IT Category Manager

Job Summary :

Identify, prioritize, develop, implement and manage assigned Category Strategies that support and advance the company’s long-term strategic sourcing objectives and policies and deliver successful business outcomes. Lead cross-functional strategy teams to define Business Needs, conduct robust Market Analysis, undertake Cost Modelling and Process Mapping, develop and execute best-fit Sourcing Strategies and negotiate agreements to deliver optimal business value. Develop and maintain highly effective supplier relationships. Coordinate information flow to key internal business partners and senior management regarding supplier performance. Effective project management will be critical in this role.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and manage professional relationships with key suppliers and stakeholders yielding effective partnerships
• Develop and drive implementation of Category Strategies including development and execution of clearly defined sourcing events; document bid process through supplier communication; drive the selection of suppliers in collaboration with cross-functional teams; conduct supplier negotiations; and ongoing supplier management
• Develop negotiation plans, gain alignment from stakeholders, lead cross-functional, negotiation teams, and implement appropriate supplier risk analysis
• Procure materials and services in the assigned category portfolio, consistent with considerations of quality, reliability of source and urgency of need
• Proficiency in Requisition-to-Pay/Source-to-Contract software (e.g., GEP, Coupa, Ariba, etc.) to create and maintain supplier Purchase Orders (POs), agreements, pricing, or commodity analytics in a timely manner. This includes developing/executing e-Sourcing and e-Auction events (reverse auction).
• Effectively engage and influence key stakeholders in Manufacturing, Engineering, Capital Projects, et.al. and related strategic suppliers
• Perform other procurement duties, as needed, including bid tab creation, maintain PO / Proposal logs and folders, and supplier setup
• Deliver cost savings and other Procurement targets / goals associated with the associated categories.
• Drive team professional growth, elevate procurement performance, and maximize TPV.
• Coach team members in contracting, commercial tenders, supplier onboarding, and performance management.
• Lead and coordinate cross-regional stakeholders

Skills

• Category Management Process, including developing and implementing sourcing strategies for Corporate Services, Industrial Services, Engineered Equipment, MRO, etc.
• Development of Frame Agreements with strategic suppliers, including OEMs and Integrators
• Ability to coach and inspire team members, colleagues, and suppliers.
• Strategic Supplier Relationship Management
• Excellent communication skills and analysis skills to effectively interact with Manufacturing, Engineering, Capital Projects, et.al.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and assignments simultaneously
• Strong working knowledge of business analysis, market research, financial analysis, cost models, procurement/supply chain analysis and supplier performance management.
• Strong analytical, prioritizing, problem-solving, presentation, budgeting, project management (from conception to completion), & planning skills with a track record of proactive problem resolution within complex supply chains.
• Ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships with peers and colleagues across the organization, as well as internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work well autonomously and within a team in a fast-paced and deadline-oriented environment.
• Ability to work with and influence peers and management.
• Self-motivated with critical attention to detail, deadlines, and reporting.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills (including analysis, interpretation, & reasoning).
• A high degree of proficiency in MS Office Suite, Outlook & Internet applications and be able to create and interpret key reports.
• Demonstrated ability to manage stakeholders and lead projects across multiple countries/regions

Education and/or Experience

• A Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain or Engineering, with equivalent work experience in a manufacturing or chemical environment.
• Proven track record managing complex global supplier portfolios and multimillion‑dollar spend
• Experience negotiating enterprise‑level IT contracts, including SaaS, licensing models, managed services, and outsourcing agreements
• Strong understanding of IT procurement frameworks, vendor risk management, and compliance requirements (e.g., data privacy, cybersecurity, regulatory considerations relevant to chemicals industry)
• Demonstrated ability to partner with CIO organization, architecture teams, cybersecurity, finance, and legal in a matrixed global environment
• Experience driving cost optimization, demand management, and value‑creation initiatives across diverse regions
• Experience in business analysis, market research, financial analysis, procurement/supply chain analysis, supplier performance management.
• Proficiency in SAP S4/HANA or higher, Oracle, or an equivalent ERP business system.
• Strategic Sourcing or Supply Chain Management domain experience (buying, vendor management, supplier evaluation, regulatory compliance, segmentation/taxonomy).
• Proficiency in Source to Contract software such as GEP, Ariba, or similar.

Competencies

• Category Management
• Project Management / Organization
• Fluent English Oral, Written, & Presentation Skills
• Team Leadership / Management
• Time Management
• Problem Solving
• Stakeholder Management & Influencing Skills
• Cross-business acumen
• Action Oriented
• Process Management
• Functional / Technical Skills
• Fluent in ERP (SAP & Oracle)
• Global Project Management