Lead Software Procurement Strategist

Kelly; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life and disability insurance

401(k)

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Well-being programs

Job summary

Kelly is seeking a Lead Category Manager – Software to join a Fortune 500 manufacturing organization on a direct-hire basis. The role focuses on leading strategic sourcing, contract negotiations, supplier management, and procurement operations within a global IT environment.

The ideal candidate has 9+ years in procurement with a strong software focus, and the ability to drive multi-year savings while collaborating with IT, Finance, Legal, Cybersecurity, and business stakeholders.

Qualifications

• 9+ years of procurement experience in a complex, global environment.
• 5+ years of hands-on IT technology category experience with SOFTWARE PROCUREMENT.
• Experience negotiating software agreements including licensing, renewals, pricing and multi-year terms.
• Understanding of software procurement lifecycle from demand forecasting to supplier management.
• Experience managing software publishers, vendors, and VARs/resellers.
• Proven ability to drive measurable savings and improvements.
• Leadership and cross-functional collaboration across IT, Finance, Legal, and Cybersecurity.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex software contract renewals and negotiations with stakeholders.
• Develop and execute strategic sourcing across the software category.
• Manage software publishers, vendors, and VAR relationships for value and compliance.
• Provide escalation leadership for IT software procurement escalations to VIP stakeholders.
• Guide procurement operations with contract reviews, approvals, and governance.
• Collaborate with IT, Finance, Legal, Cybersecurity and business teams to align strategies.
• Create detailed financial, pricing, usage, and supplier analytics to support decisions.

Skills

Software procurement

IT category management

Contract negotiation

Stakeholder management

Vendor management

Sourcing strategy

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/IT/CS/Engineering

MBA preferred

Job description

Kelly is seeking a Lead Category Manager – Software to join a Fortune 500 manufacturing organization on a direct-hire basis. The role focuses on leading strategic sourcing, contract negotiations, supplier management, and procurement operations within a global IT environment.

The ideal candidate has 9+ years in procurement with a strong software focus, and the ability to drive multi-year savings while collaborating with IT, Finance, Legal, Cybersecurity, and business stakeholders.