Category Manager – IT This position will be responsible for the category management strategies for our enterprise IT spend. This will include long and short-term strategies, strategic sourcing, third party risk management (TPRM) collaboration and contract management. This position will align closely with our IT leaders to deliver best in class service for our businesses.

Additional responsibilities will include managing Corporate Procurement Programs for the enterprise. These programs could include Yardi, Box.com, DocuSign, CoStar, Corporate Membership and Subscriptions.

This role reports directly to the Chief Procurement Officer.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Category Management Strategy: Develop and execute category management strategies for all IT categories that will align with both business and budget needs. Category Planning: develop short- and long-term category plans by understanding business needs and insight into the marketplace.
• Foster solid relationships with vendors to achieve better pricing and quality services.
• Place appropriate orders to ensure product availability that meets client specifications.
• Sourcing: implement strategic sourcing methods that drive best cost and effective solutions while meetings business needs.
• Third Party Risk Management: collaborate with TPRM to ensure all processes and requirements are met with the entire IT category including contract management.
• Cost Optimization: drive cost optimization across the entire IT Category spend delivering measurable cost savings and improving procurement processes.
• Contract Management: lead the contract management process including price negotiations, terms and conditions and working with IT and Legal to ensure compliance with company standards.
• Category Knowledge: provide experience and insight on different IT products and services. Stay up to date on the market, providing a competitive advantage by showcasing new and innovate products and services to the business.
• Resolve issues that arise from operational or assigned corporate programs quickly and accurately.
• Submit, review, and approve supplier invoices.
• Evaluate incoming proposals, including pricing and contract terms and provide in-depth analysis for assigned projects.
• Lead suppliers on boarding/off boarding, invoice processing and provide program support to internal clients.
• Ability to work in a team atmosphere and influence business partners on buying decisions.
• Maintain excellent communication with all the business stakeholders.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• This position requires a bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain Management or equivalent professional knowledge and/or work experience.

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of IT category management, strategic sourcing, or IT indirect procurement.
• Financial services experience required preferably in commercial real estate.

Skills:

• Problem solving ability, ability to influence and demonstrate category leadership.
• An analytical mind with strategic ability.
• Excellent communication and people skills.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook are required for this position.
• Intermediate knowledge of Yardi, Box.com, DocuSign, and Venminder.

We are a drug-free workplace. Pre-employment background checks and drug screening is performed on all new hires, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, familial, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected classes.

We are an E-Verify employer. Please click the following link to learn more.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $100,000.00 - $125,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• AD&D insurance
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

Experience level:

• 5 years

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• Category management: 5 years (Required)
• Procurement: 5 years (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Oak Brook, IL 60523 (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Oak Brook, IL 60523