Procurement manager

To discuss more about this job opportunity, please reach out to Deepak Arya (LinkedIn URL - email your updated resume at Email - [email protected]. Thank you!

Pay rate: $34 - $38/hr.

Position Details:

Industry: Telecommunications
Duration: 04 Months (++Possibility of Extension)
Location: Schaumburg, IL - 60196
Shift Timings: Mon-Fri 8 am to 5 pm.

Summary:
The Procurement Category Manager II is responsible for managing software procurement categories, with a primary focus on CyberSecurity and Artificial Intelligence (AI). This role develops and executes sourcing strategies, builds and maintains strong supplier partnerships, and ensures cost savings, value creation, and compliance with organizational standards. Operating with moderate supervision, the position manages complex procurement projects and plays a critical role in aligning procurement activities with business objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Category Management:
  
• Develop and execute category strategies aligned with business goals and objectives.
  
• Analyze spend data, market trends, and supply base to identify opportunities for optimization.
  
• Manage the full procurement lifecycle including RFI, RFP, RFQ, negotiation, and contracting.
  
• Supplier Management:
  
• Identify, evaluate, and qualify suppliers to ensure a competitive and compliant vendor base.
  
• Lead supplier selection, onboarding, and ongoing performance management.
  
• Foster supplier relationships to drive innovation, value, and risk mitigation.
  
• Stakeholder Engagement:
  
• Partner with cross-functional teams including Legal, Finance, and Business Units.
  
• Provide training and guidance on procurement policies, tools, and best practices.
  
• Serve as a trusted advisor to stakeholders on sourcing and category management.
  
• Contract Management:
  
• Negotiate, draft, and manage supplier contracts, including renewals and amendments.
  
• Ensure compliance with contractual obligations, corporate policies, and regulatory requirements.
  
• Continuous Improvement & Compliance:
  
• Monitor supplier and category performance using KPIs and scorecards.
  
• Identify process improvement opportunities and implement best practices.
  
• Ensure adherence to organizational procurement standards and compliance requirements.
  

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, or related field (Master’s or professional certifications such as CPM/CPSM preferred).
  
• Minimum of 5+ years of experience in procurement, category management, or strategic sourcing.
  
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and project management skills.
  
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and multitasking abilities.
  
• Experience with CyberSecurity and AI software procurement highly desirable.
  
• Proficiency in Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides, etc.).
  

Preferred Skills:

• Experience managing global or regional software categories.
  
• Familiarity with tools such as iProcurement, Apttus, Fieldglass.
  
• Deep knowledge of CyberSecurity and AI software markets, trends, and products.
  
• Strong understanding of contract law, compliance, and regulatory frameworks.
  

The Company offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements: medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, short-term disability insurance, paid parking/public transportation, (paid time , paid sick and safe time , hours of paid vacation time, weeks of paid parental leave, paid holidays annually - AS Applicable)