IT Category Manager – Cloud/Web
Job Duties
Category Management and Strategic Sourcing
- Communicate category strategies, objectives and performance targets with management team and ensure that objectives are met
- Develop and maintain current marketplace knowledge of cloud, digital, web-based solutions and related IT services; identify and monitor trends
- Develop trusting relationships with the information technology team, stakeholders, and suppliers
- Prioritize and manage all strategic sourcing initiatives for category; coordinate efforts with support functions and provide direction to strategic sourcing specialist(s)
- Identify and conduct strategic sourcing activities including RFX, negotiations, and contracting
- Interact with cross-functional teams to ensure effective and collaborative sourcing decisions
- Liaise with business units to gather and standardize requirements
- Lead supplier negotiations and contract development
- Assist with recruitment and onboarding appropriate contractors (SMEs) for any assistance related to sourcing
- Ensure quality of internal demand management for managed categories
Supplier Management
- Manage SLAs for suppliers; track performance, mitigate risk, and develop contingency plans
- Engage in Supplier Relationship Management (SRM)
- Lead select supplier business reviews
- Serve as an escalation point when issues arise in regards to suppliers and / or with internal operational teams
- Drive cost reduction initiatives with suppliers within category or commodity area
- Engage the support of stakeholders using problem solving and proactive communication skills
- Ensure clear communication and documentation of delivery requirements and expectations
Analytics
- Assess and manage total cost of ownership for specific categories and suppliers
- Participate in category-specific budget / forecast development
- Perform / oversee spend analysis, cost savings tracking, data mining, and ad hoc reporting
- Develop market intelligence on supply base, own key vendor relationships based on assigned categories and monitor key strategies and vendors
- Provide recurring updates to IT leaders of upcoming obligations, expiring agreements and savings opportunities
- Develop economic projections on key goods and services affecting the business
Job Requirements
- 3 to 5 years of relevant category management, sourcing, IT and/or consulting experience related to cloud, web-based, and digital solutions, as well as, application support and other IT related services
- Strategic thinking
- High level of curiosity
- Self-starter with entrepreneurial characteristics
- Strategic thinking
- Ability to partner with multiple stakeholders to implement change
- Quantitative and qualitative analytical skills
- Communication and presentation skills
- Business acumen
- Project management skills
- Technology awareness and capability
- Contract development competency
- Networking skills
- Negotiation expertise
- Organizational skills
- Persuasiveness
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite