Category Manager, IT Infrastructure and AI

Medtronic•Fridley, MN

1d•$113,600 - $170,400•Onsite

About The Position

The Category Manager, IT Infrastructure and AI, joins Medtronic’s global Indirect Supply Management team and leads sourcing strategies for technology categories including infrastructure hardware, networking, telecommunications, cloud, data center, and artificial intelligence solutions. The role influences enterprise-wide spend decisions by evaluating supplier capabilities, negotiating technology agreements, and delivering value through cost optimization, risk management, innovation, and supplier performance. Reporting to the Global Indirect Supply Management Leader, the role shapes sourcing strategies for evolving technologies and establishes procurement standards and governance practices that support responsible AI adoption. It partners with stakeholders across functions, regions, and businesses, including Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Legal, Finance, Privacy, Data and AI Governance, and other business teams. The position is based in Fridley, Minnesota, and requires onsite work at least four days per week.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of experience, or an advanced degree and 3+ years of experience, in sourcing, procurement, supply management, category management, finance, information technology, infrastructure, or related commercial functions.
Experience leading sourcing initiatives, supplier negotiations, and contract management activities.
Experience developing category strategies and managing supplier relationships.
Experience analyzing commercial models and evaluating total cost of ownership.
Experience partnering with cross-functional stakeholders in a matrixed organization.

Nice To Haves

Experience sourcing infrastructure hardware, networking, telecommunications, cloud, data center, managed services, or AI technologies.
Knowledge of technology purchasing models, including subscription, as-a-service, utility, capacity, token-, credit-, and consumption-based pricing structures.
Experience reviewing, drafting, and negotiating complex technology agreements.
Understanding of AI procurement considerations, including data ownership, intellectual property, cybersecurity, privacy, responsible AI, and regulatory requirements.
Experience supporting global organizations and influencing senior-level stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute category strategies across IT infrastructure and AI spend categories, including hardware, networking, telecommunications, cloud, data center, and AI solutions.
Lead sourcing events, supplier evaluations, and commercial negotiations to achieve value, mitigate risk, and meet business objectives.
Assess and optimize technology commercial models, including subscription, as-a-service, usage-based, token-, credit-, and consumption-based agreements.
Establish procurement standards and governance frameworks for AI technologies, addressing responsible AI, data protection, intellectual property, security, and regulatory considerations.
Partner with Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Privacy, Legal, Finance, Architecture, and business stakeholders to align sourcing strategies with enterprise priorities.
Manage strategic supplier relationships and performance programs in collaboration with internal vendor management teams.
Evaluate market intelligence, supplier capabilities, and industry benchmarks to support sourcing decisions and contract strategies.
Advise stakeholders on commercial, operational, contractual, and technology-related risks while promoting adoption of category strategies and sourcing best practices.