Category Manager (Technology Sourcing)

Okta • San Francisco, CA

4d • $92,000 - $142,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Okta’s Strategic Sourcing and Procurement team is seeking an experienced Procurement/Category Manager to support the company’s Technology organization globally. The role leads and co-leads complex, high-value sourcing initiatives and contract negotiations across technology categories, which may include software, network, SaaS, IaaS, telephony, AI, and other direct or indirect requirements.

The position develops and executes procurement strategies, conducts strategic sourcing events, negotiates supplier terms, and uses data analytics to identify opportunities and recommendations. It works closely with senior stakeholders and cross-functional partners to meet supply-market requirements, create value, ensure process compliance, reduce costs, manage risk, and build supplier relationships. The role reports to the Sr. Manager, Strategic Sourcing – Technology.

This is a hybrid role requiring two days per week in the office, based in either Bellevue, Washington, or the San Francisco Bay Area. Travel may be required as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, or a related field.
• 3–5 years of experience in technology sourcing and procurement, including category management, strategic sourcing, consulting, vendor management, risk management, and/or procurement in a large, global company environment.
• Strong understanding of technology contract law, commercial terms, and risk requirements.
• Ability to distinguish high-stakes, irreversible commitments from fast, reversible choices.
• Ability to take ownership of multiple fast-moving projects and deliver in a high-tempo environment with tight deadlines.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work independently in a dynamic, fast-paced setting with general guidance from senior roles.
• Ability to travel as needed.

Nice To Haves

• Professional certifications such as CSCP, CPSM, or CPIM.
• Experience supporting M&A-related sourcing activity, including contract novation and consolidation.
• Proficiency in Workday Strategic Sourcing (Scout), Coupa, or Ironclad.

Responsibilities

• Develop sourcing strategies for Technology categories in support of business initiatives, working with internal partners to identify risks and dependencies.
• Lead and support strategic sourcing processes, including RFx events, supplier evaluations, sourcing projects, and commercial contract negotiations.
• Negotiate commercial terms for project-level agreements and partner with Legal on Master Service Agreements and related exhibits.
• Identify and execute cost optimization opportunities, improve service levels and efficiency, and mitigate risks associated with technology purchasing transactions.
• Build strategic relationships with senior business stakeholders and cross-functional teams, including Finance, Legal, Security, and Privacy, to align sourcing initiatives with business requirements.
• Drive supplier performance reviews and measure key suppliers against contract SLAs and expectations, managing remediation as needed.
• Coordinate with internal subject-matter authorities to ensure policies and procedures are followed.
• Conduct spend analytics to identify opportunities for spend streamlining and consolidation, and provide findings and recommendations to leadership.

Benefits

• Equity, where applicable.
• Bonus.
• Health insurance.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• 401(k).
• Flexible spending account.
• Paid leave, including PTO and parental leave, in accordance with applicable plans and policies.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level