Category Manager

Title: Category Manager
Duration: 5+ Months (Contract to Hire/Extension)
Location:  Northbrook, IL 60062 hybrid (3-days a week in office Tue, Wed and Thru)
 

A procurement/sourcing candidate with deep experience in large, complex deals such as Microsoft, IBM.

This is a hybrid role. 3 days in the office. The manager is looking for someone who lives near the office or is willing to make the commute in 3 days a week as this is a must. There will be 2 rounds of interviews 1 with the manager and the other with a colleague. Flexible with office hours as long as they are in core hours of 9am to 3pm for 8 hours.

 
Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business, Information Technology or related field
5+ years of experience in developing and executing category strategies in IT Sourcing software, hardware and IT Professional Services. Prior experience with negotiating with Oracle, Salesforce, Microsoft and ServiceNow preferred. Prior experience with negotiating with IT contracting and consulting firms (e.g., Infosys, Accenture) preferred.
Effective communication, documentation, and interpersonal skills with a focus on collaboration and partnerships across the organization. This person will have direct interaction with C-suite leadership. Comfortable independently interacting with and presenting to senior leadership including C-level executives.
Experienced sourcing practitioner, understanding of best-practice sourcing methodology and a demonstrated track record of working ethically and collaboratively to achieve excellent outcomes
Knowledge of standard commercial contracting practices and procedures. Proven track record of delivering significant and sustainable cost reductions through effective development and execution of sourcing strategy
Ability to take a hands-on approach to analyze and interpret spend data is support of sourcing initiatives and UL business objectives
Solves complex problems independently and takes a broad perspective to identify innovative solutions
Proven track record of delivering significant and sustainable cost reductions through effective development and execution of sourcing strategy
Strong process management, organizational and effective time management skills
Attention to detail with strong documentation skills
CPM/CPSM or PMP certification a plus

Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the global technology procurement category portfolio including all enterprise software (e.g., on premise, cloud, SaaS etc.), hardware, communications platforms and managed services, IT Professional Services
  Responsible for all aspects of IT sourcing processes through the lifecycle of RFx, negotiations and execution of legal agreements for new, renewal or extension cycles of licensed products and services - inclusive of supporting necessary governance approvals and business case development
  Develop, maintain and expand key supplier relationships to deliver high levels of service while maintaining best-in-class commercial terms and conditions; manage preferred supplier selection and review processes; rationalize suppliers and consolidate buying power to simplify supplier ecosystem
  Build and enhance relationships with key business stakeholders in COUs / Segments, IT, Finance, Legal, Cybersecurity and other areas within the UL enterprise to engage strategic sourcing throughout the process and be a trusted advisor to the business
  Lead key sourcing initiatives as needed, achieving best value within acceptable risk. (e.g., deliver process improvements / toolset implementation)
  Ensure Global Sourcing policy adherence and enforcement across the client enterprise

 

At SPECTRAFORCE, we are committed to maintaining a workplace that ensures fair compensation and wage transparency in adherence with all applicable state and local laws. This position's pay range is $60.00/hr – $65.00/hr.