Category Manager - IT HW, SW, Telecom

A Category Manager for IT Hardware, Software, and Telecommunications develops and executes enterprise category strategies that optimize value, manage risk, and enable business growth through data‑driven decision‑making, digital procurement capabilities, and strategic supplier partnerships. Working collaboratively across Procurement COE, Information Technology, Information Security, Enterprise Architecture, Finance, Legal, and business stakeholders, the role leverages analytics, market intelligence, and modern procurement technologies to deliver measurable business outcomes, technology innovation, and continuous improvement across hardware, software, telecommunications, cloud, and related technology categories. Duties & Responsibilities Develop and execute multi-year category strategies for Information Technology hardware, software, telecommunications, cloud, and related technology categories aligned with enterprise objectives, balancing cost optimization, innovation, risk management, and business growth. Utilize enterprise procurement platforms, spend analytics, AI-enabled procurement capabilities, technology market intelligence, and digital procurement tools to develop data-driven category strategies and improve procurement decision‑making. Leverage spend analytics, technology market trends, licensing models, demand forecasting, supplier benchmarking, and total cost of ownership analyses to identify sourcing opportunities. Evaluate emerging technologies, supplier capabilities, commercial models, and market developments to continuously improve category performance. Monitor category performance through financial, operational, supplier, contract, and technology performance KPIs. Strategic Sourcing & Commercial Management Lead end‑to‑end strategic sourcing initiatives in partnership with the Procurement COE and Strategic Sourcing Specialists, including market analysis, RFx development, supplier evaluation, commercial negotiations, and contract award. Develop sourcing strategies that balance commercial value, technical requirements, cybersecurity, supplier capabilities, operational performance, and enterprise risk. Lead cross‑functional sourcing teams including Information Technology, Enterprise Architecture, Information Security, Finance, Legal, Compliance, and business stakeholders. Negotiate commercial agreements for software licensing, hardware procurement, telecommunications, cloud services, maintenance agreements, and related technology solutions that maximize enterprise value while managing financial, legal, operational, and technology risk. Ensure contracts support measurable business outcomes, supplier accountability, technology lifecycle management, and ongoing supplier performance. Supplier Relationship Management Develop strategic partnerships with technology suppliers that drive innovation, operational excellence, and continuous value creation. Foster supplier innovation by identifying opportunities for emerging technologies, automation, cloud optimization, digital capabilities, and technology modernization. Lead supplier performance reviews using data‑driven scorecards, service levels, operational KPIs, contract performance, and business outcomes. Develop supplier improvement plans and corrective action initiatives where performance expectations are not achieved. Collaborate with Information Technology stakeholders and suppliers to continuously improve technology performance, service delivery, and user experience. Business Partnership & Stakeholder Engagement Serve as the trusted procurement advisor for Information Technology and business stakeholders, aligning procurement strategies with enterprise technology priorities. Partner with Information Technology leadership, Enterprise Architecture, Information Security, Digital Transformation, Finance, Legal, and business stakeholders to support strategic technology initiatives. Collaborate with Procurement COE teams—including Procurement Intelligence, Digital Transformation, and Procurement Operations—to deliver integrated procurement solutions. Promote procurement best practices, governance, stakeholder engagement, and change management throughout the technology procurement lifecycle. Governance, Risk & Continuous Improvement Ensure procurement activities comply with enterprise procurement policies, delegated authority, regulatory requirements, and technology governance standards. Assess supplier, commercial, operational, cybersecurity, privacy, compliance, and technology risks and implement appropriate mitigation strategies. Continuously improve procurement processes, supplier governance, user experience, and digital adoption through automation, standardization, and best practices. Support Internal Audit, Compliance, supplier assessments, cybersecurity reviews, and technology governance activities as required. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Information Technology, Finance, or equivalent related experience as described below. Minimum 5 years of experience in strategic sourcing, category management, procurement, or technology supplier management. Demonstrated experience sourcing or managing Information Technology hardware, software, telecommunications, cloud services, or enterprise technology suppliers. Strong knowledge of commercial negotiations, contract lifecycle management, software licensing, cloud procurement, supplier relationship management, and technology procurement. Excellent analytical, communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills. Must be able to adhere to a hybrid work schedule which consists of reporting to our 100 Church Street, NYC office every Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday. Preferred Qualifications Master's degree (MBA or related discipline). CPSM, CIPS, or equivalent procurement certification. Healthcare payer or managed care procurement experience. Hiring Range*: Greater New York City Area (NY, NJ, CT residents): $103,400 - $149,430 All Other Locations (within approved locations): $88,700 - $131,920 The hiring range is defined as the lowest and highest salaries that Healthfirst in “good faith” would pay to a new hire, or for a job promotion, or transfer into this role. As a candidate for this position, your salary and related elements of compensation will be contingent upon your work experience, education, licenses and certifications, and any other factors Healthfirst deems pertinent to the hiring decision. In addition to your salary, Healthfirst offers employees a full range of benefits such as, medical, dental and vision coverage, incentive and recognition programs, life insurance, and 401k contributions (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). Healthfirst believes in providing a competitive compensation and benefits package wherever its employees work and live. #J-18808-Ljbffr Healthfirst