Procurement Category Manager - Software - Chicago

Chicago, United States | Posted on 11/13/2025 BRK Strategies LLC is a leadership and workforce development firm headquartered in Spring (Houston), Texas, serving organizations nationwide. We support clients ranging from local employers to Fortune 100 companies by strengthening how they hire, develop, and retain talent. Our services include leadership development, talent acquisition support, workforce pipeline design, and execution-focused consulting aimed at building long‑term organizational capability. We partner with organizations across manufacturing, aviation, technical trades, and professional services to deliver practical, scalable solutions that work at both enterprise and local levels. While trusted by Fortune 100 companies, BRK Strategies maintains a hands‑on, community‑focused approach, ensuring our work remains practical, accessible, and closely aligned to the realities of each client we serve. Our commitment is to help organizations create a sustainable workforce advantage through clarity, competence, and disciplined execution. Company Overview This organization believes everything begins with its people. As a global team focused on enabling safer, more connected communities, the company delivers critical communications, video security, and command center technologies that support public safety agencies and enterprise clients. The mission is simple: build solutions that help protect people, places, and operations. Department Overview The Supply Chain and Procurement organization operates in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment, providing best‑in‑class equipment, technology, and solutions to customers worldwide. The team strives to be a trusted advisor to internal partners, offering innovative sourcing strategies that maximize value and strengthen operational performance. This role requires an experienced procurement and supplier‑management professional with strong commercial, contractual, and strategic sourcing expertise. You will work closely with cross‑functional teams in a collaborative, high‑accountability environment. Strong communication, organization, and time‑management skills are essential. Job Description Note: This is a hybrid position. Candidates must reside in the Boston area and be able to work onsite as needed. About the Role The Senior Procurement Category Manager will serve as the subject matter expert for software procurement. This includes leading strategic sourcing initiatives, managing complex supplier relationships, negotiating high‑value agreements, and guiding the organization’s software procurement strategy to align with broader business objectives. What You’ll Do Strategic Sourcing & Category Management: Develop and execute sourcing strategies for software, including SaaS, PaaS, IaaS, and emerging technologies. Conduct market and spend analysis to identify optimization opportunities. RFx Management: Lead complex RFPs, RFQs, and other structured sourcing events. Contract Negotiation & Management: Negotiate commercial terms, mitigate risk, ensure compliance, and manage renewals through competitive pricing and performance‑based service expectations. Build and sustain strong partnerships with key suppliers. Conduct regular business reviews and drive mutual performance improvements. Stakeholder Management: Collaborate with cross‑functional teams and provide expert procurement guidance. Present sourcing strategies and outcomes to senior leaders. Process Improvement: Identify and implement process enhancements that increase efficiency and reduce software spend. Track and demonstrate measurable cost savings and financial impact. What You’ll Bring Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, or related field preferred Experience in strategic sourcing and category management with a strong focus on software Proven ability to lead high‑value sourcing projects and RFx processes Exceptional negotiation and contract management skills Strong analytical capability, including market and spend analysis Excellent communication and presentation skills Experience partnering with senior leadership Target Base Salary Range $80,000 – $160,000 Actual compensation depends on experience, skills, and background. Travel Requirements Under 25% Relocation Assistance Not provided Position Type Experienced Referral Bonus Not applicable EEO Statement This employer is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. The company maintains a people‑first, inclusive culture. If you do not meet every preferred qualification but believe you are a strong candidate, you are encouraged to apply. Applicants with disabilities or other conditions requiring accommodations may request support through the provided Reasonable Accommodations process. Requirements 2+ years of procurement or related business experience Legal authorization to work in the U.S. indefinitely (no employer sponsorship available) Bonus Points CPSM or CPM certification PMP certification Experience in IT, solution architecture, network design, or systems integration #J-18808-Ljbffr