IT Category Manager

Location:

Onsite 3 days/week in Northbrook, IL - 333 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, IL 60062

Duration:
Contract, CTH - 3 months to start with good potential to extend and convert.

This position may be offered to a candidate authorized to work in the US for his/her/their stated employer, without any restrictions which would prevent the candidate from working on the proposed assignment for the duration of the assignment period.

• The IT Category Manager is responsible for the strategic sourcing of Enterprise Technology by actively engaging with various Technology/Business leaders and suppliers of hardware, software and managed services to effectively and efficiently meet business requirements.
• The leader in this role drives multi-year, multi-million-dollar SaaS licensing negotiations, monitors/maintains hardware arrangements, IT Professional Services in alignment with our technology roadmap.

• Lead and manage the global technology procurement category portfolio including all enterprise software (e.g., on premise, cloud, SaaS etc.), hardware, communications platforms and managed services, IT Professional Services
• Responsible for all aspects of IT sourcing processes through the lifecycle of RFx, negotiations and execution of legal agreements for new, renewal or extension cycles of licensed products and services - inclusive of supporting necessary governance approvals and business case development
• Develop, maintain and expand key supplier relationships to deliver high levels of service while maintaining best-in‑class commercial terms and conditions; manage preferred supplier selection and review processes; rationalize suppliers and consolidate buying power to simplify supplier ecosystem
• Build and enhance relationships with key business stakeholders in COUs / Segments, IT, Finance, Legal, Cybersecurity and other areas within the UL enterprise to engage strategic sourcing throughout the process and be a trusted advisor to the business
• Lead key sourcing initiatives as needed, achieving best value within acceptable risk. (e.g., deliver process improvements / toolset implementation)
• Ensure Global Sourcing policy adherence and enforcement across the UL Solutions enterprise

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business, Information Technology or related field
• 5+ years of experience in developing and executing category strategies in IT Sourcing software, hardware and IT Professional Services.
• CPM/CPSM or PMP certification a plus
• Prior experience with negotiating with Oracle, Salesforce, Microsoft and Service Now preferred.
• Prior experience with negotiating with IT contracting and consulting firms (e.g., Infosys, Client) preferred.
• Effective communication, documentation, and interpersonal skills with a focus on collaboration and partnerships across the organization.
• This person will have direct interaction with C‑suite leadership. Comfortable independently interacting with and presenting to senior leadership including C‑level executives.
• Experienced sourcing practitioner, understanding of best‑practice sourcing methodology and a demonstrated track record of working ethically and collaboratively to achieve excellent outcomes.
• Knowledge of standard commercial contracting practices and procedures. Proven track record of delivering significant and sustainable cost reductions through effective development and execution of sourcing strategy.
• Ability to take a hands‑on approach to analyze and interpret spend data to support sourcing initiatives and UL business objectives.
• Solves complex problems independently and takes a broad perspective to identify innovative solutions.
• Proven track record of delivering significant and sustainable cost reductions through effective development and execution of sourcing strategy.
• Strong process management, organizational and effective time management skills.
• Attention to detail with strong documentation skills

• 30 minute interview with Manager
• 30 minute interview with Teammate