Sr. Manager, Category Manager, Information Technology

Key Responsibilities Enterprise Strategy & Value Creation Craft and socialize a bold, evidence‑based multi‑year category strategy tied to enterprise goals (growth, productivity, risk, ESG) in key IT spend domains including: Software and SaaS Cloud Infrastructure (IaaS/PaaS) Telecommunications and networking Managed services and outsourcing Cybersecurity End-user computing and hardware Enterprise applications and platforms Drive optimization initiatives related to software license utilization, cloud consumption, vendor consolidation, application rationalization, and enterprise standards adoption. Identify and deliver step‑change value levers (portfolio simplification, demand challenge, supplier ecosystem redesign, digital automation). Stand up structured value tracking with Finance; validate and publish results to executives. Build and maintain a living category strategy (demand, market, supplier, risk, and should-cost). Translate strategy into an annual sourcing wave plan and prioritized contract pipeline with mitigation actions for expirations/renewals. Owns data quality across procurement systems (e.g., sourcing, CLM, P2P) and audit readiness records Reviews and performs analytics and market research that inform strategic planning decisions, RFx, negotiation prep, and category direction Manage intake queue; validate requirements; set expectations on timelines and next steps Maintain project trackers, savings logs, contract records, and supplier profiles for audit readiness Create, refresh, publish, and communicate preferred supplier lists and engagement playbooks Critical Sourcing & Complex Negotiation Experience negotiating with global technology suppliers such as Microsoft, Oracle, Salesforce, SAP, AWS, ServiceNow, Cisco, and primary technology resellers. Conduct in-depth market analysis to inform RFx development, supplier negotiations, and contract terms Identify and prioritize sourcing opportunities that drive competitive advantage and long-term value Own and drive marquee RFx/sole‑source events and renewals with enterprise‑wide implications; negotiate creative commercial constructs (risk‑share, outcome‑based, gainshare). Oversee and/or perform total Cost of Ownership (TCO) analysis to sourcing decisions and supplier evaluations Set deal architectures and negotiation plays; coach deal teams; engage executive sponsors and legal counsel to closure. Establish playbooks and guardrails for rebid/renewal strategies, indexation, benchmarking, and continuous improvement. Demonstrated ability to negotiate favorable commercial protections related to data privacy, information security, SLAs, audit rights, intellectual property, indemnification, limitation of liability, price protections, renewal caps, etc. Supplier Partnership, Innovation, & Risk Management Chair executive governance with strategic partners; sponsor joint innovation roadmaps and transformation programs. Oversee risk management for the portfolio (cyber, supply continuity, financial, regulatory, ESG) with proactive mitigation and incident response. Segment suppliers (Tier 1/2) and implement governance (QBRs/ABRs, scorecards, corrective actions). Perform AQSCIR assessments for key suppliers Own and drive marquee RFx/sole‑source events and renewals with enterprise‑wide implications; negotiate creative commercial constructs (risk‑share, outcome‑based, gainshare). Facilitate supplier-led innovation and continuous improvement initiatives aligned to business outcomes. Hold quarterly and annual business reviews (QBRs/ABRs) with suppliers and relevant stakeholders Drive adoption of preferred suppliers and manage change communication effectively Partner with IT governance areas to ensure suppliers meet enterprise cyber security, regulatory, and data protection requirements. Operational Excellence & Governance Drive continuous improvement in P2P and CLM. Elevate standards, templates, and systems; automate analytics and reporting; ensure data fidelity and audit readiness. Continuously improve ways of working across Legal, Security/Privacy, Finance/AP, and business units. Track cost savings and avoidance progress against targets and pipeline forecasts Coordinate cross-functional approvals (Security/IT, Privacy, Compliance, Finance, AP, Legal) and drive issue resolution. Coach and assign work to sourcing resources (analysts/specialists) aligned to the wave plan. Stakeholder Engagement Build trusted partnerships with CIO organization leaders, infrastructure teams, cybersecurity, enterprise applications, engineering, PMO, and digital transformation stakeholders. Map stakeholder ecosystems and develop engagement strategies based on influence, impact, and business needs Engage stakeholders to understand business requirements, pain points, and future needs Maintain a cadence of meetings and communications with key stakeholders and their leadership teams Act as a trusted advisor and liaison between procurement and business units Communicate clearly and professionally across all channels (in-person meetings, email, video calls), tailoring messages to diverse audiences Represent procurement in steering committees, executive briefings, and supplier governance forums Support stakeholder projects with high responsiveness, strategic input, and proactive problem-solving Craft compelling storylines and materials Financial Performance Engage consistently with Finance and stakeholders in the budgeting process, aligning procurement plans with financial goals. Coordinate with Finance for savings tracking and bottom-line impact protection. Deliver measurable cost savings and avoidance, tracking progress against targets and pipeline forecasts Apply Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) analysis to sourcing decisions and supplier evaluations Optimize contract value through improved terms, pricing structures, and performance incentives Leadership & Change Mentor and support a matrixed and cross-functional team of procurement professionals and governance partners to buil