Software Category Manager

Russell Tobin's client, an American software development company, is hiring a Software Category Manager in Houston, TX Employment Type: Contract/Onsite Location: Houston, TX 77056 Duration: 12+ months with possible extension or conversion Pay range: $60/hr - $65/hr W2 Schedule: Mon – Fri Position Overview We are seeking a Software Category Manager to support a global procurement organization. This role is responsible for driving cost savings on high-value software contracts through commercial negotiations, supplier consolidation, and strategic vendor management across a portfolio of suppliers with $1M+ in annual spend. The Category Manager will own the full procurement lifecycle, including spend analysis, stakeholder discovery, contract drafting, legal coordination, negotiation execution, and finance validation. The primary KPI is achieving a 14% net cost savings target against managed spend. This is a non-mandated procurement environment, where business teams choose whether to engage procurement support. The ideal candidate must build trust through preparation, responsiveness, and consistently delivering measurable results while working independently. This role requires daily use of multiple enterprise procurement and reporting systems. The successful candidate should be able to quickly learn and utilize tools such as: Coupa (purchase order and spend history research) Savings pipeline and forecasting tools Business intelligence dashboards (e.g., QuickSight or similar) Third-party security and vendor compliance platforms The candidate should understand procurement savings methodologies, including how savings are calculated, validated by finance, and tracked against business objectives. Strong data mining and analytical skills are essential for evaluating enterprise spend, identifying supplier consolidation opportunities, and building fact-based negotiation strategies. Advanced Excel skills are required for spend analysis, vendor tracking, and contract documentation. What Success Looks Like Independently researches suppliers before engaging stakeholders. Submits legal and compliance requirements promptly. Maintains accurate and thorough project documentation. Identifies supplier consolidation and cost‑saving opportunities across business units. Proactively communicates project status and key milestones. Builds credibility through strong execution and attention to detail. Maintains disciplined adherence to procurement processes and governance. Ideal Candidate Profile Experience in software procurement, strategic sourcing, or category management. Proven ability to negotiate commercial software agreements and drive measurable cost savings. Experience managing the full procurement lifecycle, including contracts and supplier negotiations. Strong knowledge of SaaS and on‑premises software licensing models. Experience with contract lifecycle management and enterprise spend analytics. Excellent stakeholder management and cross‑functional collaboration skills. Highly organized, detail‑oriented, and able to operate effectively with minimal supervision in a fast‑paced, ambiguous environment. Strong analytical skills with advanced proficiency in Excel and enterprise procurement/reporting tools. Benefits Russell Tobin and its affiliates offer eligible employees comprehensive healthcare coverage (medical, dental, and vision plans), supplemental coverage (accident insurance, critical illness insurance and hospital indemnity), 401(k) retirement savings, life & disability insurance, an employee assistance program, legal support, auto, home insurance, pet insurance and employee discounts with preferred vendors. Russell Tobin and its affiliates are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of the race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, reproductive health decision making, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Russell Tobin and its affiliates are a Fair Chance employer. We consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with applicable state and local Fair Chance laws and ordinances, including, the California Fair Chance Act and all applicable local Fair Chance ordinances. Accommodations We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, or to perform the essential functions of this role, please contact us. Only applicable for San Francisco Candidates: Under the San Francisco Lactation in the Workplace Ordinance, we will provide written notice of lactation accommodation rights, and this notice will automatically be given upon hiring, any inquiry of parental leave or lactation accommodation. #J-18808-Ljbffr Russell Tobin