Enterprise Operations Category Manager – Information Technology Professional Toronto, CA

Avature; Toronto; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a skilled Category Manager in Information Technology to lead strategic sourcing initiatives. In this dynamic role, you will develop and implement category strategies, build strong relationships with cross-functional teams, and identify cost-saving opportunities across IT spend. Your expertise in negotiating contracts and managing supplier relationships will be crucial in achieving operational efficiencies and mitigating risks. This position offers a chance to innovate within the procurement space, ensuring seamless collaboration with clients while working primarily onsite in Toronto. Join a forward-thinking organization where your contributions can make a significant impact.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of strategic sourcing and category management experience required.
• Experience sourcing IT categories like Hardware, Software, and Telecom is essential.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies for procurement clients.
• Lead negotiations and manage supplier selection processes.

Skills

Strategic Sourcing

Category Management

Negotiation

Data Analysis

Client Relationship Management

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Master's Degree

Job description

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 education

Bachelor's Degree

Preferred education

Master's Degree

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 (US & Canada clients).
• The required location for this position is Toronto, ON (up to 5 business days per week in an IBM or client office).

Preferred technical and professional experience

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

OTHER RELEVANT JOB DETAILS

Must have the ability to work in Canada without sponsorship. For additional information about location requirements, please discuss with the recruiter following submission of your application.

Job Title

Category Manager – Information Technology

Job ID

23978

City / Township / Village

Toronto

Country

Canada

Work arrangement

Onsite

Area of work

Enterprise Operations

Employment type

Regular

Contract type

Regular

Position type

Professional

Shift

General (daytime)