Software Category Manager

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Illinois, +2 more states.

📋 Description

• Develop and oversee global category strategies for software and data subscriptions across short-, mid-, and long-term timelines.

• Create and manage internal demand plans for all sub-categories, pinpointing consolidation opportunities and emerging licensing and commercial models.

• Collaborate with application owners and business stakeholders to ensure alignment of category strategies with regional needs and global efficiency objectives.

• Identify and implement sourcing opportunities, including platform consolidation and optimization of renewals.

• Establish and nurture strategic partnerships with software publishers, SaaS providers, and data/market subscription vendors.

• Streamline the supply base and uphold a strategic supplier framework.

• Oversee Supplier Relationship Management for the category, encompassing reviews, scorecards, outputs, and third-party risk management.

• Keep track of market trends, licensing models, and pricing benchmarks.

• Lead comprehensive procurement events, including the development of RFPs, bid management, commercial evaluations, recommendations, and contract execution.

• Achieve cost savings, cost avoidance, and value-added outcomes.

• Manage the category project calendar and oversee contract renewals.

• Prepare and present contract documents and recommendations in accordance with JLL's Delegation of Authority.

• Maintain the category savings tracker and report the value delivered to stakeholders.

• Act as a category ambassador for best practices, process enhancements, and sourcing tools.

• Ensure that sourcing activities adhere to procurement policies, ethical standards, and governance frameworks.

⛳️ Requirements

• At least 7 years of strategic sourcing experience, primarily in software, SaaS, and/or data/information services categories.

• Proven experience managing category strategies across various regions.

• Demonstrated capability to lead complex, high-value procurement projects from strategy formulation through execution.

• Strong commercial insight with experience in contract negotiation, TCO analysis, and supplier performance management.

• Ability to cultivate and maintain relationships with senior technology and business stakeholders.

• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams in procurement, IT, finance, and operations.

• Proven success in leveraging AI to enhance and expedite job functions.

• Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) in a relevant field such as Business, Supply Chain, Information Technology, or a related discipline.

• Must have authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.

• Familiarity with major enterprise software publishers and SaaS commercial/licensing models.

• Working knowledge of software asset management (SAM) practices and license true-up processes.

• Experience in sourcing market data or research subscription services.

• MBA or relevant advanced degree is preferred.

• CPSM, CIPS, or equivalent procurement certification is preferred.

• Experience in corporate real estate, facilities management, or professional services environments is preferred.

🏝️ Benefits

• 401(k) plan with matching company contributions.

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision Care.

• Paid parental leave at 100% of salary.

• Paid Time Off and Company Holidays.

• Early access to earned wages through Daily Pay.

• Supportive culture and a comprehensive benefits package prioritizing mental, physical, and emotional health.