Software Category Manager

*US AMR-Jones Lang LaSalle Americas, Inc.; Dallas (TX); Remote; USD 130,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan with matching company

Medical, Dental & Vision Care

Paid parental leave

Paid Time Off

Daily Pay

Job summary

Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated is seeking a senior Category Manager for Software and Data Subscriptions. You will own end-to-end category management, partnering with IT, finance, and business stakeholders to align sourcing strategies with the company’s objectives.

The role focuses on software, SaaS, and data subscription services, with global strategy development and renewal optimization. A strong track record in AI-enabled procurement is highly valued.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in strategic sourcing, esp. software/SaaS/databases.
• Experience leading category strategies across regions.
• Proven ability to manage high-value procurement projects from strategy to execution.
• Strong commercial acumen with contract negotiation and TCO analysis.
• Able to partner with senior tech and business stakeholders.
• Experience applying AI to procurement processes.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, IT, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Develop global category strategies for software and data subscriptions, aligned with business needs.
• Lead end-to-end procurement events including RFPs, bid evaluation, and contract execution.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with key software publishers and data providers; manage risk.
• Maintain savings tracker and ensure governance, compliance, and reporting across the category.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Category management

Vendor management

AI in procurement

Cross-functional collaboration

Contract negotiation

Education

BA/BS in Business, Supply Chain, IT

MBA (preferred)

Tools

Coupa/Ariba

Job description

JLL empowers you to shape a brighter way. Our people at JLL are shaping the future of real estate for a better world by combining world class services, advisory and technology for our clients. We are committed to hiring the best, most talented people and empowering them to thrive, grow meaningful careers and to find a place where they belong. Whether you’ve got deep experience in commercial real estate, skilled trades or technology, or you’re looking to apply your relevant experience to a new industry, join our team as we help shape a brighter way forward.

Role Overview

The Category Manager, Software and Data Subscriptions is a senior procurement role reporting to the Category Director, Software, responsible for developing, managing and executing global category sourcing strategies across enterprise software, SaaS applications, and data/market subscription services. This position partners with IT application owners, business stakeholders, and senior technology leaders across JLL’s regions to align sourcing strategies with business objectives, drive measurable value, and ensure JLL has access to market-leading software and data services. This role owns end-to-end category management for following sub-categories: Data & Market Subscriptions (research subscriptions, market data feeds, and information services), coordinated with the Professional Services category where subscriptions sit within that spend pool Enterprise Software SaaS Applications & Enterprise Licensing (including license optimization and true-up management) Software Asset Management support and renewal calendar ownership Vendor Consolidation & Rationalization across the software and data subscription supply base.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategy & Planning Develop and maintain short-, mid-, and long-term global category strategies for software and data subscriptions, aligned with JLL's overall business strategy and technology roadmap. Build and manage internal demand plans across all sub-categories, identifying consolidation opportunities and emerging licensing/commercial models. Partner with application owners and business stakeholders to ensure category strategies reflect regional requirements and global efficiency targets. Proactively identify and execute new sourcing opportunities, including platform consolidation and renewal optimization.
• Supplier & Market Management Build and maintain strategic relationships with key software publishers, SaaS providers, and data/market subscription vendors. Rationalize the supply base and maintain a clear strategic supplier framework for the category. Own Supplier Relationship Management for the category to the framework, segmentation and cadence in partnerships with the Procurement Centre of Excellence — running reviews to standard, managing scorecards and capturing outputs — and complete third party risk management activity in line with the TPRM framework. Stay current on market trends, licensing models, and pricing benchmarks to inform sourcing decisions.
• Execution & Delivery Lead end-to-end procurement events including RFP development, bid management, commercial evaluation, recommendation, and contract execution. Drive delivery of financial targets including cost savings, cost avoidance, and value-add outcomes across the category. Manage the category project calendar, ensuring timely execution of sourcing events and contract renewals. Prepare and present contract documents and recommendations in line with JLL's Delegation of Authority.
• Governance & Reporting Maintain an accurate and current savings tracker for the category, providing clear visibility of value delivered to internal stakeholders. Serve as the category ambassador for best practice, process improvement, and adoption of sourcing tools and technology. Ensure all sourcing activity complies with JLL procurement policies, ethical standards, and governance frameworks.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of strategic sourcing experience, with the majority in software, SaaS, and/or data/information services categories.
• Demonstrated experience managing category strategies across multiple regions.
• Proven ability to lead complex, high-value procurement projects from strategy through execution.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience in contract negotiation, TCO analysis, and supplier performance management.
• Ability to build and sustain relationships with senior technology and business stakeholders.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams across procurement, IT, finance, and operations.
• Demonstrated success adopting AI to accelerate and enhance job functions.
• Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) in a relevant field such as Business, Supply Chain, Information Technology, or related discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with major enterprise software publishers and SaaS commercial/licensing models.
• Working knowledge of software asset management (SAM) practices and license true-up processes.
• Experience sourcing market data or research subscription services.
• MBA or relevant advanced degree.
• CPSM, CIPS, or equivalent procurement certification.
• Experience in corporate real estate, facilities management, or professional services environments.

Success Metrics

• Savings and value delivered against the category target, validated and approved through the agreed benefits process.
• Growth in managed spend and contract coverage across software and data subscriptions, in line with the JLL’s Accelerate 2030 strategy.
• Renewal and true-up calendar managed with no unmanaged expiries or unplanned licence exposure.
• Measurable supply base rationalisation and licence optimisation across the category SRM run to Centre of Excellence standards — review completion, scorecard population and adherence to agreed cadence.

This position does not provide visa sponsorship. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship. Expected compensation for this position: 130,000.00 – 140,000.00 USD per year Final compensation packages are determined by various considerations including but not limited to candidate qualifications, location, market conditions, and internal considerations.

Location: Remote –Atlanta, GA, Charlotte, NC, Chicago, IL, Dallas, TX

Benefits

• 401(k) plan with matching company contributions
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision Care
• Paid parental leave at 100% of salary
• Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
• Early access to earned wages through Daily Pay

At JLL, we harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to efficiently accelerate meaningful connections between candidates and opportunities. Using AI capabilities, we analyze your application for relevant skills, experiences, and qualifications to generate valuable insights about how your unique profile aligns with the specific requirements of the role you're pursuing.

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At JLL, we give you the opportunity, knowledge and tools to own your success, because we value what makes each of us unique. We help our people thrive, grow meaningful careers and find a place where they belong. Together, we strive to be exceptional and shape a better world. For over 200 years, JLL (NYSE: JLL), a leading global commercial real estate and investment management company, has helped clients buy, build, occupy, manage and invest in a variety of commercial, industrial, hotel, residential and retail properties. A Fortune 500® company with operations in over 80 countries around the world, our employees bring the power of a global platform combined with local expertise. Driven by our purpose to shape the future of real estate for a better world, we help our clients, people and communities SEE A BRIGHTER WAYSM. JLL is the brand name, and a registered trademark, of Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated. For further information, visit jll.com.