Category Manager

About the Role

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the full lifecycle of the IT procurement category, including strategy development, sourcing, negotiation, contracting, and supplier performance.
• Develop and implement category strategies to optimize cost, quality, delivery timelines, and risk management.
• Lead RFP/RFQ/RFI processes and negotiate commercial and contractual terms with IT vendors and service providers.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with key suppliers, ensuring compliance, performance, and service-level achievement.
• Partner with IT, Finance, Legal, and business leaders to understand requirements, forecast demand, and deliver best-value procurement solutions.
• Drive vendor consolidation, contract standardization, and procurement process improvements.
• Monitor market trends, pricing changes, and emerging technologies to ensure competitive sourcing.
• Track and report category performance metrics, savings, and value delivery.
• Ensure adherence to procurement policies, governance frameworks, and risk management guidelines.
• Lead cost-reduction, transformation, or automation initiatives within the IT procurement space.

Required Skills & Experience

• Minimum

  8+ years of experience

  in Procurement, with at least 5 years specifically in

  IT category management

  .
• Strong understanding of IT procurement categories: software licensing, SaaS, cloud services (AWS/Azure/GCP), IT infrastructure, network equipment, and IT professional services.
• Proven experience in strategic sourcing, contract negotiation, vendor management, and procurement analytics.
• Skilled in managing high-value contracts, complex negotiations, and multi-vendor environments.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines.
• Experience working with procurement systems/tools (e.g., SAP Ariba, Coupa) is a plus.
• Strong understanding of commercial, legal, and compliance terms related to IT procurement.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Business, Supply Chain, IT, or related field; MBA preferred.
• Professional certifications such as CPSM, CIPS, or PMP are an advantage.
• Experience in global procurement environments or large-scale transformation projects.