Category Manager - Technology​/IT

The Category Manager supports the organizations sourcing and procurement objectives by managing assigned spend categories, developing category strategies, and optimizing supplier performance. This role contributes to operational and financial goals by identifying cost saving opportunities, improving supplier value, and ensuring sourcing decisions align with organizational policies and risk standards. The position strengthens procurement practices through data driven insights, market analysis, and effective supplier engagement, while maintaining strong alignment with business stakeholders across the organization.

Responsibilities

+ Manage assigned spend categories from end to end, including strategy development, sourcing execution, supplier evaluation, and ongoing category performance monitoring.

+ Conduct market research, spend analysis, and benchmarking to identify opportunities for cost optimization, value enhancement, and risk reduction within assigned categories.

+ Lead sourcing events such as RFPs, RFIs, and negotiations for moderately complex goods and services, ensuring competitive outcomes and value for the organization.

+ Analyze supplier proposals, commercial terms, and pricing structures to support informed decision making and recommend optimal sourcing solutions.

+ Collaborate closely with business stakeholders to understand requirements, align sourcing strategies, and ensure category plans effectively support operational and strategic needs.

+ Support contract development and negotiation by providing category insights, supplier data, and commercial recommendations that align with risk and policy standards.

+ Monitor supplier performance against agreed metrics, identify issues or gaps, and partner with internal teams to drive corrective actions and continuous improvement.

+ Maintain accurate documentation, category plans, and supplier records within procurement and contract management systems to ensure transparency and compliance.

+ Contribute to the enhancement of sourcing processes, tools, and templates to improve efficiency, consistency, and scalability across procurement activities.

+ Support budgeting and forecasting activities by providing category level insights, spend projections, and analysis to inform financial planning.

Essential Skills

+ 2 to 4 years of experience in sourcing practices, category management principles, and supplier evaluation methods.

+ Demonstrated ability to analyze spend data, market trends, and supplier proposals to support strategic sourcing decisions.

+ Experience negotiating commercial terms and managing sourcing events such as RFPs and RFIs.

+ Familiarity with contract language, risk considerations, and procurement policies.

+ Proficiency with procurement and contract management systems.

+ Strong analytical and problem solving skills, with solid financial acumen.

+ Excellent communication skills with the ability to manage and influence stakeholders effectively.

+ Bachelors degree in a field relevant to the role, or 4 additional years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree.

Additional

Skills and Qualifications

+ Experience in business intelligence, with the ability to interpret data and translate insights into sourcing strategies.

+ Experience in procurement, including category management and supplier relationship management.

+ Project management skills to coordinate sourcing events, stakeholder inputs, and implementation activities.

+ Comfort working in a hybrid or remote environment while maintaining strong collaboration with cross functional teams.

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Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Minneapolis, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $50.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health…