Overview In this Category Manager role, you will shape statewide procurement strategies for IT hardware, software, networking, and services. You will work across cross-functional teams to deliver best-value solutions for state and local partners, while driving climate, sustainability, and supplier-diversity goals. You'll lead market research, solicitations, vendor negotiations, and performance monitoring to adapt to a changing procurement landscape. This opportunity offers influence over major contracts and a culture focused on service, partnership, and innovation.
Compensation / Benefits- comprehensive benefits
- flexible, hybrid work environment
- focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion
- career development opportunities
- equal opportunity employer
- employee well-being
Responsibilities- Develop and implement innovative category strategies
- Analyze market trends and customer feedback to identify opportunities and mitigate risks
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to manage category programs
- Deliver products and services aligned with customer needs
- Build and guide high-performing sourcing teams and monitor performance
- Oversee IT portfolio pricing, promotions, and offerings
- Develop and execute strategies to drive best-value procurement
- Identify underperforming offerings and introduce strategic alternatives
- Foster strong vendor, customer, and stakeholder relationships
- Lead contract negotiations and ensure category success
- Establish and track category performance metrics; present reports to senior management
Key requirements- Proven experience in strategic sourcing
- Strong understanding of IT hardware, software, services and/or telecommunications
- Strong leadership and team management skills
- Excellent research, analytical and strategic planning abilities
- Effective communication and negotiation skills
- Proficiency in data analysis and market research tools
- Familiarity with marketing and sales principles
- Ability to manage multiple projects with defined timelines
- Problem solving and critical thinking skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 tools (Teams, Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
- collaboration
- leadership
- proactive communication
- IT hardware, software, services, and telecommunications knowledge
- data analysis and market research tools
- Microsoft Office 365 (Teams, Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
