IT Category Strategist: TCO-Driven Tech Sourcing

IBSA Group; Grancia; On-site; CHF 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

IBSA Group is seeking an IT Category Manager to lead end-to-end procurement strategy for software, hardware and IT consulting, prioritising long-term value through a Total Cost of Ownership approach.

The role interfaces with IT and Enterprise Technology & Transformation to ensure sourcing aligns with IBSA's digital transformation. It requires strong negotiation, risk management and cross-functional collaboration across a multinational environment. Fluency in English and Italian is expected.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent in Business, Engineering, Computer Science or related field.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in procurement, with at least 5 years in IT category management in a multinational environment.
• Demonstrated track record of managing complex IT contracts (software licensing, cloud services, hardware, consulting).
• Strong negotiation skills with experience in large-scale vendor negotiations.
• Solid understanding of IT market dynamics, licensing models (perpetual, subscription, SaaS) and managed service structures.
• Experience with P2P platforms and e-procurement tools; Jaggaer is a plus.
• Fluent in English and Italian; French or German is an advantage.
• Strategic thinking to align category strategies with business objectives.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive IT category strategy covering software, hardware and IT consulting and managed services.
• Conduct regular market analysis to identify sourcing opportunities, emerging vendors and technology trends.
• Define and maintain a supplier segmentation model and category roadmap.
• Embed a Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) methodology in all category decisions.
• Maintain an IT supply risk register and mitigate concentration risk, cybersecurity exposure, and contract lock-in.
• Lead competitive tender processes (RFI, RFQ, RFP) for IT categories; negotiate contracts, SLAs, pricing and terms.
• Manage contract lifecycle including renewals, amendments and exit strategies.
• Work with Legal to ensure data security, IP, liability and GDPR compliance.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with key IT suppliers and monitor KPIs and SLAs.
• Identify and develop alternative sources to reduce supply risk.
• Act as primary procurement partner for ET&T and other internal IT spend stakeholders.
• Deliver measurable value within the IT category and support annual budget processes.
• Ensure compliance with IBSA policies and regulations.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Stakeholder management

Influencing skills

Strategic thinking

Risk management

Analytical skills

Results orientation

Integrity & compliance

IT category management

Vendor management

Cloud & software licensing knowledge

P2P/e-procurement familiarity

Education

Master's degree or equivalent in Business, Engineering, Computer Science or related field

Tools

Jaggaer

Job description

IBSA Group is seeking an IT Category Manager to lead end-to-end procurement strategy for software, hardware and IT consulting, prioritising long-term value through a Total Cost of Ownership approach.

The role interfaces with IT and Enterprise Technology & Transformation to ensure sourcing aligns with IBSA's digital transformation. It requires strong negotiation, risk management and cross-functional collaboration across a multinational environment. Fluency in English and Italian is expected.