Senior Category Manager, IT
WFA Digital Insight
The demand for skilled IT procurement managers has surged in recent years, with companies seeking experts who can navigate complex supply chains and negotiate strategic contracts. As the remote job market continues to grow, roles like this offer a unique opportunity for professionals to work with global teams and drive business success. With the IT industry expected to reach $5.3 trillion by 2026, companies like Amentum are looking for talented individuals to lead their procurement efforts. Candidates should be prepared to showcase their expertise in strategic sourcing, contract management, and supplier relationships. Before applying, it's essential to understand the company's commitment to safety, collaboration, and well-being, as well as the role's requirements and responsibilities.
Job Description
About the Role
The Senior Category Manager, IT role at Amentum is a remote position that requires a seasoned professional to lead the development and implementation of an overall IT procurement strategy. This role is crucial to the company's success, as it involves managing suppliers, contracts, and relationships to achieve cost savings, quality improvement, and supplier consolidation. The Senior Category Manager will work closely with internal stakeholders to understand business needs and develop strategic plans to meet those needs.As a key member of the Enterprise Procurement team, the Senior Category Manager will be responsible for guiding the selection, development, and management of strategic suppliers to meet product and service cost and performance goals. This role will also involve collaborating with suppliers to build capabilities to meet expanding business needs and developing implementation plans for smooth transitions of new suppliers.
The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of IT products and services, including infrastructure, applications, cybersecurity, and telecommunications. They will also possess excellent analytical and negotiation skills, with the ability to conduct benchmarking and price analysis, and leverage external resources to drive business results.
What You Will Do
- Develop and implement an overall sourcing strategy for assigned IT products and services
- Guide the selection, development, and management of strategic suppliers to meet product and service cost and performance goals
- Collaborate with suppliers to build capabilities to meet expanding business needs
- Develop implementation plans and set up infrastructure and process for smooth transition of new suppliers
- Apply tools, techniques, and processes to manage supplier relationships
- Collaboratively develop and use supplier scorecards to identify areas requiring improvements or corrective action
- Support business units in resolving quality issues, assisting in supplier delivery problems, and ensuring that supplies meet all program schedules
- Solicit material quotations and lead negotiations on agreements, contracts, and blanket orders with strategic suppliers
- Plan and execute a successful negotiation strategy
- Perform cost and price analysis across the supply chain with a cost model of key strategic sources
- Respond to questions from vendors and internal business units related to the request for information and/or proposal and requisition process
What We Are Looking For
- Minimum 5 years of experience in IT procurement or a related field
- Proven track record of developing and implementing successful IT procurement strategies
- Excellent analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills
- Strong understanding of IT products and services, including infrastructure, applications, cybersecurity, and telecommunications
- Ability to conduct benchmarking and price analysis, and leverage external resources to drive business results
- Experience with contract management, supplier relationship management, and strategic sourcing
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work with cross-functional teams
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and prioritize multiple tasks and projects
Nice to Have
- Experience working with global teams and managing international suppliers
- Knowledge of procurement software and systems, such as SAP or Oracle
- Certification in procurement or a related field, such as CPSM or CPM
- Experience with data analysis and reporting, and the ability to interpret and present complex data to stakeholders
Benefits and Perks
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Opportunity to work with a global company and contribute to its success
- Remote work arrangement, with the ability to work from anywhere in the United States
- Access to professional development and training opportunities
- Collaborative and dynamic work environment
- Recognition and reward for outstanding performance
- Comprehensive health insurance and retirement plan
- Paid time off and holidays
- Flexible work schedule and work-life balance
How to Stand Out
- Make sure to highlight your experience with IT procurement, strategic sourcing, and contract management in your resume and cover letter.
- Be prepared to showcase your analytical and negotiation skills, and provide examples of successful procurement strategies you've developed and implemented in the past.
- Familiarize yourself with Amentum's company culture and values, and be ready to discuss how your skills and experience align with their mission and goals.
- Develop a strong understanding of the IT industry and the current market trends, and be prepared to discuss how you stay up-to-date with the latest developments and technologies.
- Consider obtaining certifications in procurement or a related field to increase your chances of standing out as a candidate.
- Prepare to discuss your experience working with cross-functional teams and managing international suppliers, and be ready to provide examples of successful collaborations and outcomes.
- Be ready to negotiate your salary and benefits package, and have a clear understanding of your worth and the market rate for your role.
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