Category Manager (Chicago)

Category Manager

Overview:

• The Category Manager is responsible for the strategic sourcing of Enterprise Technology by actively engaging with various Technology/Business leaders and suppliers of hardware, software and managed services to effectively and efficiently meet business requirements. This role will not be limited to IT only but will cover general contracts that support HR, Marketing, Finance, legal categories – which means professional services, some agency contracts and consulting agreements. The leader in this role drives multi-year, multi-million-dollar SaaS licensing negotiations, monitors/maintains hardware arrangements, IT Professional Services in alignment with our technology roadmap.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the global technology procurement category portfolio including all enterprise software (e.g., on premise, cloud, SaaS etc.), hardware, communications platforms and managed services, IT Professional Services.
• This role will not be limited to IT only but will cover general contracts that support HR, Marketing, Finance, legal categories – which means professional services, some agency contracts and consulting agreements.
• Responsible for all aspects of IT sourcing processes through the lifecycle of RFx, negotiations and execution of legal agreements for new, renewal or extension cycles of licensed products and services – inclusive of supporting necessary governance approvals and business case development
• Develop, maintain and expand key supplier relationships to deliver high levels of service while maintaining best-in-class commercial terms and conditions; manage preferred supplier selection and review processes; rationalize suppliers and consolidate buying power to simplify supplier ecosystem
• Build and enhance relationships with key business stakeholders in COUs / Segments, IT, Finance, Legal, Cybersecurity and other areas within the UL enterprise to engage strategic sourcing throughout the process and be a trusted advisor to the business
• Lead key sourcing initiatives as needed, achieving best value within acceptable risk. (e.g., deliver process improvements / toolset implementation)
• Ensure Global Sourcing policy adherence and enforcement across the UL Solutions enterprise

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, Information Technology or related field
• 5+ years of experience in developing and executing category strategies in IT Sourcing software, hardware and IT Professional Services. Prior experience with negotiating with Oracle, Salesforce, Microsoft and ServiceNow preferred. Prior experience with negotiating with IT contracting and consulting firms (e.g., Infosys, Accenture) preferred.
• Effective communication, documentation, and interpersonal skills with a focus on collaboration and partnerships across the organization. This person will have direct interaction with C-suite leadership. Comfortable independently interacting with and presenting to senior leadership including C-level executives.
• Experienced sourcing practitioner, understanding of best-practice sourcing methodology and a demonstrated track record of working ethically and collaboratively to achieve excellent outcomes
• Knowledge of standard commercial contracting practices and procedures. Proven track record of delivering significant and sustainable cost reductions through effective development and execution of sourcing strategy
• Ability to take a hands-on approach to analyze and interpret spend data is support of sourcing initiatives and UL business objectives
• Solves complex problems independently and takes a broad perspective to identify innovative solutions
• Proven track record of delivering significant and sustainable cost reductions through effective development and execution of sourcing strategy
• Strong process management, organizational and effective time management skills
• Attention to detail with strong documentation skills
• CPM/CPSM or PMP certification a plus
• Strong financial analysis, Excel
• Follow-through

Compensation:

• $46.45-$65 hourly (W2)

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