Category Manager MGT - IT

Patterson-UTI; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Patterson-UTI in Houston, Texas is seeking a Category Manager for IT to oversee sourcing strategy, contract management, and supplier relationships for software and IT services. The role includes leading enterprise software negotiations and managing supplier performance.

The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience in procurement, strong communication and analytical skills, and a degree in Supply Chain or a related field. The position requires a self-motivated individual with the ability to collaborate across multiple business units.

Qualifications

• Over 5 years of experience in procurement or strategic sourcing.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate complex contracts.
• Self-motivated with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategy for software and IT services.
• Negotiate software and licensing agreements end-to-end.
• Manage supplier performance and conduct regular business reviews.

Skills

Influence decisions

Strong communication skills

Analytical skills

Negotiation of contracts

Cross-functional relationship management

Software licensing knowledge

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain or related field

Master’s degree in Supply Chain or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Coupa or comparable P2P/CLM platform

Job description

Position Overview

The Category Manager — IT owns sourcing strategy, contract management, and supplier relationships for software, SaaS, telecommunications, and IT services spend across Patterson-UTI Management Services and affiliated operating companies. This role leads enterprise software negotiations and renewals end‑to‑end — from RFP through contract execution and ongoing supplier management — partnering closely with IT, Information Security, Finance, Legal, and business stakeholders. The position carries direct accountability for negotiated savings, contractual risk management, renewal discipline, and cost avoidance across a high‑volume, high‑complexity contract portfolio.

This position will report directly to the Director of Supply Chain Management.

Detailed Description

• Develop and execute category strategy for enterprise software, SaaS, telecommunications, mobility, and IT services spend across multiple business units
• Lead strategic sourcing events (RFPs/RFQs) for the category from requirements development through award and implementation
• Negotiate SaaS and enterprise license agreements end‑to‑end: pricing and per‑user rates, renewal escalation caps, licensed‑user definitions, SLAs and service credits, liability and indemnification terms, and data security and privacy exhibits
• Own the software and SaaS renewal calendar; drive proactive demand management and license right‑sizing ahead of renewal dates to eliminate waste and reduce renewal risk
• Manage telecommunications and mobility agreements, including wireless carrier contracts, device programs, and enterprise connectivity spend across operating companies
• Partner with IT, Information Security, and Legal on contract terms, security review coordination, and data privacy requirements; coordinate commercial redlines with the contracts team’s pre‑legal review process
• Manage supplier performance and conduct regular business reviews with key software, SaaS, and telecom vendors
• Track and report negotiated savings, cost avoidance, and contract value against annual category targets
• Support procure‑to‑pay and contract lifecycle management processes in Coupa, including supplier enablement, contract repository accuracy, and expiration tracking
• Identify and analyze market data to support sourcing strategy, benchmarking, and rate negotiations
• Promote a diverse and inclusive work environment and perform other related duties as assigned

Job Requirements

• Self‑motivated with the ability to influence decisions and drive results across multiple business units without direct authority
• Strong written and oral communication skills; ability to conduct effective presentations and communicate complex contract terms to business and technical stakeholders
• Superior analytical skills: spend analysis, should‑cost modeling, license utilization analysis, and savings tracking in Excel
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate and negotiate complex SaaS, software, and telecommunications contracts including commercial terms, SLAs, and renewal structures
• Ability to manage cross‑functional relationships across IT, InfoSec, Legal, Finance, and business leadership
• Working knowledge of software licensing models (per‑user, consumption‑based, enterprise license) and telecom/mobility contract structures
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook); experience with Coupa or comparable P2P/CLM platform preferred
• Ability to work with minimal supervision in a fast‑paced, multi‑entity environment

Leadership Competencies

• Builds and Maintains Effective Relationships
• Courageous Leadership
• Managing Vision and Purpose
• Business Acumen
• Drive for Results
• Customer Focus
• Decision Quality

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, Information Systems, or a related field
• 5+ years of progressive procurement, strategic sourcing, or category management experience with a concentration in software, SaaS, or IT categories
• Must have and maintain a valid state‑issued driver’s license and meet company vehicle eligibility requirements

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Supply Chain, Supply Chain, Business, Finance, Information Systems, or a related field
• Supply Chain related certification (CPSM, CPM)
• Energy, oilfield services, or industrial environments experience
• Coupa contract lifecycle management (CLM) experience
• Familiarity with IT security review processes and data processing agreement requirements

Working Conditions

Work is primarily in a climate‑controlled office environment with minimal safety or health hazard potential. The employee is regularly required to sit, stand, or walk with occasional lifting (overhead, waist level) from floor, bending and frequent near‑vision use for reading and use of computer, telephone and other office equipment. Travel requirement 20%.

• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis. This role does not offer visa sponsorship now or in the future.

About Us

Patterson‑UTI Management Services, LLC is a shared services company that provides centralized functional support to the different business segments. These functions, which include areas such as Human Resources, Legal, Accounting/Finance, Information Technology, and Marketing and Communications, drive efficiency, manage risks, recruit and develop staff, and support the growth and innovation of the organization.

Patterson‑UTI is committed to a workplace free from discrimination and harassment, offering equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of personal characteristics protected by law. Employees are encouraged to report any concerns through multiple channels.