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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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