Senior Category Manager - Technology (AI)

CFA Institute•Charlottesville, VA

2d•Remote

About The Position

This is a high-impact, highly visible role where you’ll operate as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, driving strategic sourcing decisions across software, cloud, contingent workforce, and emerging AI solutions. We’re looking for a Senior Category Manager – Technology to play a pivotal role in transforming how we manage technology spend, suppliers, and partnerships across the enterprise.

Requirements

Proven experience in technology category management or IT procurement within a services-led organisation
Strong track record of delivering complex sourcing initiatives and measurable business outcomes
Experience across key areas such as: Software and SaaS, Cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP), IT services and outsourced solutions, Contingent workforce procurement
Confidence in influencing senior stakeholders, including at executive or board level
Ability to operate autonomously while navigating complex, matrixed environments
Commercial expertise in negotiation, contract structuring, and supplier management
Strong analytical capability, including TCO modelling, spend analysis, and financial evaluation
Experience balancing speed vs governance, innovation vs control, and cost vs risk

Nice To Haves

Exposure to emerging technologies, including AI, is highly desirable
Professional procurement qualifications (e.g., CIPS) are advantageous

Responsibilities

Develop and execute multi-year category strategies across technology, software, contingent workforce, and AI solutions
Lead end-to-end sourcing initiatives (RFPs, RFIs, RFQs), negotiations, and commercial structuring for complex technology deals
Partner closely with IT and business leaders to align sourcing with technology roadmaps, platform strategies, and AI adoption
Drive value optimisation, balancing cost, innovation, scalability, and risk in all technology investments
Deliver robust spend analysis, supplier benchmarking, and market insights to inform strategic decisions
Manage and optimise software licensing models and cloud consumption frameworks
Establish and lead supplier governance, including performance management, SLAs, and quarterly reviews
Influence senior stakeholders, challenging demand and shaping requirements to ensure commercial discipline
Support the responsible adoption of AI technologies across the organisation
Strengthen procurement maturity by introducing structured processes, frameworks, and governance in a fast-paced environment
Translate complex technical and financial data into clear, actionable insights for executive audiences