Sr. Manager, Category Manager, Information Technology
Job Summary
This person is expected to influence technology strategy and understand both commercial and technical dimensions of the IT procurement environment. This individual must be experienced and comfortable in working with CIOs, CISOs, CTOs, enterprise architects, and global technology/software and services providers.
About the role
Serves as the strategic procurement lead for enterprise Information Technology spend categories including software, SaaS, cloud infrastructure, telecommunications, managed services, hardware, cybersecurity, engineering systems, and digital transformation initiatives. The IT Category manager partners closely with CIO/IT leadership, Information Security, Enterprise Architecture, Data Privacy, Legal, and Finance teams to optimize technology investments, manage supplier risk, and support scalable enterprise technology strategies.
Responsibilities
Owns a complex, high-spent IT category (or portfolio) with global scope and enterprise impact. Influences IT leaders and enterprise technology roadmaps; presents recommendations and status at leadership forums.
Supports enterprise digital transformation initiatives through sourcing and contracting strategies aligned to cybersecurity, infrastructure modernization, cloud adoption, AI enablement, and operational scalability.
Leads cross-functional project teams and external partners to deliver multi-year roadmaps and operating model changes. Primary procurement voice with senior/executive stakeholders; presents at executive committees.
Shapes policy, standards, and governance; mentors and develops the category talent bench. Ensures category plans reflect stakeholder goals, market dynamics, and supplier capabilities.
Champions adoption of preferred suppliers, standards, and policies across the business. Leverages analysis to shape strategic insights and market intelligence frameworks that inform category strategy, RFx prioritization, supplier negotiations, and contract terms.
Led, coached, or mentored strategic sourcing and entry-level procurement professionals in support of the category plan. Partners with finance, accounting, legal, and IT governance to deliver measurable value and risk mitigation.
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree required in supply chain, finance, project management, or related field. 8-10+ years of experience in progressive IT category management/strategic sourcing experience, including leadership of large, complex technology negotiations and cross-enterprise programs.
Deep expertise across enterprise technology procurement including software licensing, SaaS, cloud, telecom, managed services, and technology professional services. Strong understanding of software licensing models, cloud economics, consumption-based pricing, and IT supplier commercial frameworks.
Demonstrated executive communication and storytelling skills; track record influencing VP/C-suite decisions. Expert fluency in benchmarking, TCO, complex contracting, commercial strategy, and supplier performance governance at scale. Expert analytical skills with working knowledge of procure-to-pay, RFx processes, and contract basics/playbooks.
Qualifications
Advanced degree (MBA or Master’s) strongly preferred in supply chain, finance, project management, or related field. 10-12+ years of experience in progressive category management/strategic sourcing experience, including leadership of large, complex negotiations and cross-enterprise programs.
Experience working within highly regulated, manufacturing, mobility, automotive, industrial technology, or engineering-driven environments preferred. Experience leading transformation (operating model, digital S2P, supplier ecosystem) across multiple regions.
Certifications: CPSM/CIPS; PMP/Prosci or equivalent change credentials; Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. Domain depth in one or more enterprise functions (e.g., HR, IT, Finance, Professional Services, Facilities/CRE).
Recent/current experience working across time zones. Strong grasp of software licensing models (SaaS/PaaS/IaaS, subscription vs. perpetual) and associated services.