IT Category Manager
Our client is a manufacturer of workplace furnishings and building products, operating under two segments. The workplace furnishings segment is a leading global designer and provider of commercial furnishings, going to market under multiple unique brands. The residential building products segment is the nation’s leading manufacturer and marketer of hearth products.
IT Category Manager
Our client is looking for a forward-thinking, results-driven IT Category Manager to join their Furnishings – Operations team. In this highly visible and strategic role, you’ll lead IT procurement and sourcing initiatives across a $25M–$35M spend portfolio shaping our client’s vendor relationships, optimizing costs, and driving operational excellence. This is an incredible opportunity to contribute to high-impact, enterprise-wide transformation efforts while working alongside collaborative, passionate professionals who value progress and performance.
Job Type: Full-time
Responsibilities:
IT Category Manager
Our client is looking for a forward-thinking, results-driven IT Category Manager to join their Furnishings – Operations team. In this highly visible and strategic role, you’ll lead IT procurement and sourcing initiatives across a $25M–$35M spend portfolio shaping our client’s vendor relationships, optimizing costs, and driving operational excellence. This is an incredible opportunity to contribute to high-impact, enterprise-wide transformation efforts while working alongside collaborative, passionate professionals who value progress and performance.
Job Type: Full-time
Responsibilities:
- Design and execute a robust IT category strategy that aligns with our client’s broader business goals, fuels innovation, and delivers measurable value.
- Uncover and implement impactful cost optimization opportunities through strategic sourcing, license model evaluations, and supplier consolidation efforts.
- Take the lead in negotiating complex, high-stakes contracts - including cloud services, MCA, ULA, and usage-based agreements with ARC (Additional Resource Charges) and RRC (Reduced Resource Credits) - that support scalability, performance, and compliance.
- Build and nurture trusted partnerships with top-tier IT vendors, ensuring accountability, service excellence, and long-term collaboration.
- Own the full sourcing lifecycle - from market research and RFP management to bid evaluation and contract finalization - ensuring our client partners with the right suppliers, at the right time, for the right value.
- Spearhead enterprise-level IT projects and large-scale implementations with platforms such as Oracle and Microsoft, helping us stay ahead in a competitive digital landscape.
- Ensure all IT agreements meet rigorous legal, ethical, and financial standards - including careful evaluation of indemnification clauses, deadspace bands, and sweep provisions.
- Continuously monitor IT market trends and sourcing best practices to keep our client’s strategies fresh, forward-looking, and future-ready.
- Actively support our client’s diversity and inclusion commitments by identifying and engaging with a wide range of suppliers.
Experience:
- Bachelor's degree is required; Master's is preferred.
- 6+ years of experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, or category management with a strong focus on IT.
- Proven expertise working with leading enterprise platforms including Oracle, Microsoft, SAP, Infor, Salesforce, Cisco, and Palo Alto.
- A solid track record of negotiating and managing complex agreements, including cloud contracts, MCA/ULA agreements, and usage-based pricing models (ARC/RRC).
- In-depth knowledge of critical contract terms such as indemnification, deadspace, and sweep clauses.
- Experience leading large-scale enterprise software and cloud implementations, with a focus on performance, integration, and cost-efficiency.
- Exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
- Strong analytical mindset with the ability to turn insights into action.
- Proficiency with procurement tools and an understanding of cloud service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS).
- A strategic thinker with high attention to detail, self-motivation, and a passion for driving results.
This position offers a competitive base salary.
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