Category Leader, IT - (req67238)

Sterling Kohler; United States; Remote; USD 98,000 - 126,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking a Category Leader for IT to manage a $175M IT spend. This remote role involves developing category strategies, managing vendor relationships, and executing IT projects. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in strategic purchasing, particularly in IT, and a strong track record of negotiation and contract management.

Benefits

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401k plan

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of IT and/or strategic purchasing experience.
• Experience managing contracts with $1-10M annual spend.

Responsibilities

• Develop category strategies and identify opportunities to reduce costs.
• Manage vendor relationships and report on cost savings.
• Execute IT projects focused on value delivery.

Skills

Negotiation

Supplier Management

Value Analysis

Knowledge of Purchasing Practices

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain, Operations, IT, Business, or related field

Advanced Degree (preferred)

Tools

Supplier Management Platforms (Jaggaer)

Job description

Category Leader, IT

Work Mode: Remote

Location: Remote - United States

Opportunity

This role will support the financial and operational performance within specific IT categories, managing a share of the $175M IT spend. Responsibilities include negotiating XaaS, telecom, infrastructure, security, AI, and IT service agreements globally across all business units. The role involves supplier selection, value analysis, and supporting go/no-go decisions, acting as a liaison between legal, privacy, risk, IT, business stakeholders, and suppliers. Analyzing quotations, SOWs, and contracts to determine optimal solutions based on value and total cost of ownership. Knowledge of purchasing practices and procedures is essential.

Specific Responsibilities

1. Develop Category Strategies:
   • Understand current market and internal category status
   • Identify gaps, issues, and challenges affecting supply, quality, service, cost, innovation, and relationships
   • Identify future opportunities to reduce costs and create value through sourcing and other approaches
2. Project Support and Management:
   • Execute IT and business projects focused on value delivery
   • Develop sourcing strategies for RFx, evaluation, supplier selection, and contracts
   • Manage and defend against cost increases at renewal
   • Negotiate to mitigate risks and impacts
   • Evaluate and support new providers, technology, and process improvements
3. Administration and Continuous Improvement:
   • Manage vendor relationships and performance
   • Report on cost savings, risk mitigation, and project updates to stakeholders
   • Become an expert in procurement processes
   • Build relationships with stakeholders and provide training
   • Identify and propose improvements to procurement processes

Skills/Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain, Operations, IT, Business, or related field (Advanced degree preferred)
• Minimum 10 years of IT and/or strategic purchasing experience, with specific IT experience a plus
• Experience managing contracts and projects with $1-10M annual spend
• Experience with supplier and contract management platforms (Jaggaer a plus)

Applicants must be authorized to work in the US without sponsorship.

The salary range is $98,900 - $125,600, influenced by experience, education, and location. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, and 401k.

Why Choose Kohler?

We support our associates’ growth with competitive rewards, career development, diversity, and innovation. Join over 30,000 leaders driving meaningful change to help people live gracious, healthy, and sustainable lives.

About Us

Kohler is committed to equal opportunity employment. Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities. Contact [e-mail] for assistance.