Category Manager (Technology)

Iowa Ag; Des Moines, Northern (IA, KY); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Development opportunities

Health benefits

Paid time off

Wellbeing pay

Parental leave

Retirement plan

Tuition reimbursement

Life at Vylor

Job summary

Vylor, Inc. is seeking a seasoned Procurement Category Manager (Technology) to shape sourcing strategies for software, SaaS, hardware, and technology services across our business.

Based in Indianapolis, IN or Johnston, IA, this hybrid role partners with stakeholders to achieve cost savings, optimize contracts, and drive supplier performance while upholding ethics and compliance. Relocation assistance is not offered.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in Business, Supply Chain, IT, Finance, Engineering, or a related field.
• 7+ years of sourcing, procurement, category management, supplier management, contract management, or related experience.
• 3-5 years of experience in the Technology Category with purchasing in Software, SaaS, Hardware, Cloud Services or related tech areas.
• Demonstrated experience negotiating commercial agreements and managing supplier relationships.
• Strong analytical, communication, stakeholder management, negotiation, and project management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Applications.
• Preferred: CPSM, CPSD, CPM, CSCP or equivalent certification.
• Experience in large, complex, or global organizations; knowledge of SAP, Ariba, BI tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for Software, SaaS, Hardware, and Technology Services categories.
• Lead sourcing initiatives, including spend analysis, market research, supplier assessments, RFx processes, negotiations, contracts, and implementation.
• Partner with stakeholders to understand requirements and align sourcing plans with priorities.
• Deliver cost savings, supplier performance improvements, risk mitigation, and contract optimization.
• Manage supplier relationships and performance through metrics and reviews.
• Monitor supplier markets, licensing models, and tech developments to inform decisions.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, standards, governance, and controls.
• Collaborate with Procurement and cross-functional teams on category strategies and process improvements.
• Maintain high standards of ethics, professionalism, and compliance.

Skills

Analytical ability

Communication

Stakeholder management

Negotiation

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Information Technology, Finance, Engineering, or related field

Tools

SAP

Ariba

Business intelligence tools

Job description

Join Vylor—Powering the Future of Agriculture?At Vylor, we’re advancing agriculture through breakthrough science—combining elite germplasm, cutting‑edge biotech, and next‑generation expertise in gene editing and molecular breeding. Our portfolio includes trusted industry brands like Pioneer®, Brevant®, and Hoegemeyer®, delivering performance farmers rely on.?Join us to help scale innovation globally and shape what’s next in crop science. Who are we and what do we do? Corteva Agriscience intends to separate into two independent companies on or about October1, 2026; this planned separation is subject to multiple conditions, including final approval of the transaction by its board of directors. It is Corteva’s current intention, should the separation occur, that this position will align with the Seed Company, Vylor, at the time of the intended separation. The Vylor innovation engine will be anchored in the agriculture industry’s most elite germplasm and transformative biotech. The company will leverage its next generation scientific expertise in disciplines like gene editing and molecular breeding to further strengthen its core business while exploring opportunities to expand to new row crops– and potentially beyond. Vylor will scale these innovations using its leading routes‑to‑market and by significantly expanding its licensing business.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Procurement Category Manager (Technology) based out of Indianapolis, Indiana or Johnston, Iowa. As a Category Manager (Technology) you will develop and execute sourcing strategies for software, Software as a Service (SaaS), hardware, and technology services. This role partners with business stakeholders and suppliers to drive value, cost savings, contract optimization, supplier performance, and risk mitigation while providing category expertise and market insights to support business objectives. Relocation assistance is not offered for this position. This is a hybrid role working in‑office Tuesday–Thursday; remote Monday and Friday.

Primary Responsibilities – How will you help us Grow!

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for Software, SaaS, Hardware, and Technology Services categories that support business objectives and deliver measurable value.
• Lead sourcing initiatives, including spend analysis, market research, supplier assessments, RFx processes, negotiations, contract execution, and implementation.
• Partner with business, functional, and regional stakeholders to understand requirements, identify opportunities, and align sourcing plans with organizational priorities.
• Deliver cost savings, supplier performance improvements, risk mitigation, contract optimization, and other value‑creation initiatives.
• Manage supplier relationships and performance through metrics, business reviews, issue resolution, and continuous improvement activities.
• Monitor supplier markets, technology trends, licensing models, and commercial developments to inform sourcing decisions and identify opportunities for optimization.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, contracting standards, governance requirements, and internal controls.
• Collaborate with Procurement and cross‑functional teams to execute category strategies, sourcing initiatives, and process improvement efforts.
• Maintain high standards of ethics, professionalism, and compliance.

Education and Experience - What you will bring to the table!

• Bachelor''s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Information Technology, Finance, Engineering, or a related field required.
• 7+ years of sourcing, procurement, category management, supplier management, contract management, or related business experience.
• 3-5 years of experience in the Technology Category with purchasing experience in any of the following subcategory (Technology Services, Software, SaaS, Hardware, or Cloud Services), or related technology categories.
• Demonstrated experience negotiating commercial agreements and managing supplier relationships.
• Strong analytical, communication, stakeholder management, negotiation, and project management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Applications.
• Preferred: Professional procurement certification (CPSM, CPSD, CPM, CSCP, or equivalent).
• Experience working in a large, complex, or global organization.
• Knowledge and experience in SAP, Ariba, and business intelligence tools.

Benefits – How We’ll Support You:

• Numerous development opportunities offered to build your skills.
• Be part of a company with a higher purpose and contribute to making the world a better place.
• Health benefits for you and your family on your first day of employment.
• Four weeks of paid time off and two weeks of well‑being pay per year, plus paid holidays.
• Excellent parental leave which includes a minimum of 16 weeks for mother and father.
• Future planning with our competitive retirement savings plan and tuition reimbursement program.
• Learn more about our total rewards package here - Corteva Benefits.
• Check out life at Vylor! https://www.linkedin.com/company/vylorgenetics/

Corteva announced to separate our current advanced seed and genetics business to establish a standalone company, operating as Vylor, Inc. The process of the planned separation is anticipated to be completed the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to legal requirements and board approval. Should you accept this position, it is anticipated that, following conclusion of the separation, you would be an employee of Vylor, Inc. and your employment would be governed by Vylor, Inc. employment processes, programs, policies, and benefit plans. In that case, details of any planned changes would be provided to you by Vylor, Inc. at an appropriate time and subject to any necessary consultation processes.

Vylor is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to embracing our differences to enrich lives, advance innovation, and boost company performance. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, military or veteran status, pregnancy related conditions (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), disability or any other protected status in accordance with federal, state, or local laws.

We seek applicants from all backgrounds to ensure we get the best, most creative talent on our team.