Category Manager

Job Title: IT Sourcing & Procurement Specialist
Location: Northbrook, IL 60062
Pay Rate: $73 - $76
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Hybrid: 3 days in office per week required; core hours 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM)

Overview of the Job

The IT Sourcing & Procurement Specialist leads and manages the global technology procurement category portfolio, including enterprise software (SaaS, cloud, on-premise), hardware, communications platforms, managed services, and IT professional services. This role is responsible for the full IT sourcing lifecycle—from RFx execution and contract negotiations to legal agreement execution and business case development. The position involves direct collaboration with C-suite executives and cross-functional stakeholders across IT, Finance, Legal, and Cybersecurity to drive sustainable cost reductions and secure optimal commercial terms.

Job Specifications

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the global technology procurement portfolio, covering enterprise software, hardware, communications platforms, managed services, and IT professional services.

• Manage all aspects of IT sourcing processes throughout the lifecycle, including RFx execution, contract negotiations, and legal agreement execution for new, renewal, or extension cycles.

• Support necessary governance approvals and develop detailed business cases for strategic sourcing initiatives.

• Develop, maintain, and expand key supplier relationships to secure best-in-class commercial terms and conditions.

• Manage preferred supplier selection and review processes, rationalize suppliers, and consolidate buying power to simplify the supplier ecosystem.

• Build strong relationships with key business stakeholders across COUs/Segments, IT, Finance, Legal, Cybersecurity, and other enterprise areas as a trusted advisor.

• Lead key sourcing initiatives to achieve maximum value within acceptable risk parameters, including process improvements and toolset implementations.

• Ensure Global Sourcing policy adherence and enforcement across the enterprise.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Deep general IT procurement background with experience executing IT deals across software, hardware, and IT Professional Services.

• Hands-on ability to analyze and interpret spend data in support of sourcing initiatives and business objectives.

• Strong understanding of standard commercial contracting practices, procedures, and best-practice sourcing methodologies.

• Excellent communication, documentation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across the organization.

• Comfortable independently interacting with and presenting to senior leadership, including C-level executives.

• Strong problem-solving skills with a broad perspective to identify innovative solutions independently.

• Demonstrated track record of delivering significant and sustainable cost reductions through effective sourcing strategies.

• Strong process management, organizational, and time management skills with high attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience negotiating with major software vendors such as Oracle, Salesforce, Microsoft, and ServiceNow.

• Experience negotiating with IT contracting and consulting firms (e.g., Infosys, Accenture).

• CPM/CPSM or PMP certification is a plus.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business, Information Technology, or a related field is required.

• 3+ years of experience in developing and executing category strategies in IT Sourcing (software, hardware, and IT Professional Services).

Interview Process

• Round 1: Interview with Hiring Manager

• Round 2: Interview with Peer/Colleague