IT Category Manager (Contract)

Job Description

Job Description

IT Category Manager

ATR International, on behalf of our client, Cadence

Location: San Jose, CA (onsite 4 days a week)

Type: 6-month contract 

Pay Rate: $60/hour

Role Overview

ATR International is seeking an IT Category Manager on behalf of our client, Cadence. This role is primarily focused on negotiating and managing contracts for IT hardware, software, servers, and data center services. This role partners closely with R&D, engineering, IT, and business teams to deliver cost savings, reduce risk, and ensure reliable supplier performance that supports IT and business operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead contract negotiations for IT hardware, software, servers, and data center services agreements

• Review and negotiate IT contract terms, including pricing, SLAs, licensing terms, warranties, and renewal/termination clauses

• Develop and execute category strategies to optimize cost, quality, service, and risk across hardware, software, server, and data center spend

• Partner with R&D, IT, and cross-functional stakeholders to define requirements and specifications

• Conduct supplier evaluations and competitive sourcing to support negotiation leverage

• Manage supplier relationships, performance, and continuous improvement initiatives

• Drive measurable savings, cost avoidance, and value creation through contract negotiation

• Monitor market trends and benchmark pricing to inform negotiation strategy

• Ensure compliance with Cadence procurement policies and processes

• Support efficient Procure-to-Pay workflows, including purchase request (PR) creation and physical delivery tracking

• Improve visibility and accuracy across procurement and goods receipt processes

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain, or related field

• 5+ years of sourcing or procurement experience, with a strong, demonstrated track record negotiating contracts specifically for IT hardware, software, servers, and/or data center services

• Proven ability to negotiate and review IT contracts, including pricing, SLAs, licensing terms, and renewal/termination clauses

• Strong business judgment and ability to balance cost, risk, and operational needs

• Experience supporting technical or engineering stakeholders

• Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills

• Experience with procurement systems and sourcing tools (e.g., SAP Ariba, Coupa, Oracle Procurement, or similar)

Preferred Experience

• Experience negotiating data center or server infrastructure contracts in a high-tech environment

• Familiarity with software licensing models and SaaS supplier agreements

• Track record of delivering cost savings through contract negotiation and supplier performance improvements

What Success Looks Like

• Seamless support for engineering and IT procurement needs

• Improved supplier performance and reduced risk

• Consistent delivery of savings and cost efficiency

• Strong stakeholder satisfaction and partnership

About ATR International

ATR International is the employer of record for this position. We are proud to partner with Cadence to identify top talent for this opportunity.

ATR International is a staffing and workforce solutions firm providing high‐quality talent across a wide range of industries, including technology, operations, and professional services.

Company Description

ATR International is a staffing and workforce solutions firm providing high‐quality talent across a wide range of industries, including technology, operations, and professional services.