Category Manager II, III, Sr (IT Solutions)

Williams; Minnesota; Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Competitive benefits

401(k) plan with match

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Williams, a Fortune 500 company, seeks a Category Manager, IT Solutions to shape technology spend and supplier strategy. You will partner with IT, Finance, Legal, Cybersecurity and business stakeholders to align sourcing with priorities and manage the technology roadmap.

You will lead supplier and market analysis, support negotiations, optimize spend, and drive value while reducing risk across software, hardware, cloud services, and cyber security.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Finance, Business, Economics, Mathematics, Engineering or technology field.
• Minimum of seven (7) years' experience in a diversified supply chain environment.
• Experience in supplier management, category strategy, and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Interprets business challenges and recommends category strategies.
• Develops and leads cross-functional supplier qualification and management processes.
• Negotiates and implements contract terms and conditions.
• Conducts spend analysis and develops measurable supplier management and risk mitigation processes.

Skills

Supplier management

Category strategy

Spend analysis

Negotiation

Cross-functional collaboration

Contract terms

Vendor performance

Education

Bachelor's degree

ISM/APICS certification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

At Williams, we’re powering a cleaner, more connected future, and that starts with you. Here, your work fuels communities, drives innovation, and helps deliver reliable energy the world depends on. Join a Fortune 500 team that invests in your growth, values your contributions, and challenges you to make a lasting impact every day. This role will place you at the intersection of business strategy, supplier management, and technology advancement. You will leverage your strong commercial mindset, market intelligence, and proactive approach to identify opportunities that create value for the organization. As the Category Manager, IT Solutions, you will develop and execute strategic category plans across technology-related spend, including software, hardware, cloud services, subscriptions, telecommunications, cybersecurity, and managed services. You will partner closely with IT leadership, Finance, Legal, Cybersecurity, and business stakeholders to align sourcing strategies with organizational priorities. In this role, you will lead supplier and market analysis, support negotiations, optimize spend, manage supplier performance, and identify opportunities to improve value, reduce risk, and advance Williams' long-term technology roadmap. You will play a critical role in ensuring Williams' technology ecosystem remains secure, innovative, cost-effective, and well-positioned to support the company's future growth and operational objectives.

Responsibilities/Expectations

• Interprets business challenges and recommends standard methodologies/strategies to improve category, processes or services
• Collaborates with business partners to develop comprehensive supplier and category strategies
• Develops and leads cross-functional supplier qualification and management processes
• Builds Key Performance Indicators for supplier performance reviews
• Identifies and establishes strategic supplier partnerships to handle costs and optimize resources
• Develops and maintains category and subcategory structures
• Negotiates and implements contract terms and conditions
• Conducts spend analysis and develops measurable supplier management and risk mitigation processes
• Other duties as assigned

Education/Years of Experience

Required: Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Finance, Business, Economics, Mathematics, Engineering or technology field; minimum of seven (7) year's experience handling a diversified supply chain environment

Preferred: Certification from Institute of Supplier Management (ISM) or American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS); minimum of nine (9) year's experience handling a diversified supply chain environment

Other Requirements

• Demonstrates excellent organizational/interpersonal skills and safety as the utmost priority
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Application and PC skills
• Experience working in a cross-functional environment
• Demonstrates conceptual and practical expertise in category and supplier management
• Demonstrates materials planning experience

Why Houston?

Big career opportunities in one of the world’s energy capitals, endless food spots and a diverse vibe—all without paying NYC or LA prices.

Work hard, live better. Check out Houston.org to learn more.

Here’s a look at what that means

• Strong pay plus an annual incentive program
• Hybrid work for most office roles, plus real flexibility in many field positions
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage with options that fit your life, not the other way around
• 401(k) with company match and an annual company contribution
• Paid time off, including company and floating holidays
• Paid parental leave (up to six weeks per parent), plus fertility and adoption support
• Advanced AI tools and resources to help level up and work smarter
• Clear paths to grow your career, with a strong culture of promoting from within
• Tuition reimbursement and support for continuing education
• HSA and FSA options
• Company-paid life insurance and disability coverage
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Domestic partner benefits
• Employee resource groups, wellness support, paid volunteer time, and company matching for causes you care about

Eligibility and benefits are governed by the terms of the applicable plan or program document which can be amended or terminated at any time. For more information, please visit Total Rewards | Williams Companies.

Williams is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive 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, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other basis protected under applicable discrimination law.

#LI-KM2

Why Williams?

• Competitive compensation and inclusive benefits
• Growth and development opportunities
• An inclusive culture where you can be yourself
• Opportunities to get involved in the community where you work and live
• Flexible work arrangements for many positions, including hybrid schedules