IT Category Manager

Cushman & Wakefield • Chicago, IL

2d • $97,750 - $115,000 • Remote

About The Position

As an IT Category Manager on the Cushman & Wakefield Procurement team, you will support Technology & Data Solutions (TDS) by leading the planning and purchasing of software, hardware, cloud, telecom, data, and IT services. In partnership with TDS and business leaders, you will develop buying strategies, lead sourcing and negotiations, manage contracts and renewals, and oversee key suppliers. The role aims to reduce risk and deliver savings, better service, and new ideas in alignment with company priorities and Procurement policies.

The position also serves as a trusted IT procurement advisor to cross-functional partners, drives improvements to procurement processes, and coaches junior team members and sourcing partners as needed. It is designed for someone comfortable working remotely with a global team and traveling occasionally, less than 10%, for conferences, supplier meetings, or internal meetings.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Information Technology, Finance, or a related field.
• At least 7 years of experience in IT category management, strategic sourcing, procurement, supplier management, or a similar role, including leading complex sourcing and negotiations that meet financial targets.
• Knowledge of IT purchasing categories, including software and SaaS, hardware, cloud, telecom, data, professional and managed services, and emerging technology.
• Working knowledge of IT contracting and licensing, data privacy, information security, intellectual property, compliance, and supplier risk.
• Strong analytical, financial, and presentation skills, including the ability to analyze spend and market data, build business cases, and present recommendations to senior leaders.
• Proficiency with Smartsheet, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong relationship-building, communication, and influencing skills, with the ability to work with IT, Legal, Finance, Risk, business leaders, and suppliers in a global, matrixed company.
• Organized, business-minded, and self-driven, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, make sound decisions, work through ambiguity, and achieve results with limited supervision.
• Experience driving change, improving processes, and following procurement policy.
• Comfort working remotely with a global team and traveling occasionally, less than 10%, for conferences, supplier meetings, or internal company meetings.

Nice To Haves

• An advanced degree.
• A certification such as CPSM (formerly C.P.M.) or CIPS.
• Experience with source-to-pay or contract management tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute buying strategies for software, hardware, cloud, telecom, data, professional services, and other technology spending in support of TDS and company priorities.
• Translate business and technology roadmaps into sourcing plans that balance cost, capability, service, and risk.
• Own category plans covering demand, market research, sourcing pipeline, savings targets, and supplier strategy; update Procurement and business leaders on progress, risks, and recommendations.
• Lead selection, onboarding, and relationship management for preferred IT suppliers and key technology partners.
• Set supplier performance expectations, hold business reviews, develop improvement plans, and work with business teams to resolve supplier issues involving quality, capacity, risk, or cost.
• Lead RFPs, RFQs, renewals, and negotiations for IT goods and services from initial request through award and rollout.
• Review and negotiate contracts, statements of work, and amendments in partnership with Legal.
• Analyze spend, pricing, usage, licensing, and total cost of ownership to identify savings, avoid costs, and increase value.
• Develop negotiation strategies and business cases, lead cross-functional supplier evaluations, and deliver measurable savings and value.
• Identify and reduce cybersecurity, data privacy, regulatory, licensing, and third-party risks; maintain accurate contract records, renewal dates, and approvals in company systems.
• Advise TDS, business units, Finance, Legal, Risk, Security, and other partners on IT procurement; build senior-leader support and influence decisions advancing category strategies.
• Provide clear updates, recommendations, dashboards, and scorecards tracking savings, compliance, supplier performance, and risk.
• Improve procurement processes from intake and sourcing through supplier management and contract tracking, promoting standard processes, automation, and preferred suppliers and tools.
• Coach junior team members and sourcing partners on category knowledge, analysis, negotiation, and procurement processes as needed.

Benefits

• Eligible employees may enroll in health, vision, and dental insurance programs.
• Flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts are generally included in the benefits offerings.
• Retirement savings plans are generally included in the benefits offerings.
• Life and disability insurance programs are generally included in the benefits offerings.
• Paid and unpaid time away from work.
• Competitive pay.

What This Job Offers

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