Category Manager - Information Technology

IBM Computing; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global technology company is seeking a Category Manager to develop and manage sourcing strategies for its procurement consulting. The role involves collaborating with various stakeholders, leading negotiations, and identifying cost-saving opportunities. Candidates should have over 7 years of experience in strategic sourcing, particularly in IT categories. This hybrid position is based in Toronto, requiring a minimum of 3 days per week in the office.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 7 years of strategic sourcing and category management experience.
• 4+ years sourcing IT categories such as Hardware, Software, IT Services, and Telecom.
• Willingness to travel to client locations based on business requirements.

Responsibilities

• Develop category strategies for assigned areas.
• Build relationships with client stakeholders and legal teams.
• Identify cost savings opportunities within IT spend.
• Lead negotiations with suppliers and manage the selection process.
• Innovate within procurement to enhance programs or categories.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Category management

Negotiation

Relationship building

Cost savings identification

Education

Degree in Business, Law, Supply Chain Management or applicable field

Job description

Overview

In this procurement consulting role, the Category Manager will lead the development, execution, and ongoing management of category / sourcing strategies for IBM’s Procurement BPO clients. Above and beyond strategic sourcing activities, the Category Manager should understand external variables, learn the internal landscape of our client (requirements, organizational structure, priorities) and develop relationships to successfully deliver improved cost, reduced risk, and more efficient programs.

Your role and responsibilities

• Develops category strategies and / or sourcing strategies for the assigned areas of responsibility.
• Builds deep relationships with cross-functional client stakeholders including retained Procurement teams, business stakeholders, Legal, and Finance.
• Identifies cost savings opportunities across the client’s Information Technology spend.
• Acts as a trusted advisor and SME in the areas of sourcing and negotiating contracts for Technology and other Indirect categories.
• Achieves cost savings, risk mitigation, and process efficiencies through various value levers.
• Leads supplier selection process across multiple simultaneous projects within the category.
• Leads negotiations with current and potential suppliers as part of the contract renewal or vendor selection process.
• Collects and analyzes internal / external category data, metrics, and reports to track performance against targets and identify new sourcing opportunities or category insights.
• Innovates within the procurement space; looking at new ways to structure programs or categories, benefit from changes in supply market, or modify tools / processes to add value.
• Provides support throughout the sourcing and contracting process when necessary, ensuring seamless handoff to our clients when appropriate.

Required technical and professional expertise

• A minimum of 7 years of strategic sourcing and category management experience
• 4+ years sourcing IT categories in areas such as : Hardware, Software, IT Services, and Telecom
• Candidates must be willing and able to travel to client locations based on business requirements
• The preferred location for this Hybrid position (minimum 3-days per week in an IBM or client office) is Toronto, ON.

Preferred technical and professional experience

• Previous experience in a client facing / consultative role
• Degree in Business, Law, Supply Chain Management or other applicable field

IBM is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, caste, genetics, pregnancy, disability, neurodivergence, age, veteran status, or other characteristics. IBM is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.