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Job Title: Category Manager
Location: Hybrid preferred – Madison, WI (3 days onsite ideal). Candidates in Milwaukee, Chicago, Iowa, or Minnesota preferred. Remote considered if necessary.
Start Date: January 5th
Duration: 6 months, with possible extensions.
About the Role
The Category Manager will lead the development and execution of category strategies for high-spend and complex IT categories. This role focuses on IT-related sourcing and vendor management, including professional services, infrastructure, cybersecurity, hardware, and telecom. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker who can influence category direction, collaborate with IT and business stakeholders, and navigate a dynamic environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement category management strategies for assigned IT categories.
- Collaborate with IT stakeholders to align sourcing strategies with enterprise service delivery models.
- Manage vendor selection, performance, and contract negotiations for IT professional services.
- Monitor market trends to identify opportunities and risks.
- Establish and track category targets, driving cost savings and risk mitigation.
- Apply strategic sourcing methodologies and manage RFx processes.
- Identify and implement value-generating opportunities (e.g., savings, efficiencies).
- Foster strong supplier relationships and communicate expectations internally.
- Adapt category strategies to changing business needs and resolve supplier issues.
- Support organizational rollout of category management practices.
- Lead multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
- Present regularly to internal and external stakeholders.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Finance, Business, or related field.
- 7+ years of experience in IT category management, supply chain, or related disciplines.
- Proven experience managing IT categories (professional services, managed services, technology consulting).
- Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
- Authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.
Preferred Qualifications
- 3+ years of experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP).
- Experience in sourcing transformation and change management.
- Ability to communicate complex information to diverse audiences.
- Background working with large-scale partners and global process outsourcing.
Additional Details
- Ability to travel up to 15% (may include overnight/weekend).
- Regular and reliable attendance required.
- Ability to adapt to rapidly changing priorities and operate with autonomy.
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