Category Manager, IT Infrastructure and AI
About The Position
The Category Manager, IT Infrastructure and AI, joins Medtronic's global Indirect Supply Management team and leads sourcing strategies across IT infrastructure and AI, including hardware, networking, telecommunications, cloud, data center, and emerging AI solutions. The role works with stakeholders across functions, regions, and businesses to influence enterprise-wide spending decisions, evaluate suppliers, negotiate technology agreements, and deliver value through cost optimization, risk management, innovation, and supplier performance. It reports to the Global Indirect Supply Management Leader. The position shapes sourcing strategies for evolving technologies and establishes procurement standards and governance for responsible AI adoption. Success requires commercial acumen, strategic sourcing expertise, and effective partnerships with Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Legal, Finance, Privacy, Data and AI Governance, and business teams. The role is based in Fridley, Minnesota, with onsite work required 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.
- For baccalaureate degrees earned outside the United States, a degree that satisfies the requirements of 8 C.F.R. § 214.2(h)(4)(iii)(A) is required.
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 driving adoption of category strategies and sourcing best practices.
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Health Savings Account
- Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
- Life insurance
- Long-term disability leave
- Dependent daycare spending account
- Tuition assistance/reimbursement
- Global well-being program
- Incentive plans, including the Medtronic Incentive Plan
- 401(k) plan with employer contribution and match
- Short-term disability
- Paid time off
- Paid holidays
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan
- Employee Assistance Program
- Non-qualified Retirement Plan Supplement (subject to IRS earning minimums)
- Capital Accumulation Plan (available to Vice Presidents and above, or subject to IRS earning minimums)
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
