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. Nearly $150 million of this spend is on IT goods and services. Supply Management at the Red Cross is transforming to become a top-performing function. The IT Category Manager will support this transformation by working with IT organizations and executives to execute planned spend, ensuring Supply Management meets the needs of Red Cross IT and business unit clients.

The work location for this position is 100% virtual/work from home anywhere in the United States, with an East Coast schedule (8am – 5pm). Daily and frequent video appearance is required 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 a portfolio of assigned clients to understand procurement demands, timelines, develop relationships, and influence procurement strategies.
• Lead, develop, and implement category strategies to manage assigned 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 add value and 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.
• Work 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 business 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, 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 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.

Combination of education and general experience may satisfy requirements if total years meet the minimum criteria.

Physical Requirements

• Physical requirements are typical of a normal 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 $110,000 - $120,000. Salaries are aligned to the specific geographic location where the work is primarily performed and may vary based on skills, experience, and comparison to other employees in the role. No annual bonus is offered for this role.

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.

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