Finance, Compliance, and business stakeholders for contract reviews and business decision-making.

• Manage significant supplier relationships, conduct supplier performance reviews, resolve issues, and promote continuous improvement.

• Achieve annual P&L Reduction and P&L Protection targets through effective sourcing, negotiation, demand management, supplier optimization, working capital management, savings tracking, and budget impact assessment.

• Monitor sourcing outcomes, confirm benefits with Finance, and assist in leadership reporting.

• Directly supervise Category Managers, Analysts, Specialists, and other procurement team members as assigned.

• Offer coaching, constructive feedback, talent development planning, workload prioritization, governance, and performance management.

• Guide team members on category strategy, sourcing discipline, stakeholder engagement, and negotiation preparation.

• Cultivate relationships with executive stakeholders and position Procurement as a key strategic business partner.

• Collaborate with the CIO and IT leadership on technology roadmap decisions and long-term initiative plans.

• Promote early Procurement involvement in IT initiatives.

• Work alongside IT leaders on software asset optimization, cloud cost governance, and AI procurement standards.

• Lead intricate cross-functional initiatives and influence senior leaders to meet enterprise goals and maximize value.

• Advocate for change management to encourage the adoption of procurement strategies, processes, and technologies.

• Balance stakeholder needs with governance, risk management, and business necessities.

• Encourage collaboration, accountability, and a culture of continuous improvement across Procurement and business divisions.

• Leverage digital procurement technologies, data analytics, and process automation to enhance decision-making and stakeholder results.

• Employ procurement platforms and analytical tools for category strategy, sourcing execution, supplier management, and performance reporting.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree is mandatory; an advanced degree is preferred.

• A minimum of 10 years of experience in procurement, sourcing, supply chain, category management, finance, or a related business field.

• At least 3 years of direct leadership experience preferred or required based on organizational needs.

• Strong understanding of indirect procurement, category management, strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, contract negotiations, and procurement best practices across various spend categories.

• Proven expertise in managing complex sourcing events, supplier negotiations, and cross-functional procurement projects.

• Experience in managing business stakeholders and indirect supplier relationships, delivering measurable savings or value outcomes.

• Inside working conditions.

• No environmental hazards are identified for this classification.

🏝️ Benefits

• Comprehensive healthcare coverage, including medical, dental, and vision plans, available from day one for full-time employees.

• Educational assistance for eligible employees enrolled in an approved, accredited collegiate program.

• Employer-funded life insurance and disability coverage.

• Optional supplemental life, hospitalization, critical illness, and other insurance programs.

• Adoption assistance.

• Fertility benefits as part of the medical plan.

• Parental leave.

• Health Savings Account (HSA).

• 401(k) retirement plan.

• Paid sick leave, short-term leave, holidays, vacation days, personal days, and additional leave options.

• Teammate Assistance Program (TAP).

• Calm Health support.

• Cancer Resources Services.

• Discount programs.