Procurement Category Manager – Software - Chicago
About The Position
This role is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies for assigned software categories. The position requires a results-driven professional with strong analytical capabilities, contract expertise, and the ability to influence stakeholders at multiple levels of the organization. Success requires balancing cost, risk, quality, and supplier innovation while aligning category strategy to enterprise objectives. The company is a global technology organization committed to building innovative solutions that enhance safety, connectivity, and operational performance across industries. Their teams collaborate to develop reliable, mission-critical systems that support communities, enterprises, and public institutions. They foster a people-first culture centered on collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. The Global Procurement function plays a strategic role in driving enterprise value, focusing on improving profitability, strengthening supplier partnerships, supporting innovation, and enabling long-term business growth. Procurement operates as a trusted advisor to internal stakeholders, delivering measurable value through strategic insight, supplier collaboration, and disciplined execution.
Requirements
- 5+ years of experience in Logistics, Procurement, Category Management, Technical Sales, Supply Chain Management or similar business experience
- Legal authorization to work in the U.S. indefinitely is required
- Employer work permit sponsorship is not available for this position.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement category strategies for software spend.
- Lead competitive sourcing events (RFx).
- Negotiate pricing, commercial terms, and contractual agreements.
- Optimize total cost of ownership while maintaining service quality.
- Establish and maintain strategic supplier partnerships.
- Conduct performance reviews and drive continuous improvement.
- Align supplier roadmaps with business objectives.
- Identify and execute cost reduction and value-creation initiatives.
- Track and report KPIs to demonstrate measurable impact.
- Drive process efficiencies and procurement best practices.
- Partner cross-functionally with Finance, IT, Legal, and senior leadership.
- Align sourcing strategies to business priorities.
- Present recommendations with clarity and executive presence.
- Manage contracts from negotiation through renewal or termination.
- Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and internal standards.
- Forecast category spend and manage budgets.
- Analyze financial data to identify savings and risk mitigation opportunities.
Benefits
- Incentive bonus programs
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- 401(k)
- 10 paid holidays
- Generous paid time off
- Employee stock purchase plan
- Paid parental and family leave
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
