Lead Category Manager - IT

About the Role

As a key member of Motiva's Supply Chain team, the Lead Category Manager - IT is responsible for the development and execution of category and sourcing strategies across assigned IT procurement categories. This position leads the development and execution of technology category strategies, leveraging commercial expertise, market intelligence, supplier management, and contract negotiations to optimize total value, mitigate risk, drive innovation, and support business objectives. The Lead Category Manager partners closely with stakeholders across Information Technology, Cyber Security, Finance, Legal, and Supply Chain to translate business needs into actionable sourcing strategies and commercial outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Category Leadership:
  • Provide strategic and tactical sourcing support across assigned operational areas and categories, ensuring alignment with business priorities.
  • Serve as a trusted advisor to business stakeholders, translating requirements into sourcing strategies and supplier solutions.
  • Develop and implement sourcing and category strategies that support business needs and align with approved methodologies.
  • Lead end-to-end strategic sourcing initiatives, delivering measurable value through supplier selection and risk mitigation.
  • Conduct spend analysis, market analysis, supplier assessments, and benchmarking to identify improvement opportunities.
  • Develop negotiation strategies based on market intelligence and total cost of ownership.
  • Track category performance measures and KPIs for continuous improvement.
  • Maintain awareness of supplier markets, industry trends, and emerging risks.
• Value and Cost Optimization:
  • Identify and execute initiatives to drive cost competitiveness and service performance.
  • Partner with stakeholders to evaluate demand drivers and optimize requirements.
  • Conduct economic analysis and cost modeling to support sourcing decisions.
  • Develop business cases and ROI models for sourcing initiatives.
  • Proactively identify cost savings and risk reduction opportunities.
  • Track and report value delivery, including savings and performance improvements.
• Supplier Relationship Management:
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers.
  • Lead supplier performance management and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Apply supplier performance management strategies for strategic and high-risk suppliers.
  • Negotiate commercial and contractual terms with suppliers.
  • Drive supplier collaboration and strategic partnerships.
• Contract Lifecycle, Risk Management, and Compliance:
  • Manage the commercial lifecycle of assigned agreements.
  • Assess supply chain risks and develop mitigation strategies.
  • Ensure compliance with company policies and regulations.
  • Prepare sourcing recommendations and governance materials.
  • Manage escalations and resolve complex commercial issues.
  • Maintain documentation and commercial discipline throughout the process.
• Stakeholder Partnership and Leadership:
  • Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to shape sourcing strategies.
  • Promote Supply Chain as a strategic partner to the business.
  • Influence stakeholders through fact-based analysis and recommendations.
  • Support continuous improvement efforts in procurement and supplier management.

Qualifications

• Required:
  • Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, MIS, Finance, Computer Science, or related field.
  • 8+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, category management, or related disciplines, with at least 4 years in IT/OT procurement, cybersecurity, or technology categories.
  • Experience partnering with IT, procurement, legal, finance, and cybersecurity stakeholders.
  • Experience supporting IT-related products or services, including software, SaaS, cloud, and infrastructure.
  • Experience with supplier management, negotiations, and contract renewals.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and operate in a cross-functional environment.
  • Strong leadership, stakeholder management, and communication skills.
• Preferred:
  • Master's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, Engineering, IT, or related field.
  • Experience in both technology procurement and IT environments.
  • Experience in the oil and gas industry or industrial operations.
  • Familiarity with IT concepts, delivery models, and operational practices.
  • Understanding of software licensing and negotiation of technology agreements.
  • Experience with SCM, ERP, and procurement tools like SAP or Ariba.
  • Proven expertise in supplier relationship management and commercial decision-making.

Skills

• Strategic Sourcing
• Category Management
• IT Procurement
• Technology Sourcing
• Contract Negotiation
• Supplier Relationship Management (SRM)
• Spend Analysis
• RFx Management (RFI, RFP, RFQ)
• SaaS Procurement