Category manager & Procurement

The Category Manager & Procurement professional will lead strategic sourcing and procurement initiatives across assigned spend categories, with a particular focus on IT procurement. This role is responsible for developing category strategies that align with business priorities while maximizing cost efficiency and supplier value. Working closely with senior leadership and key stakeholders, you will build strong supplier partnerships and drive complex negotiations. You will oversee the full procurement lifecycle, from strategic sourcing and contract management to supplier performance and innovation. The position also focuses on leveraging market intelligence, digital procurement platforms, and AI-enabled solutions to improve operational efficiency. This is an opportunity to influence procurement transformation, deliver measurable business results, and strengthen the organization's long-term supplier ecosystem.

The ideal candidate combines extensive procurement expertise with strong commercial judgment, strategic thinking, and the ability to influence senior stakeholders. You should bring:

• A bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Procurement, or a related field. An MBA or other advanced degree is preferred.

• At least 8 years of professional procurement experience.

• Strong expertise in IT procurement categories and subcategories.

• Proven experience in category management, category strategy development, and multi-year sourcing planning.

• Experience managing multiple procurement categories, with IT procurement expertise strongly preferred.

• Demonstrated success in strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, competitive bidding, and complex contract negotiations.

• Strong commercial acumen, including knowledge of cost structures, market dynamics, and risk management.

• Advanced Excel skills and strong analytical capabilities, particularly in spend analysis and supplier performance evaluation.

• Familiarity with digital procurement platforms, automation technologies, and AI-enabled procurement solutions.

• Experience leading complex, cross-functional sourcing initiatives and driving stakeholder alignment.

• Excellent communication and executive presentation skills, with the ability to engage effectively with senior leadership.

• Strong leadership, influencing, collaboration, and relationship-building capabilities.

• A solid understanding of business priorities and the ability to translate them into effective procurement strategies.

• Strong adaptability, learning agility, and commitment to continuous personal and team development.

• An MBA or another relevant advanced degree.

• Experience managing multiple procurement categories, including IT.

• A proven track record of building teams and guiding organizations through transformational change.