IT Category Manager, Global Procurement

JOB TITLE: IT Category Manager, Global Procurement

Job Summary: The IT Category Manager is a critical role within the Global Procurement team responsible for managing category portfolio for Software and Cloud services that align with Axalta’s vision & strategic priorities. This role will report to the IT and Corporate Services Procurement Director.

Work Location: This role requires a hybrid onsite work presence within one of the following locations and is not eligible for relocation nor sponsorship:

• Glen Mills, PA
• Troy, MI
• Houston, TX

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement IT category strategies to optimize company spend and drive business efficiencies.
• Build strong relationships with the internal IT business partners to understand the global spend and identify opportunities to increase quality and improve value for money.
• Plan and execute effective negotiation strategies and competitive processes with vendors to best position the company for success, including financial analysis and business needs assessment.
• Lead contract negotiations with major vendors for Software and Cloud services.
• Develop and maintain expert knowledge of respective global supply markets, competitors and product innovations.
• Excellent understanding of IT protocols and guidelines.
• Act as a trusted advisor to relevant stakeholders (e.g. Business, IT) to ensure alignment on strategy, support needed, and timing of best deals and outcomes for Axalta.
• Collaborate with IT stakeholders on strategic planning efforts in support of both IT and company-wide objectives (e.g. RFPs to be launched in the following year, renewal negotiation timing depending on complexity, and net new initiatives/projects).
• Collaborate with Axalta matrix partners (e.g. Legal, Information Security, Privacy) to ensure best deals and outcomes are realized by Axalta in compliance with Axalta policies while mitigating any related risks.
• Own accountability of categories assigned that leverage Axalta as the source in tooling contracts to track savings and competitive events as the source of truth.
• Partner with peers in the IT Procurement team and across Procurement to ensure cohesion.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in business management, supply chain management, or equivalent field required with MBA preferred.
• Minimum of 7-10 years IT software procurement background inclusive of contract negotiation and red-lining experience (e.g. master agreements, statements of work, orders).
• Demonstrated success negotiating both large enterprise software agreements (e.g., SAP, Microsoft, Workday, ServiceNow) and niche software contracts.
• Customer-centric attitude with prior success integrating services with stakeholders and aligning strategies.
• Exceptional written, communication and presentation skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence others at all levels of the organization.
• Proven planning, organizational, analytical, and financial skills.
• Strong understanding of Procurement and Supply Chain best practices.
• Experience with Ariba Procurement tooling a plus.
• Credible, respected, and respectful to company members and suppliers at all levels.
• Confidence amidst ambiguity navigating across a dynamic environment to meet critical milestones and deliverables.
• Self-starter and able to work independently.

Our Company:

Axalta has remained at the forefront of the coatings industry by continually investing in innovative solutions. We engineer technologies that protect customers’ products – whether they are battling heat, light, corrosion, abrasion, moisture, or chemicals – and add dimension and beauty with colorful finishes. We have a vast and ever-evolving portfolio of brands primed to play an important part in everything from modernizing infrastructure around the world to enabling the next generation of electric and autonomous vehicles.

Axalta operates its business in two segments: Performance Coatings and Mobility Coatings, which serve four end markets, including Refinish, Industrial, Light Vehicle and Commercial Vehicle, across North America, EMEA, Latin America and Asia-Pacific. Our diverse global footprint allows us to deliver solutions in over 140 countries and coat 30 million vehicles per year. We’ve recently set an exciting 2040 carbon neutrality goal, in addition to 10 other sustainability initiatives, and we take pride in working with our customers to optimize their businesses and achieve their goals.

Axalta may use technology-assisted tools, including artificial intelligence (AI), to support certain aspects of the recruitment and selection process. These tools may be used to help manage applications, identify job-related qualifications, and assist recruiter review. All hiring decisions involve human oversight and review.