Senior Global IT Category Manager (Grade 13)

BAE Systems•Fort Walton Beach, VA

1d•$110,160 - $187,272•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Global IT Category Manager leads enterprise-wide category management and procurement for IT products and services, including software, cloud solutions, hardware, infrastructure, and professional services. This role partners with stakeholders throughout the full contracting lifecycle—from requirements planning through sourcing, negotiation, contract award, and supplier performance management. Responsibilities include executing global IT category strategies, driving cost optimization, reducing risk, and ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Business Administration, Procurement, and 10 years work expereince or equivalent experience.
7+ years of experience in IT procurement, category management, or a related discipline.
Strong knowledge of IT technologies, licensing models, and contracting structures.
Experience with IT suppliers across software, hardware, infrastructure, telecom, and Software‑as‑a‑Service offerings.
Excellent analytical, critical‑thinking, problem‑solving, and organizational skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, and operate effectively under tight deadlines.
Strong communication skills with the ability to present complex information to senior leaders
Demonstrated ability to collaborate across teams and influence stakeholders at all levels.

Nice To Haves

Experience with global category management in large, complex organizations.
Experience with complex suppliers in IT and Engineering software
Familiarity with procurement systems, contract lifecycle management tools, and spend analytics platforms.
Advanced negotiation training or certification (e.g., CPSM, CIPS) is a plus.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute global IT category strategies across software, cloud services, hardware, infrastructure, consulting, and professional services.
Conduct spend analytics, market research, and supplier assessments to inform category strategies and mitigate risk.
Lead sourcing activities including RFI/RFP creation, proposal analysis, business case development, negotiations, and supplier selection.
With guidance from global Legal, Finance, IT, Risk, Data Privacy, and other stakeholders to negotiate supplier contract terms and conditions (e.g., Enterprise Agreements, SaaS Agreements, EULAs, MSAs, SOWs).
Drive alignment across global teams on category initiatives, risk considerations, and cost‑saving opportunities.
Support stakeholders in drafting Statements of Work, ensuring deliverables, milestones, and risk mitigations are clearly defined.
Lead negotiations to achieve best value in pricing, service levels, licensing models, and total cost of ownership.
Serve as a point of escalation for supplier performance issues and coordinate resolution with internal teams.
Maintain strong supplier and internal customer relationships while ensuring compliance with BAE procurement standards.
Ensure procurement files, documentation, and approvals meet policy and audit requirements.
Coordinate with finance and global sectors/business units on funding strategies for enterprise technology procurements.
Communicate category strategy updates, deal status, risks, and savings projections to senior leadership.
Track and deliver on IT procurement performance metrics and objectives.