Category Manager, Marketing

Okta•San Francisco, CA

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

Okta is The World’s Identity Company. We free everyone to safely use any technology, anywhere, on any device or app. Our flexible and neutral products, Okta Platform and Auth0 Platform, provide secure access, authentication, and automation, placing identity at the core of business security and growth. At Okta, we celebrate a variety of perspectives and experiences. We are not looking for someone who checks every single box - we’re looking for lifelong learners and people who can make us better with their unique experiences. Join our team! We’re building a world where Identity belongs to you. Okta’s Strategic Sourcing and Procurement (SS&P) team is looking for an experienced Category Manager to support and lead sourcing activities for our Marketing spend globally. The primary objective of this position is to maximize value, minimize risk, and ensure our marketing team has the supplier support it needs to succeed. In this role, you will be a trusted partner to our Marketing stakeholders, helping to standardize and streamline procurement processes. You will be responsible for developing and executing the sourcing strategy for the Marketing category, leading complex negotiations, and driving cost-saving initiatives while maintaining service quality. We are looking for a proactive, organized, and collaborative individual who works well in a fast-paced environment. This role will report to the Manager, Strategic Sourcing - Marketing. The is a hybrid role (2 days a week in office) and must be based in either Bellevue, WA, or the San Francisco Bay Area.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Finance, or a related field.
Minimum of 3+ years of experience in strategic sourcing and procurement, with experience in Marketing including Creative & Brand, PR/Communications, Swag, Paid Media, Web Marketing and Events
Proven ability to lead contract and commercial term negotiations independently.
Experience managing multiple projects in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
Familiarity with the procure-to-pay process and proficiency in tools like Google Workspace and MS Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint).

Nice To Haves

Professional certifications such as CSCP, CPSM, or CPIM.
Strong negotiation skills and experience in leading negotiations across various services and indirect categories
Independently run and manage RFPs
Ability to be responsible for multiple projects with tight target dates
Familiarity with the procure-to-pay process and vendor management principles
Excellent project management and time management skills
Proficiency with analytics and reporting
Experience with ERP and financial systems.
Familiarity with Coupa, Workday/ScoutRFP is a plus

Responsibilities

Develop and execute proactive sourcing strategies for the Marketing category, working closely with functional groups to understand their long-term needs and deliver tangible value.
Manage the entire lifecycle of sourcing projects from end-to-end, including conducting RFIs, RFPs, and market assessments to lead supplier selection activities.
Lead commercial term negotiations for project-level agreements (Statements of Work, Order Forms) and partner with Legal on Master Service Agreements (MSAs), ensuring favorable terms and compliance.
Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities through strategic negotiations and process improvements. Develop and track KPIs to measure savings and value.
Build strong relationships with Marketing stakeholders to understand their objectives and align procurement initiatives with their business requirements, guiding them through the entire sourcing process.
Build and maintain strong relationships with key Marketing suppliers, ensuring they meet performance expectations, quality standards, and contractual agreements.
Ensure adherence to Okta’s SS&P policies and procedures. Help develop and implement governance to drive performance, mitigate risk, and improve operational efficiency.
Conduct internal and external data analysis to provide clear, actionable insights. Regularly update leadership on strategy progress, savings, and market trends.