Job Description

Our client seeking a highly skilled IT Strategic Sourcing Category Manager to lead sourcing initiatives across software infrastructure. This role is critical to optimizing supplier relationships, driving cost efficiencies, and supporting the execution of complex contracts. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in technology sourcing, particularly within infrastructure, and thrive in a fast-paced, high-impact environment.

This position supports a technology spend portfolio of approximately $500M annually , within a broader tech budget of $2.1B . The role is based in Cincinnati, OH , with relocation support available.

Key Responsibilities

Category Management

• Partner with senior leadership to define and refine category strategies and sourcing pipelines.
• Conduct financial reviews to assess category performance and identify opportunities to improve cash flow and gross margin.
• Implement supplier finance and discount programs to optimize working capital.

Strategic Sourcing

• Lead sourcing activities and manage analyst teams to meet category goals.
• Develop and maintain sourcing strategy documentation.
• Ensure alignment with internal policies and drive compliance across sourcing processes.

Contract Management

• Negotiate and execute complex, high-visibility supplier contracts.
• Identify and mitigate risks, and develop actionable improvement plans.

Supplier Relationship Management

• Lead Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) initiatives to foster long-term partnerships and continuous improvement.
• Oversee supplier qualification and transition planning for new agreements.

Procurement Process Optimization

• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders to ensure procurement is embedded in strategic decision-making.
• Monitor procurement metrics and develop actionable insights to improve performance.

Talent Leadership

• Supervise and coach direct reports, providing performance feedback and development opportunities.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performing team culture.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Supply Chain, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in technology sourcing, with a focus on infrastructure (hardware/software).
• Strong relationship-building skills with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Visio).
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA or Master's degree.
• Professional certifications such as CPM, CPSM, or CSCP.
• 5+ years in procurement or supply chain roles.
• 3+ years of experience leading sourcing teams.

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