Category Manager

Key responsibilities

• Strategic Sourcing & Procurement
• Lead and manage the sourcing activities for the IT category, including hardware, software, IT services, and cloud computing solutions.
• Develop and implement sourcing strategies that align with the organization’s goals, focusing on cost savings, quality, supplier performance, and risk management.
• Drive supplier selection, contract negotiations, and the establishment of mutually beneficial partnerships.
• Identify and evaluate new suppliers and technologies, ensuring continuous innovation and improvement of sourcing practices.
• Create and manage sourcing strategies that balance price, performance, risk, and business need.
• Supplier Management & Relationship Building
• Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with key IT suppliers and service providers.
• Manage the supplier lifecycle, including onboarding, performance monitoring, and compliance to agreed terms and conditions.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders (e.g., IT, Finance, Legal, and Operations) to ensure supplier agreements meet business and technical requirements.
• Monitor and manage supplier performance through KPIs, service level agreements (SLAs), and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Cost Optimization & Budgeting:
• Identify opportunities for cost reduction and process optimization through strategic sourcing, volume consolidation, and negotiation.
• Work with Finance and relevant business units to develop and manage IT procurement budgets and forecast future spending.
• Risk management
• Assess and mitigate risks related to the procurement of IT products and services, including supplier risk, geopolitical factors, and cybersecurity concerns.
• Ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory, and contractual obligations related to IT sourcing and procurement.
• Conduct regular risk assessments on IT suppliers and proactively address potential disruptions in the supply chain.
• Contract Management & Negotiation 
• Lead complex contract negotiations with IT vendors, ensuring favorable terms and conditions that meet business objectives and reduce liabilities.
• Review and manage contracts, ensuring they align with company policies and legal requirements.
• Resolve any disputes or issues with suppliers in a timely and effective manner.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
• Work closely with IT and other business units to understand their technological requirements and ensure sourcing decisions meet operational needs.
• Provide input and expertise on IT strategy, trends, and market conditions to guide internal stakeholders.
• Collaborate with the legal department to ensure all contracts are compliant with internal policies and applicable laws.
• Market Intelligence Analysis 
• Stay current on emerging trends in the IT industry, including new technologies, software solutions, and supplier innovations.
• Analyze market conditions and benchmarks to provide strategic insights and inform decision-making.
• Conduct supplier and market research to identify best-in-class vendors and solutions.

Required:

• Associate degree in Information Technology, Business, Purchasing, Customer Service, or related field.
• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Supply Chain Management, IT Management, or a related field. A master’s degree or professional certifications (e.g., CPSM, CIPS, or equivalent) is a plus.
• A strong customer service person that can manage multiple projects at a time with various Cox team members.
• Ability to identify opportunities and take necessary actions to continuously improve the Procurement process. 
• Strong reporting, planning, communication, and organizational skills.
• The ability to communicate and collaborate with other functions, regions, and departments within the Enterprise in alignment with Cox values and culture.
• The ability to convince others with shared interests to adopt policies, practices, and procedures. May influence others that are skeptical or unwilling to adapt current approach

Preferred Experience 

• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in IT procurement or strategic sourcing, with a focus on technology, software, hardware, or IT services.
• Strong track record of managing complex IT sourcing initiatives, including supplier selection, negotiation, and contract management.
• Experience in managing large budgets and complex stakeholder relationships.

Skilled and competencies 

• Strong negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• In-depth knowledge of IT sourcing practices, market trends, and emerging technologies.
• Ability to analyze complex data, conduct market research, and develop sourcing strategies based on data-driven insights.
• Proven ability to manage and build relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders, both internally and externally.
• Experience with supplier performance management and risk assessment.
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple sourcing projects simultaneously.
• Proficient in procurement software tools (e.g., SAP Ariba, Oracle Procurement, Coupa), Excel, and other analytics tools