Strategic IT Procurement Lead – HR & Finance Software

CME Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 81,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Equity program

Health coverage

401(k) and pension

Education reimbursement

Paid time off

Mental health benefits

Job summary

CME Group in Chicago is seeking an IT Category Manager to lead technology procurement for HR and Finance solutions, including enterprise software, SaaS, and implementation projects. You will drive competitive bidding and partner with internal stakeholders across HR, Finance, Legal, and Third Party Risk Management.

Leverage strong negotiation and relationship skills to optimize supplier performance, monitor cost and usage trends, and ensure compliance with procurement policies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 3–5+ years in procurement.
• Experience negotiating with vendors and managing supplier relationships.
• Familiarity with HR and Finance software and ERP systems.

Responsibilities

• Drive end-to-end procurement for HR and Finance software and related services; evaluate proposals domestically and internationally.
• Serve as a consultative partner to HR and Finance to understand requirements and resolve bottlenecks.
• Manage post-buy functions with Accounts Payable and Finance; resolve complex invoice-PO discrepancies.
• Lead supplier governance (quarterly reviews, scorecards) and ensure cross-functional alignment.
• Monitor market trends and identify cost-saving opportunities; complete deal summaries and dashboards.

Skills

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Microsoft 365

Google Workspace

Workday

Job description

CME Group in Chicago is seeking an IT Category Manager to lead technology procurement for HR and Finance solutions, including enterprise software, SaaS, and implementation projects. You will drive competitive bidding and partner with internal stakeholders across HR, Finance, Legal, and Third Party Risk Management.

Leverage strong negotiation and relationship skills to optimize supplier performance, monitor cost and usage trends, and ensure compliance with procurement policies.