IT Category Manager
About the role
Are you an experienced procurement or sourcing professional looking to make an impact with a growing organization? We are seeking an IT Category Specialist II to support strategic sourcing initiatives and supplier management efforts within a fast-paced, collaborative environment. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys building supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, analyzing market trends, and partnering with internal stakeholders to drive sourcing strategies that deliver value. You'll play a key role in supporting business growth by optimizing costs, improving supplier performance, and enhancing overall supply chain efficiency.
Responsibilities
- Support the development and execution of category sourcing strategies for assigned IT-related spend categories
- Partner with internal stakeholders across engineering, operations, and business teams to understand procurement needs and business requirements
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and vendors
- Assist with supplier performance reviews, monitoring quality, delivery, and service levels
- Support contract negotiations and strategic sourcing initiatives to achieve cost savings and operational efficiencies
- Develop supplier profiles, negotiate commercial terms, and evaluate Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
- Help establish pricing strategies for project proposals and support financial reviews and forecasting activities
- Monitor market trends, supplier capacity, pricing fluctuations, and industry developments that may impact sourcing decisions
- Track commodity and market-driven cost changes while helping identify mitigation and recovery strategies
- Provide reporting, analysis, and recommendations to leadership and project teams
- Lead by example through collaboration, mentorship, and strong business partnership
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Construction Management, or a related field (equivalent combinations of education, technical training, and experience will also be considered)
- Minimum of 4 years of procurement, sourcing, category management, or IT procurement experience
- Experience managing vendor and supplier relationships
- Strong negotiation and strategic sourcing skills
- Experience developing sourcing strategies and supporting contract negotiations
- Excellent organizational, planning, and project management abilities
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to influence stakeholders and drive results across cross-functional teams
- Valid driver's license
Preferred qualifications
- IT procurement or IT category management experience
- Knowledge of purchasing processes, procurement best practices, and supplier management
- Experience with market analysis, cost reduction initiatives, and spend management
- Exposure to construction, manufacturing, engineering, or project-based environments
Benefits
- Collaborative and team-oriented culture
- Strong opportunities for professional growth and career advancement
- Exposure to large-scale, innovative projects across multiple industries
- Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on sourcing and procurement strategies
- Stable organization experiencing continued growth
- Flexible hybrid work environment
- Medical and prescription drug plans that includes no additional cost vision coverage
- Dental plan
- 401k retirement plan with a generous company match
- Paid time off, holidays, and other paid leaves
- Employer paid Life, AD&D, and disability insurance
- No-Cost mental health tool and concierge with extensive work-life resources
- Tuition reimbursement
- Adoption Assistance
- Gym Membership Discount Program
Pay
$72,900 - $109,400 per year. 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.
Schedule
Hybrid (3 days onsite, 2 days remote after onboarding)
Location
Minneapolis, MN (Hybrid)