Category Manager – IT HW, SW, Telecom

HealthFirst•New York, NY

17h•$103,400 - $149,430•Hybrid

About The Position

The Category Manager for IT hardware, software, telecommunications, cloud, and related technology categories develops and executes enterprise category strategies to optimize value, manage risk, and enable business growth. The role uses data-driven decision-making, digital procurement capabilities, market intelligence, and strategic supplier partnerships to deliver measurable outcomes, technology innovation, and continuous improvement. It collaborates across Procurement COE, Information Technology, Information Security, Enterprise Architecture, Finance, Legal, and business stakeholders. The Category Manager leads category planning and end-to-end strategic sourcing, including market analysis, RFx development, supplier evaluation, negotiations, and contract awards. The role manages supplier relationships and performance, advises technology and business stakeholders, supports governance and risk mitigation, and improves procurement processes and digital adoption. The position follows a hybrid schedule, with attendance at the 100 Church Street, NYC office every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Information Technology, Finance, or equivalent related experience.
At least 5 years of experience in strategic sourcing, category management, procurement, or technology supplier management.
Demonstrated experience sourcing or managing IT hardware, software, telecommunications, cloud services, or enterprise technology suppliers.
Strong knowledge of commercial negotiations, contract lifecycle management, software licensing, cloud procurement, supplier relationship management, and technology procurement.
Strong analytical, communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
Ability to adhere to a hybrid work schedule, reporting to the 100 Church Street, NYC office every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree (MBA or related discipline).
CPSM, CIPS, or equivalent procurement certification.
Healthcare payer or managed care procurement experience.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute multi-year category strategies for IT hardware, software, telecommunications, cloud, and related technology categories, aligned with enterprise objectives.
Use procurement platforms, spend analytics, AI-enabled procurement capabilities, market intelligence, and digital tools to develop data-driven strategies and improve procurement decisions.
Analyze spending, market trends, licensing models, forecasts, supplier benchmarks, and total cost of ownership to identify sourcing opportunities.
Evaluate emerging technologies, supplier capabilities, commercial models, and market developments; monitor category performance using financial, operational, supplier, contract, and technology KPIs.
Lead end-to-end strategic sourcing initiatives, including market analysis, RFx development, supplier evaluation, commercial negotiations, and contract award.
Develop sourcing strategies that balance commercial value, technical requirements, cybersecurity, supplier capabilities, operational performance, and enterprise risk.
Lead cross-functional sourcing teams involving IT, Enterprise Architecture, Information Security, Finance, Legal, Compliance, and business stakeholders.
Negotiate agreements for software licensing, hardware, telecommunications, cloud services, maintenance, and related technology solutions while managing relevant risks.
Ensure contracts support measurable business outcomes, supplier accountability, technology lifecycle management, and ongoing supplier performance.
Build strategic technology supplier partnerships that promote innovation, operational excellence, and continuous value creation.
Identify supplier opportunities involving emerging technologies, automation, cloud optimization, digital capabilities, and technology modernization.
Lead supplier performance reviews using scorecards, service levels, operational KPIs, contract performance, and business outcomes; develop improvement plans and corrective actions when needed.
Collaborate with IT stakeholders and suppliers to improve technology performance, service delivery, and user experience.
Advise IT and business stakeholders and align procurement strategies with enterprise technology priorities.
Partner with IT leadership, Enterprise Architecture, Information Security, Digital Transformation, Finance, Legal, business stakeholders, and Procurement COE teams.
Promote procurement best practices, governance, stakeholder engagement, and change management throughout the technology procurement lifecycle.
Ensure procurement complies with enterprise policies, delegated authority, regulatory requirements, and technology governance standards.
Assess supplier, commercial, operational, cybersecurity, privacy, compliance, and technology risks, and implement mitigation strategies.
Improve procurement processes, supplier governance, user experience, and digital adoption through automation, standardization, and best practices.
Support Internal Audit, Compliance, supplier assessments, cybersecurity reviews, and technology governance activities as required.