Category Manager (IT)

cw; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Cushman & Wakefield in Minneapolis is seeking a Category Manager (IT) to oversee procurement of hardware, software, cloud services, and telecom, driving cost efficiency and supplier performance. You will partner with IT business lines to develop and implement category strategies in line with procurement policies.

The role requires 5–8 years in category management, IT procurement expertise, and strong negotiation and relationship skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 5-8 years in category management.
• IT procurement knowledge essential.
• Certifications like CPSM/CIPS/C.P.M. preferred.
• Strong analytical and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build relationships with stakeholders and vendors.
• Proactive problem solving and strategic thinking.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic IT category management initiatives and create sourcing plans.
• Conduct market research to identify cost savings and quality improvements.
• Align category goals with business objectives and service line priorities.
• Negotiate terms with IT vendors and manage supplier performance.
• Collaborate across Finance, Operations, HR, and other functions.
• Identify and mitigate procurement risks.
• Drive continuous improvement of supplier programs.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Vendor management

IT procurement

Stakeholder management

Contract negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

CPSM

CIPS

C.P.M.

Job description

Job Title

Category Manager (IT)

Job Description Summary

The Category Manager is responsible for overseeing and optimizing procurement and management strategies for IT-related goods and services, including but not limited to hardware, software, cloud services, telecommunications, and other tech needs. This role focuses on driving cost efficiency, improving supplier relationships, and aligning purchasing strategies with organizational goals. They will be the interface with the IT business lines to lead the development and implementation of supplier relationship and performance management. This role will implement the organization's short , medium and long term strategies by ensuring the highest level of service based on C&W's Procurement Policies and Procedures. They will require an in-depth understanding of the business impact of procurement contributions and understanding of the business impact of technical contributions. Develops major goals to support the organizations strategy. Job Description

Responsibilities

Leadership

• Creates a working environment that encourages high performance and innovation.
• Becomes a trusted advisor and subject matter expert on the categories.
• Removes roadblocks to enable the delivery of procurement and client account goals.
• Promotes compliance with C&W's code of conduct.

Category Management

• Develop and implement a strategic sourcing plan for IT related goods and services, including but not limited to hardware, CRE software, cloud services, telecommunications, and other tech needs
• Conduct Global, Regional and Country market research to stay updated on industry trends and identify opportunities for cost savings and quality improvements.
• Set category goals aligned with company objectives and regularly measure performance against these targets. Responsible for working with procurement business partners and service line leadership to align category management vision with service line and procurement priorities.
• Incorporates industry best practices into category delivery.
• Utilizes demand planning to target value from supplier agreements.

Vendor Management

• Identify, evaluate, and establish relationships with IT vendors, suppliers, and service providers.
• Negotiate favourable terms and contracts, ensuring compliance with internal policies and industry regulations.
• Manage supplier performance and conduct periodic reviews to assess service levels, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with business needs.
• Monitors preferred supplier utilization, builds roster to ensure capability to deliver across the service line portfolios, and monitors performance to ensure capability to meet account needs.

Business Influence

• Communicates supply category preferred supplier metrics and helps the business drive greater adoption of the preferred supplier network.
• Develops and maintains strong relationships with business units and the category management team.
• Drives for results by consistently achieving goals in a timely manner.
• Develops and deliver communications with clarity and impact, ensuring consistent messaging.
• Encourages creation and brings new best in class ideas and approaches to the table for developing and executing category strategies and working within the supply market to ensure Cushman & Wakefield meets or exceeds their objectives.
• Working cross‑functionally with other departments including Finance, Operations, TDS, HR, Project Management, etc. for delivery of category strategies.

Risk Management

• Identify and mitigate risks within the IT supply chain, including cyber‑security risks, service disruptions, and compliance issues.
• Work with the legal team to ensure vendor contracts include necessary risk management and compliance clauses
• Working with C&W Legal Counsel to ensure consistent templates and fall back language to enable effective negotiations and risk mitigation.
• Ensure effective and up‑to‑date commercial arrangements.

Continuous Improvement/Change Management

• Strong problem‑solving skills utilizing continuous improvement techniques.
• Utilizes change management techniques to drive the development and utilization of a preferred supplier program.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree
• 5-8 years of category management experience
• Professional certifications preferred e.g., CPSM, CIPS, C.P.M., or evidence of continued professional growth
• In-depth knowledge of IT Procurement and fundamentals, IT specific category specific knowledge
• Strong interpersonal and analytical skills
• Ability to build relationships with key business stakeholders and 3rd party vendors
• Innerdrivetoaccomplishgoalsandnotdeterredbyobstacles
• Capacitytodevelop innovativestrategiesandsolutions,Creativeproblemsolver
• Contract negotiation andongoingmanagementskills
• Analyticsabilitytominedatatodrivein‑depth.
• Buildingandmanagementof diversesupplierrelationsheb?
• Interfacewithallle