IT Category Manager

About the role

The American Red Cross (ARC) spends approximately $2 billion annually on goods and services, with $1.2 billion strategically sourced. This includes regulated and non-regulated materials, supplies, facilities and equipment maintenance, consulting, and IT hardware and software. The IT Category Manager will support the Strategic Procurement leadership to ensure Supply Management meets the needs of Red Cross IT and business unit clients. This role is 100% virtual/work from home, requiring an East Coast schedule (8am – 5pm) and daily video appearance for meetings.

Responsibilities

• Work with the Sr. Director and Director of IT Strategic Procurement to align demands and priorities with IT, business client, and Supply Management leadership expectations.
• Manage a portfolio of assigned suppliers, including agreements, renewals, and third-party risk management activities.
• Engage with assigned clients to understand procurement demands, develop relationships, and influence procurement strategies.
• Lead, develop, and implement category strategies to manage portfolios, control costs, and ensure continuity of supply.
• Negotiate supplier agreements and renewals in collaboration with internal partners from the Office of the General Counsel, Risk Management, IT, and business clients.
• Negotiate statements of work and ordering documents with clients and suppliers to support positive project outcomes.
• Assess, identify, and mitigate third-party agreement risks in collaboration with internal partners from the Office of the General Counsel, Risk Management, IT Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC), and Information Security.
• Collaborate with the CIO, IT VP leaders, business tech leaders, and project teams to contribute to business cases, manage spend, and plan project procurement timelines.
• Participate in Supply Management processes, including Supplier Onboarding (SOBRA), Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM), Stakeholder Advisory Board (SAB), Risk Council, and P&L Improvement.
• Perform IT Strategic Procurement tasks, communicate with leaders, contribute to team performance, emphasize P&L improvement, and support diversity goals.

Scope: Individual contributor with comprehensive knowledge in a specific area. Ability to execute highly complex or specialized projects, adapt precedent, and develop innovative solutions.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in related disciplines such as Finance, Supply Management, Economics, Computer Science, or Information Systems.
• 7+ years of professional experience in Supply Management, Procurement, or IT Business Office roles responsible for IT supplier or category management.
• Information Technology experience overseeing IT services and suppliers.
• Strong working knowledge of the IT marketplace, terminology, and industry norms.
• Demonstrable experience with application development and managed services agreements and statements of work.
• Adept negotiation skills, including pay-for-performance and shared risk allocation in agreements.
• Strong problem-solving, collaboration, and influence skills.
• Ability to lead cross-functional business meetings, develop and deliver clear presentations, and communicate with stakeholders.
• Solid business acumen coupled with an understanding of business structures, processes, and information flow in organizations with multiple lines of business.
• Experience using common Supply Management tools for procure-to-pay and contract lifecycle management.

Preferred Qualifications

• Combined experience in both Supply Management and IT professions.
• Experience with major IT service providers and suppliers.
• Experience authoring and contracting professional services statements of work.
• Experience with Coupa P2P and/or Ironclad CLM.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• Professional certification (e.g., C.P.M., CPSM, CIRM, CPIM) preferred.
• Prior experience in nonprofit, humanitarian, or mission-driven organizations.

Note: Combination of education and general experience satisfies requirements as long as the total years equate to the minimum education and experience described. Certification cannot be substituted.

Physical Requirements

• Physical requirements are typical of an office environment.
• Operational flexibility to meet sudden and unpredictable needs.
• Ability to use a personal computer, applicable software, and office equipment for sustained periods.
• May include sitting for long periods, driving a vehicle, and working under challenging conditions.

Pay

The annual salary range for this position is $110K - $120K. Salaries are aligned to the specific geographic location where the work is primarily performed. Other factors, such as skills and experience, may be used to determine the actual salary. This role does not include an annual bonus.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Health Spending Accounts & Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Starting at 19 days a year, based on job type and tenure.
• Holidays: 11 paid holidays (six core holidays and five floating holidays).
• 401K with up to 6% match.
• Paid Family Leave.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Disability and Insurance: Short-term and Long-term coverage.
• Service Awards and recognition.

Note: Qualified candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. The American Red Cross does not sponsor employment visas.