Category Manager, Marketing

Secure Every Identity, from AI to Human Identity is the key to unlocking the potential of AI. Okta secures AI by building the trusted, neutral infrastructure that enables organizations to safely embrace this new era. This work requires a relentless drive to solve complex challenges with real‑world stakes. We are looking for builders and owners who operate with speed and urgency and execute with excellence. This is an opportunity to do career‑defining work. We're all in on this mission. If you are too, let's talk. Okta’s Strategic Sourcing and Procurement (SS&P) team is looking for an experienced Category Manager to support and lead sourcing activities for our Marketing spend globally. The primary objective of this position is to maximize value, minimize risk, and ensure our marketing team has the supplier support it needs to succeed. In this role, you will be a trusted partner to our Marketing stakeholders, helping to standardize and streamline procurement processes. You will be responsible for developing and executing the sourcing strategy for the Marketing category, leading complex negotiations, and driving cost‑saving initiatives while maintaining service quality. We are looking for a proactive, organized, and collaborative individual who works well in a fast‑paced environment. This role will report to the Manager, Strategic Sourcing – Marketing. The is a hybrid role (2 days a week in office) and must be based in either Bellevue, WA, or the San Francisco Bay Area. Key Responsibilities: Category Strategy & Planning: Develop and execute proactive sourcing strategies for the Marketing category, working closely with functional groups to understand their long‑term needs and deliver tangible value. Sourcing & Project Management: Manage the entire lifecycle of sourcing projects from end‑to‑end, including conducting RFIs, RFPs, and market assessments to lead supplier selection activities. Contract Negotiation: Lead commercial term negotiations for project‑level agreements and partner with Legal on Master Service Agreements, ensuring favorable terms and compliance. Cost Optimization: Identify and implement cost‑saving opportunities through strategic negotiations and process improvements. Develop and track KPIs to measure savings and value. Stakeholder Partnership: Build strong relationships with Marketing stakeholders to understand their objectives and align procurement initiatives with their business requirements, guiding them through the entire sourcing process. Supplier Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with key Marketing suppliers, ensuring they meet performance expectations, quality standards, and contractual agreements. Process, Governance & Compliance: Ensure adherence to Okta’s SS&P policies and procedures. Help develop and implement governance to drive performance, mitigate risk, and improve operational efficiency. Data Analysis & Reporting: Conduct internal and external data analysis to provide clear, actionable insights. Regularly update leadership on strategy progress, savings, and market trends. Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Finance, or a related field. Minimum of 3+ years of experience in strategic sourcing and procurement, with experience in Marketing including Creative & Brand, PR/Communications, Swag, Paid Media, Web Marketing and Events. Proven ability to lead contract and commercial term negotiations independently. Experience managing multiple projects in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment. Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and project management skills. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross‑functional teams. Familiarity with the procure‑to‑pay process and proficiency in tools like Google Workspace and MS Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint). Preferred Qualifications: Professional certifications such as CSCP, CPSM, or CPIM. Strong negotiation skills and experience in leading negotiations across various services and indirect categories. Independently run and manage RFPs. Ability to be responsible for multiple projects with tight target dates. Familiarity with the procure‑to‑pay process and vendor management principles. Excellent project management and time management skills. Proficiency with analytics and reporting. Experience with ERP and financial systems. Familiarity with Coupa, Workday/ScoutRFP is a plus. The annual base salary range for this position for candidates located in the San Francisco Bay area is between $100,000 and $137,500 USD. The annual base salary range for this position for candidates located in California (excluding San Francisco Bay Area), Colorado, Illinois, New York, and Washington is between $90,000 and $123,200 USD. Your actual base salary will depend on factors such as your skills, qualifications, experience, and work location. In addition, Okta offers equity (where applicable), bonus, and benefits, including health, dental and vision insurance, 401(k), flexible spending account, and paid leave (including PTO and parental leave) in accordance with our applicable plans and policies. To learn more about our Total Rewards program please visit The Okta Experience Supporting Your Well-Being Driving Social Impact Developing Talent and Fostering Connection + Community We are intentional about connection. Our global community, spanning over 20 offices worldwide, is united by a drive to innovate. Your journey begins with an immersive, in‑person onboarding experience designed to accelerate your impact and connect you to our mission and team from day one. Okta is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, marital status, age, physical or mental disability, or status as a protected veteran. We also consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and convictions records, consistent with applicable laws. If reasonable accommodation is needed to complete any part of the job application, interview process, or onboarding, please use this Form to request an accommodation. Notice for New York City Applicants & Employees: Okta may use Automated Employment Decision Tools (AEDT), as defined by New York City Local Law 144, that use artificial intelligence, machine learning, or other automated processes to assist in our recruitment and hiring process. In accordance with NYC Local Law 144, if you are an applicant or employee residing in New York City, please click here to view our full NYC AEDT Notice. #J-18808-Ljbffr Triwill Group