Lead Category Manager – IT - Software

About the role

The Lead Category Manager – IT - Software position is a hybrid role based in New Britain, CT, USA, Towson, MD, USA, and Valley City, OH, USA. This role is part of the Global Supply Chain Sourcing team and involves negotiating IT contract renewals, strategic sourcing initiatives, and managing IT software procurement operations.

Responsibilities

• Negotiate IT Contract Renewals: Structure, lead, and support complex contract negotiations including contract license management as required in partnership with senior IT stakeholders/ advisory partners and focus on Software category from usage forecast to contract execution with multi-year savings and other detailed tracking.
• Strategic Sourcing: Plan/Execute Strategic Sourcing Initiatives, Evaluate Vendors, Negotiate/ Award, Contract Management, SRM (Supplier Relationship Management), Implementation, Governance/ Compliance, Procurement Business Operations (e.g. approvals, supplier analytics, reporting, etc.).
• IT Escalation Lead: Central point of contact for IT escalations in support of Managed Services Provider and internal IT Software Procurement Team as well as white glove handling for C-suite and other VIPs.
• IT Day-to-Day Contract Management Operations: Execute, support and lead IT Software Procurement Team through contract review, approval, detailed/ tactical tracking and administration while enhancing SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) for continuous improvement.

Requirements

• 9+ years Procurement (Strategic Sourcing, Contract Management) experience with global, complex, strategic initiatives/ corporate environment required.
• Management consulting background preferred.
• 5+ years IT Technology category (software, IT related labor) required.
• Software focus required.
• VAR/reseller management experience.
• Demonstrated stakeholder management across IT, Finance, Legal, Cybersecurity, and business teams.
• Proven leadership, transformation, and ability to operate independently with minimal ramp-up.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Strategy, Finance, IT, Computer Science, Engineering, Legal, or other quantitative discipline.
• MBA preferred.

Qualifications

• Expert Level proficiency in Excel (VBA/macros not required).
• Strong Contract Negotiator.
• Analytical Skills (Data/Financial/ Price Analysis).
• Project/Time Management.
• Problem Solving.
• Communication/ Presentation.
• Results Orientation.
• Contract Interpretational Accuracy.
• Relationship Building.
• Business & Professional Acumen.

Skills

• Strategic Sourcing.
• Contract Management.
• IT Escalation Lead.
• IT Day-to-Day Contract Management Operations.

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Life
• Vision
• Disability
• 401(k)
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Discounts on Stanley Black & Decker tools and other partner programs