Category Manager I - Information Technology Solutions (ITS)

Mortenson; Minnesota; On-site; USD 102,000 - 153,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k retirement plan with generous match

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off and holidays

Mental health resources

Job summary

Mortenson is seeking a Category Manager I to lead sourcing strategies for IT Solutions, focused on optimizing costs and enhancing supply chain efficiencies.

The ideal candidate has over 5 years of experience in managing supplier categories, particularly in technology, and possesses strong negotiation and risk management skills. Benefits include a 401k with a generous match, medical plans, and paid time off.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience strategically managing categories and suppliers.
• Strong understanding of consumables and indirect materials purchasing processes.
• Deep experience in negotiating with large technology companies.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement Category Strategy for Indirect Materials & Services.
• Manage financial success and achieve material cost reductions.
• Lead team members by example and manage performance.

Skills

Strong business acumen

Negotiation skills

Risk management principles

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in business or related field

Job description

Summary

Mortenson is currently seeking a Category Manager I – Information Technology Solutions (ITS) that will be responsible for developing, implementing, and managing sourcing strategies for indirect materials and services categories with primary focus on the Information Technology suite of applications, hardware and services. This role will focus on leading IT category development and execution, optimizing costs, quality, and delivery while improving Supply Chain efficiencies and strengthening supplier relationships. Responsibilities also include managing the indirect category specialist and ensuring the timely and cost‑effective delivery of materials and services to meet timelines and requirements.

Location

Minneapolis, MN

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement Category Strategy for Indirect Materials & Services Categories focusing on Technology related goods and services
  • Identify and engage with internal stakeholders across operations and business services to capture category requirements
  • Assess potential opportunities for categories including spend segmentation, category maturity, cost drivers, and supply market analysis
  • Develop Sourcing Strategy for categories detailing projects, sourcing levers, timing, resources, and expected benefits
  • Adapt the strategy as business, market, and economic environments change
  • Support Annual Category Reviews including updated projects, metrics, strategy, and risk mitigation strategies
• Manage Financial Success of Category
  • Responsible for category financial results for assigned categories. Develop strategies to achieve financial and category initiative goals
  • Develop pricing strategies for project proposals
  • Lead monthly and annual category financial reviews with project information, metrics, forecast and strategy, if applicable
• Achieve Material Cost Reductions for Indirect Categories
  • Initiate and conduct supplier contract negotiations
  • Responsible for defining negotiations strategy including supplier profiles, commercial negotiations targets, defining switching costs, and building Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
  • Lead and execute complex contract negotiations to obtain the best overall value
  • Closely monitor market drivers affecting the category including raw material pricing and availability, supplier capacity, industry disruptions and new products/services
  • Responsible for forecasting, reporting, mitigating, and recovery of commodity inflation
• Apply risk containment and management principles to identify, assess and communicate cyber, operational, financial and commercial risks
• Effectively work and build relationships with those of diverse backgrounds and organizational levels
• Lead team members by example, offer effective coaching and feedback, and effectively manage performance
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain management, construction management or equivalent combinations of technical training and/or related experience
• 5+ years of experience in a similar role strategically managing and expanding categories and suppliers (a strong background in indirect services and technology preferred)
• Strong understanding of consumables & indirect materials and services purchasing processes and procedures
• Thorough understanding of how technology is licensed, implemented and supported
• Demonstrated application of risk management principles
• Deep experience in negotiating with large technology companies
• Strong business acumen with skills in problem solving, strategic thinking and negotiation
• Highly effective communication, follow up and presentation skills
• Demonstrated experience in hiring, coaching, and mentoring a team of professionals to anticipate needs and achieve short and long‑term goals (preferred)
• Ability to influence without authority
• Active listening skills and effective communication including an openness to diverse input and feedback
• Ability to travel up to 10%
• Current driver’s license

Benefits

• Medical and prescription drug plans that includes no additional cost vision coverage
• Dental plan
• 401k retirement plan with a generous Mortenson match
• Paid time off, holidays, and other paid leaves
• Employer paid Life, AD&D, and disability insurance
• No‑Cost mental health tool and concierge with extensive work‑life resources
• Tuition reimbursement
• Adoption Assistance
• Gym Membership Discount Program

Compensation

The base pay range for this role is $102,000 - $153,000. (Actual range is higher for the following office locations: Denver, CO and Chicago, IL – 5%, Seattle, WA, and Portland, OR – 10%, Washington, D.C. – 12.5%). Base pay is positioned within the range based on several factors including an individual’s knowledge, skills, and experience, with consideration given to internal equity.

Employment Details

Visa sponsorship is not offered for this position. Our postings are typically open a minimum of 5 days and an average of 44 days.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Your uniqueness brings new and creative perspectives to the team. Mortenson is committed to providing equal opportunities of employment (EOE) to all individuals, regardless of your race, religion, gender, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status or any other legally protected category.

Legal / Hiring Policies

Mortenson reserves the right to hire any individual without legal or financial obligation on unwanted solicitations. No agency emails, calls, or solicitations are accepted without a valid agreement. Must be currently legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status, 0-1, TN, CPT, OPT, etc.). We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.