Strategic Software Procurement Lead

Kelly; Towson (MD); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

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

Strong software procurement/category management experience is required. Candidates with mainly IT procurement or hardware experience will not be considered.

Qualifications

• 9+ years in procurement with strategic sourcing and contract management in a global corporate setting.
• 5+ years in IT technology category, with strong software procurement focus.
• Proven track record negotiating software licenses, renewals, terms and pricing.
• Experience leading software publishers, vendors, and VARs with measurable savings.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex software contract renewals and negotiations with executive stakeholders.
• Develop and execute strategic sourcing across the software category and SRM.
• Manage software publishers, vendors, and VAR relationships for commercial value.
• Provide IT escalation leadership and high-touch support to VIP stakeholders.
• Guide procurement operations, approvals, tracking, and process improvements.
• Partner with IT, Finance, Legal, Cybersecurity, and business teams on strategy.
• Create detailed financial, usage, and savings analytics to enable decisions.

Skills

Procurement leadership

Software procurement

Strategic sourcing

Contract negotiation

Vendor management

Stakeholder management

Leadership & transformation

IT procurement lifecycle

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/IT/Engineering or related

MBA preferred

Job description

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

Strong software procurement/category management experience is required. Candidates with mainly IT procurement or hardware experience will not be considered.