Job Details

Category Manager – IT & Software

Location: Hybrid (Oakland or San Ramon, CA)

Type: Permanent

Overview

We are seeking a strategic IT & Software Category Manager to support sourcing and procurement initiatives for a leading utility company. This role is responsible for driving category strategy, supplier performance, cost optimization, and risk mitigation across a large-scale IT/software portfolio.

This is a highly visible, enterprise-level role requiring ownership of significant spend, strong stakeholder influence, and a proven track record of delivering value in complex environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies for IT & software spend, optimizing cost, mitigating risk, and ensuring supply continuity
• Manage and influence large-scale spend portfolios ($500M+) with accountability for strategic outcomes
• Lead end-to-end sourcing events (RFPs, RFIs, negotiations) to secure best-value agreements
• Negotiate, draft, and manage complex contracts in alignment with regulatory and corporate requirements
• Build and maintain strategic supplier relationships; drive performance, innovation, and cost savings
• Partner with senior stakeholders (Finance, Legal, IT, Operations) to align sourcing strategies with business objectives
• Monitor market trends, supplier landscape, and regulatory changes to inform category strategy
• Conduct market research and supplier risk assessments, including financial analysis

Required Qualifications (Must-Have)

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 8+ years of procurement/sourcing experience in enterprise-level organizations
• 5+ years specifically sourcing IT & software categories
• Direct ownership or management of $500M+ category spend
• Stable, progressive work history (no frequent short-term moves)
• Proven success leading high-value negotiations and complex contract structures
• Strong analytical capabilities (spend analytics, cost modeling, procurement tools)
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Demonstrated ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive cross-functional alignment
• Experience building and managing strategic supplier partnerships

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in utility, energy, or infrastructure sectors
• Familiarity with procurement platforms (e.g., Ariba, SAP)
• Project management experience leading cross-functional initiatives
• Certifications: Lean Six Sigma, PMP, CPSM (or similar)
• Master's degree (MBA or related)