Category Manager - Technology & Corporate Services Procurement

Summary

The Category Manager – Technology & Corporate Services Procurement is the lead strategist for procurement of all technology and corporate service categories. In this senior role, you will define and drive overarching category strategies for a broad portfolio encompassing IT (hardware, software, telecom) and corporate services (e.g. HR services, travel, facilities, marketing, professional services). Your mission is to create value for stakeholders, reduce total cost of ownership (TCO), and mitigate risk through smart contracting.

You will lead high-value sourcing initiatives, negotiate enterprise-level contracts, and manage key supplier relationships to ensure the company obtains the best value. This role requires working closely with all levels of business owners and stakeholders – from department managers to executives – and influencing decisions without direct authority by providing expert guidance and data-driven insights. As a people leader, the Category Manager mentors and develops the Sourcing Specialist(s) on the team, building their skills so they can execute strategies effectively and grow into future leaders.

The Category Manager will manage additional resources which are offshore. The Category Manager must be adept at balancing urgent business needs with strategic long-term goals, knowing how to adjust procurement tactics when quick turnarounds are needed while still safeguarding cost savings and favorable terms.

Visa Sponsorship Available:
No

Combination of Education and Experience will be considered. Must be authorized to work in the US as defined by the Immigration Act of 1986. Must pass a Criminal Background Check.

Education: Bachelor's Degree

Education Details: Bachelor's degree in business, Supply Chain Management, Finance, or a related field is required.

Years of

Experience:

Minimum seven (7) years of strategic sourcing/procurement experience, with a significant portion in indirect procurement (managing categories like IT, professional services, or other corporate services). Experience should include category management or senior buyer roles where you owned strategy and delivered substantial savings/value. Specific experience in the technology procurement domain (e.g., IT software licensing, tech contracts) and in corporate services procurement (such as negotiating service contracts in HR, facilities, travel, etc.)

is highly desirable.

• Demonstrated success in leading cross-functional projects or initiatives (especially those involving senior stakeholders) is required. Prior people management or team leadership experience.
• Deep knowledge of strategic sourcing methodologies and tools.
• Proficiency in conducting rigorous data analysis and financial modeling for procurement – including spend analysis, cost breakdowns, and TCO analysis – is essential.
• Familiarity with e-sourcing and procurement systems (such as SAP Ariba, Coupa, Oracle) and advanced Excel skills for analytics are required.
• Strong understanding of contract law and contract negotiation principles: able to draft and redline contract terms, and to identify and mitigate contractual risks.
• Knowledge across a broad range of indirect categories and supplier markets.
• Excellent negotiation skills – a proven ability to negotiate complex deals that deliver both cost savings and robust terms.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data to make quick decisions and to develop innovative solutions (for example, identifying alternative sourcing options to meet a hard deadline cost-effectively).
• Influence and communication skills are critical: must be able to persuasively communicate with and advise stakeholders at all levels, and to build consensus. This includes strong presentation skills to articulate procurement recommendations to executives.
• Leadership and mentoring ability – capable of inspiring and guiding team members, as well as leading cross-functional project teams.
• The role requires a high level of business acumen and stakeholder empathy, understanding the broader company goals and the operational context in which procurement decisions are made.
• Adaptability and…