Strategic Software Procurement Leader

Kelly; New Britain (CT); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; 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 global Fortune 500 manufacturing organization on a direct-hire basis. You will lead strategic sourcing, contract negotiations, supplier management, and procurement operations within a complex global IT environment.

Strong software procurement experience is required; candidates with primarily general IT procurement, hardware, infrastructure, or IT services without software focus will not be considered.

Qualifications

• 9+ years of procurement experience in a global corporate environment.
• 5+ years of hands-on IT technology category experience with a focus on software procurement.
• Proven track record negotiating software licenses, renewals, pricing, and multi-year contracts.
• Strong understanding of the software procurement lifecycle from demand/usage through negotiation and supplier management.

Responsibilities

• Lead software contract renewals and negotiations with senior IT stakeholders.
• Develop and execute strategic sourcing initiatives across the software category.
• Manage software publishers, vendors, and VAR/reseller relationships for value and contract compliance.
• Serve as escalation lead for MSP and VIP IT stakeholders.
• Lead procurement operations, approvals, tracking, and SOP improvements.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Contract management

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Procurement analytics

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Strategy/Finance/IT/CS/Engineering/Legal

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. You will lead strategic sourcing, contract negotiations, supplier management, and procurement operations within a complex global IT environment.

Strong software procurement experience is required; candidates with primarily general IT procurement, hardware, infrastructure, or IT services without software focus will not be considered.