Category Manager

?? We're Hiring: Category Manager

Qualifications:

A procurement/sourcing candidate with deep experience in large, complex deals such as Microsoft, IBM.

-Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business, Information Technology or related field

-5+ years of experience in developing and executing category strategies in IT Sourcing software, hardware and IT Professional Services. Prior experience with negotiating with Oracle, Salesforce, Microsoft and ServiceNow preferred. Prior experience with negotiating with IT contracting and consulting firms (e.g., Infosys, Accenture) preferred.

-Effective communication, documentation, and interpersonal skills with a focus on collaboration and partnerships across the organization. This person will have direct interaction with C-suite leadership. Comfortable independently interacting with and presenting to senior leadership including C-level executives.

-Experienced sourcing practitioner, understanding of best-practice sourcing methodology and a demonstrated track record of working ethically and collaboratively to achieve excellent outcomes

-Knowledge of standard commercial contracting practices and procedures. Proven track record of delivering significant and sustainable cost reductions through effective development and execution of sourcing strategy

-Ability to take a hands-on approach to analyze and interpret spend data is support of sourcing initiatives and UL business objectives

-Solves complex problems independently and takes a broad perspective to identify innovative solutions

-Proven track record of delivering significant and sustainable cost reductions through effective development and execution of sourcing strategy

-Strong process management, organizational and effective time management skills

-Attention to detail with strong documentation skills

-CPM/CPSM or PMP certification a plus

Responsibilities:

-Lead and manage the global technology procurement category portfolio including all enterprise software (e.g., on premise, cloud, SaaS etc.), hardware, communications platforms and managed services, IT Professional Services

-Responsible for all aspects of IT sourcing processes through the lifecycle of RFx, negotiations and execution of legal agreements for new, renewal or extension cycles of licensed products and services - inclusive of supporting necessary governance approvals and business case development

-Develop, maintain and expand key supplier relationships to deliver high levels of service while maintaining best-in-class commercial terms and conditions; manage preferred supplier selection and review processes; rationalize suppliers and consolidate buying power to simplify supplier ecosystem

-Build and enhance relationships with key business stakeholders in COUs / Segments, IT, Finance, Legal, Cybersecurity and other areas within the UL enterprise to engage strategic sourcing throughout the process and be a trusted advisor to the business

-Lead key sourcing initiatives as needed, achieving best value within acceptable risk. (e.g., deliver process improvements / toolset implementation)

-Ensure Global Sourcing policy adherence and enforcement across the UL Solutions enterprise

Work Environment

This is a hybrid role requiring three days in the office. The successful candidate should live near the office or be willing to commute three days a week. Flexible office hours are available within the core hours of 9am to 3pm for an eight-hour workday. The company promotes a culture of global inclusion and offers professional development programs, leadership training, and internal mobility opportunities. Additionally, the company is committed to employee well-being, volunteerism, and sustainability initiatives.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Northbrook, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $55.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Northbrook,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 4, 2026.

About Aston Carter

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io (%View email address on click.appcast.io) for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.