Global Category Manager (Chicago)

MBO Partners is a deep jobs platform that connects and enables independent professionals and microbusiness owners to do business safely and effectively with enterprise organizations. Its unmatched experience and industry leadership enable it to operate on the forefront of the independent economy and consistently advance the next way of working.

Location: Remote (U.S. only)

Duration: 3 months (with possible extension)

Hours: ~40 hours/week

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Global Category Manager to lead strategic sourcing initiatives and drive commercial excellence across a diverse portfolio of goods and services. This role is responsible for managing global supplier relationships, leading complex negotiations, and delivering value through best-in-class procurement practices. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in managed services, professional services, and software procurement, along with strong experience in global sourcing environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end strategic sourcing initiatives, including RFx processes, supplier evaluation, and contract negotiations
• Partner with business stakeholders to define requirements and ensure alignment with enterprise objectives
• Identify, evaluate, and onboard competitive suppliers while ensuring readiness for market engagement
• Collaborate with legal teams to structure, negotiate, and finalize commercial agreements
• Develop and execute category strategies to achieve cost savings, efficiency improvements, and risk mitigation
• Provide market intelligence, benchmarking insights, and category expertise to support informed decision-making
• Drive continuous improvement in procurement processes, focusing on total cost of ownership and operational efficiency
• Support and enhance the use of procurement technologies, including eSourcing, eProcurement, and Contract Lifecycle Management tools
• Ensure supplier enablement and adoption of procurement platforms, particularly Ariba
• Establish supplier performance metrics and evaluation frameworks
• Manage contract renewals, true-ups, and ongoing supplier negotiations
• Utilize data and analytics tools (e.g., Power BI) to track performance, identify opportunities, and report outcomes

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, IT, Strategic Sourcing/Procurement, or equivalent experience
• 8–10 years of experience in technology-focused strategic sourcing and IT supplier management
• Strong expertise in services procurement and contract negotiation
• Deep knowledge of sourcing and procurement best practices
• Proven ability to lead end-to-end, high-value procurement initiatives
• Skilled at managing multiple priorities and stakeholders in dynamic environments
• Excellent communication skills, with experience engaging senior leadership (e.g., CIO, CFO)
• Strong analytical and technical aptitude, including identifying automation opportunities
• Self-starter with the ability to independently plan and execute initiatives
• Familiarity with benchmarking tools (e.g., Gartner, ISM) and market insights
• Experience incorporating risk management into procurement strategies
• Advanced knowledge of supplier evaluation, contract structuring, and legal considerations
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize fluctuating workloads

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• No third parties.
• As a contractor, including remote contractors, you may be required to complete a background check.

As a contractor, you will be paid for the time you work; this does not include paid time off (PTO) or holidays. If you participate in our Payroll Services (W2) engagement, you may be eligible for Paid Sick Leave (PSL), depending on your work location and state-specific regulations.