Category Manager

Aquent is partnering with a global leader in advancing safety science, a renowned organization dedicated to solving critical challenges and shaping a safer, more sustainable future. This company is at the forefront of innovation, constantly evolving its technology landscape to support its mission. We are seeking a visionary and strategic individual to join their team and profoundly impact their enterprise technology ecosystem. This is an incredible opportunity to drive multi-million dollar negotiations, shape strategic supplier relationships, and ensure the optimal performance of critical IT infrastructure that underpins global operations.

As a key player in this role, you will be instrumental in shaping the technological future of the organization. Your strategic vision and negotiation prowess will directly influence how the company leverages technology to achieve its ambitious goals. You will lead the charge in optimizing enterprise technology investments, fostering strong partnerships, and ensuring that the organization remains at the cutting edge of digital transformation.

**Responsibilities:**

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

* Oversee all aspects of the sourcing process, from RFx development and negotiations to the execution of legal agreements for new, renewal, or extension cycles of licensed products and services. This includes supporting necessary governance approvals and business case development.

* Cultivate and expand key supplier relationships to ensure high service levels and best-in-class commercial terms. You will manage preferred supplier selection, review processes, and consolidate buying power to streamline the supplier ecosystem.

* Forge strong relationships with critical business stakeholders across various business units, IT, Finance, Legal, Cybersecurity, and other internal departments, acting as a trusted advisor and integrating strategic sourcing throughout the process.

* Drive key sourcing initiatives, delivering optimal value while mitigating risk, including implementing process improvements and toolsets.

* Ensure adherence to global sourcing policies across the entire organization.

**Qualifications:**

**Must-Have:**

* Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business, Information Technology, or a related field.

* 5+ years of progressive experience in developing and executing category strategies within IT Sourcing, specifically across software, hardware, and IT Professional Services.

* Proven experience negotiating with leading enterprise software providers and major IT contracting and consulting firms.

* Exceptional communication, documentation, and interpersonal skills, with a strong focus on collaboration and building partnerships across the organization.

* Demonstrated ability to interact independently with and present to senior leadership, including C-level executives.

* Experienced sourcing practitioner with a deep understanding of best-practice sourcing methodology and a track record of ethical and collaborative outcomes.

* Solid knowledge of standard commercial contracting practices and procedures.

* Proven ability to deliver significant and sustainable cost reductions through effective development and execution of sourcing strategies.

* Hands-on approach to analyzing and interpreting spend data to support sourcing initiatives and business objectives.

* Adept at solving complex problems independently, taking a broad perspective to identify innovative solutions.

* Strong process management, organizational, and effective time management skills.

* Meticulous attention to detail with robust documentation skills.

* Strong financial analysis and advanced Excel skills.

* Demonstrated follow-through on commitments and projects.

**Nice-to-Have:**

* CPM/CPSM or PMP certification.

**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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