Principal, Procurement Category Management, Technology

Nike • Beaverton, OR

2d

About The Position

Nike is seeking a Principal to lead technology procurement category management and turn technology spend into enterprise value. The role owns a portfolio of hardware and software categories end to end, setting long-term strategies for how Nike buys technology and helping shape an AI-enabled procurement model. It combines market intelligence, business insight, stakeholder partnership, sourcing expertise, negotiation, and commercial and financial acumen to define demand, supplier strategies, and a prioritized pipeline before sourcing begins.

The Principal reports to the Director, Procurement, Technology, and partners with Global Technology, Tech Finance, Legal, and Sourcing. The role includes ownership of strategic supplier relationships across infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and enterprise software; preparation of recommendations and updates for senior executives; and use of AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot to strengthen analysis, research, and deliverables. The successful candidate is curious, persistent, comfortable with ambiguity, and focused on measurable business value. They will also share playbooks and test new ways of working to help develop the team.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field; any suitable combination of education, experience, and training will be accepted.
• At least 8 years of experience in technology category management and strategic sourcing, with category management as a primary focus.
• Proven success building category strategies and negotiating complex, multi-year agreements across hardware and software, including infrastructure and artificial intelligence.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen.
• Hands-on use of artificial intelligence tools such as Microsoft Copilot for analysis, research, and deliverables.

Nice To Haves

• Professional procurement certification such as Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) or Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS).

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain hardware and software category strategies using spend and demand insights, supplier landscape assessments, and buying channel recommendations.
• Lead stakeholder engagement and category planning with Global Technology and Tech Finance to align priorities, manage demand, and support business objectives.
• Build and prioritize the sourcing pipeline, partnering with the Sourcing team as initiatives move into competitive events, negotiations, and contracting.
• Define supplier strategies and own strategic supplier relationships across infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and enterprise software.
• Hold suppliers accountable throughout each agreement.
• Track market shifts, pricing models, and emerging technology, especially artificial intelligence, and turn insights into leverage and options for Nike.
• Prepare clear, leadership-ready recommendations and category updates for senior executives.
• Use artificial intelligence tools to analyze contracts, benchmark pricing, and accelerate work.
• Share playbooks and test new ways of working to help the team grow.

What This Job Offers

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