Sr. Category Manager, Strategic Procurement – IT

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Senior Manager for IT Strategic Procurement to join our team. Our team members lead and manage procurement engagements with cross-functional internal teams, including needs analysis, market analysis, competitive intelligence, RFI and RFP development, cost and proposal analysis, deal structuring, contract negotiation, and implementation development. 

YOU WILL: 

Strategic Procurement (80%) 

The Senior Strategic Sourcing Manager for software is responsible for acquiring, structuring, and negotiating third-party contracts for software products and services (on-premises and SaaS). Serves as a strategic procurement subject matter expert, partnering with business leaders to optimize financial and operational benefits, and with risk managers to mitigate the risks associated with third-party relationships. 

• Facilitates the development of relationships with vendors/suppliers and maintains relationships for long-term contracts. 
• Establishes systems and procedures to ensure and enhance overall quality. 
• Establishes requirements for suppliers to achieve process and quality standards. 
• Reviews, analyzes, and monitors supplier contract performance and compliance. 
• Negotiates and coordinates additions, deletions, and modifications to agreements. 
• Develops and maintains vendor relationships including tracking and analysis of vendor spend and performance. 
• Maintains solutions to ensure the purpose and functionality of suppliers closely align with business procedures, directions, and strategies. 
• Manages the selection process to evaluate products based on user requirements, makes recommendations, and ensures purchases are in alignment with current standards and strategy. 

Transformational Leadership (20%)

• Support procurement activities specifically for IT categories, ensuring alignment with technology roadmaps and business continuity objectives. 
• Implement IT procurement strategies that support scalable and secure technology solutions, driving operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness. 
• Negotiate IT contracts and vendor agreements to optimize costs, improve service delivery, and enhance technology capabilities in alignment with business needs. 

YOU BRING: 

• Curiosity: This position will require building-from-scratch thinking in a fast-paced environment. 
• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field. 
• 8+ years of experience in strategic procurement, with a focus on IT categories, ideally within the automotive or technology sector. 
• Strong negotiation skills and the ability to manage complex supplier relationships to achieve optimal outcomes. 
• Strong written, verbal, organizational, and program management skills. 
• Proficiency in procurement tools and systems, along with advanced analytical and problem-solving abilities. 
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and compliance considerations relevant to procurement activities. 
• Passion for sustainability and familiarity with sustainable sourcing practices are preferred. 
• Be a proactive self-starter who is comfortable navigating dynamic work environments with shifting priorities. 
• Effective in engaging and collaborating across different departments. 
• Experience in the Automotive Industry is ideal.