Category Manager, Digital & Technology (Procurement)
On-siteHouston, Texas, United States
Job Summary
Develop and execute enterprise sourcing and category strategies for digital and technology spend, including software, cloud, infrastructure, and cybersecurity. Partner with IT, Finance, and Legal to optimize total cost of ownership, drive supplier performance, and ensure contract compliance. Manage category objectives, KPIs, and multi-year roadmaps aligned to business priorities and risk profiles. Lead cross-functional teams to establish preferred supplier bases, conduct market intelligence, and execute negotiations for cost avoidance and service improvements. Maintain a forward-looking renewal pipeline and provide procurement guidance on sourcing strategy and contract structures.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain/Procurement, Business, Finance, Information Systems, Engineering, or related field
- Equivalent progressive procurement/category management experience acceptable to management
- Minimum of 8 years of relevant procurement, strategic sourcing, category management, supplier management, or commercial contracting experience
- Meaningful exposure to Digital/technology categories such as software/SaaS, cloud/infrastructure, cybersecurity, telecom/network, hardware, maintenance/support, data center, or IT/IS/Digital professional services
- Strong knowledge of Digital and Technology sourcing, technology contracting, supplier selection, statement-of-work structures, software licensing, SaaS/subscription models, renewals, vendor onboarding, contract negotiations, and supplier performance management
- Strong written, verbal, facilitation, and presentation skills
- Ability to influence IT/IS/Digital, Legal, Finance, business leaders, and suppliers at multiple levels
- Strong Microsoft PowerPoint, Word, Excel, and analytical skills
- Knowledge of manufacturing business needs and industrial operating environments
- Deep understanding of digital and Technology supplier markets, commercial models, licensing metrics, technology trends, and supplier risk considerations
- Business and financial acumen, including ability to develop and execute category strategy, analyze spend and budgets, evaluate supplier financial/commercial proposals, structure negotiations, and present recommendations to senior stakeholders
- Excellent negotiation, communication, interpersonal, and change-management skills
- Ability to make data-based recommendations aligned to procurement strategy, IT/IS/Digital business requirements, risk considerations, and enterprise financial objectives
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, competing priorities, supplier escalations, and contract deadlines in a matrixed environment
- Must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds
- Close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus
Desired Qualifications
- MBA, master's degree, CPSM/ISM, PMP, or similar professional certification
- Experience with SAP, Ariba/e-sourcing, contract lifecycle management, spend analytics, Power BI or similar reporting tools
- Knowledge of manufacturing business needs and industrial operating environments
- Deep understanding of digital and Technology supplier markets, commercial models, licensing metrics, technology trends, and supplier risk considerations
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