IT Category Manager

Overview

Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for technology? Ready to make a real impact on a global scale? As an IT Category Manager with a leading safety science company, partnered with Aquent, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of enterprise technology. You’ll be at the forefront of multi-million dollar negotiations, forging partnerships with industry giants, and optimizing the company’s technology landscape. This is your chance to leverage your expertise and drive innovation within a dynamic and impactful organization.
In this exciting role, you will:

• Spearhead the global technology procurement portfolio, encompassing enterprise software (on-premise, cloud, SaaS), hardware, communications platforms, and managed services.
• Oversee all aspects of IT sourcing, from RFx through negotiations and execution of legal agreements, ensuring alignment with business needs and governance approvals.
• Cultivate and expand relationships with key suppliers, securing best-in-class commercial terms and optimizing the supplier ecosystem.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across various departments, including IT, Finance, Legal, and Cybersecurity, acting as a trusted advisor on strategic sourcing.
• Lead sourcing initiatives, driving process improvements and implementing effective toolsets to achieve optimal value and mitigate risk.
• Ensure adherence to Global Sourcing policies across the enterprise.

Must-Have Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, Information Technology, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in developing and executing category strategies in IT Sourcing, specifically software, hardware, and IT Professional Services.
• Proven ability to negotiate with major technology providers and consulting firms.
• Excellent communication, documentation, and interpersonal skills, with experience presenting to C-level executives.
• Deep understanding of sourcing methodologies and a track record of achieving significant cost reductions.
• Strong knowledge of commercial contracting practices and procedures.
• Ability to analyze spend data and support sourcing initiatives aligned with business objectives.
• Proven problem-solving skills and a knack for identifying innovative solutions.
• Excellent process management, organizational, and time management skills.
• Meticulous attention to detail and strong documentation skills.

Nice-to-Have Qualifications:

• CPM/CPSM or PMP certification.
• Experience negotiating with specific software vendors (e.g., Oracle, Salesforce, Microsoft, ServiceNow) and IT consulting firms (e.g., Infosys, Accenture).

About Aquent Talent:
Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world’s biggest brands.
Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. More information on our awesome benefits!
Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We’re about creating an inclusive environment—one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.

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