Category Manager

Job Title: IT Sourcing & Procurement Specialist
Location: Northbrook, IL 60062
Pay Rate: $73 - $76
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Hybrid: 3 days in office per week required; core hours 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM)

Overview of the Job

The IT Sourcing & Procurement Specialist leads and manages the global technology procurement category portfolio, including enterprise software (SaaS, cloud, on-premise), hardware, communications platforms, managed services, and IT professional services. This role is responsible for the full IT sourcing lifecycle-from RFx execution and contract negotiations to legal agreement execution and business case development. The position involves direct collaboration with C-suite executives and cross-functional stakeholders across IT, Finance, Legal, and Cybersecurity to drive sustainable cost reductions and secure optimal commercial terms.

Job Specifications

Primary Responsibilities
• Lead and manage the global technology procurement portfolio, covering enterprise software, hardware, communications platforms, managed services, and IT professional services.
• Manage all aspects of IT sourcing processes throughout the lifecycle, including RFx execution, contract negotiations, and legal agreement execution for new, renewal, or extension cycles.
• Support necessary governance approvals and develop detailed business cases for strategic sourcing initiatives.
• Develop, maintain, and expand key supplier relationships to secure best-in-class commercial terms and conditions.
• Manage preferred supplier selection and review processes, rationalize suppliers, and consolidate buying power to simplify the supplier ecosystem.
• Build strong relationships with key business stakeholders across COUs/Segments, IT, Finance, Legal, Cybersecurity, and other enterprise areas as a trusted advisor.
• Lead key sourcing initiatives to achieve maximum value within acceptable risk parameters, including process improvements and toolset implementations.
• Ensure Global Sourcing policy adherence and enforcement across the enterprise.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Deep general IT procurement background with experience executing IT deals across software, hardware, and IT Professional Services.
• Hands-on ability to analyze and interpret spend data in support of sourcing initiatives and business objectives.
• Strong understanding of standard commercial contracting practices, procedures, and best-practice sourcing methodologies.
• Excellent communication, documentation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across the organization.
• Comfortable independently interacting with and presenting to senior leadership, including C-level executives.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a broad perspective to identify innovative solutions independently.
• Demonstrated track record of delivering significant and sustainable cost reductions through effective sourcing strategies.
• Strong process management, organizational, and time management skills with high attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications
• Experience negotiating with major software vendors such as Oracle, Salesforce, Microsoft, and ServiceNow.
• Experience negotiating with IT contracting and consulting firms (e.g., Infosys, Accenture).
• CPM/CPSM or PMP certification is a plus.

Education and Experience
• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business, Information Technology, or a related field is required.
• 3+ years of experience in developing and executing category strategies in IT Sourcing (software, hardware, and IT Professional Services).

Interview Process
• Round 1: Interview with Hiring Manager
• Round 2: Interview with Peer/Colleague
Benefits:
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• Life insurance
• Retirement plan

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.