Category Manager - Software - Chicago

Chicago, Illinois Permanent USD115,000 - USD150,000 per year View Job Description
The Category Manager - Software is responsible for developing and executing strategies for purchasing software products, licenses, and services. This role involves market analysis, supplier negotiation, and ensuring compliance with corporate procurement policies. The Category Manager will work closely with internal stakeholders, such as IT and finance teams, to identify business needs, optimize costs, and ensure the quality and availability of software solutions.
  • Opportunity to work REMOTE in the Chicago Area
  • Great opportunity to grow with a growing software company

About Our Client

The Category Manager - Software is responsible for developing and executing strategies for purchasing software products, licenses, and services. This role involves market analysis, supplier negotiation, and ensuring compliance with corporate procurement policies. The Category Manager will work closely with internal stakeholders, such as IT and finance teams, to identify business needs, optimize costs, and ensure the quality and availability of software solutions.

Job Description



  • Procurement Strategy:
    • Develop and implement a sourcing strategy for the software category to meet business objectives.
    • Analyze market trends, software pricing models, and supplier capabilities to identify cost-saving opportunities.
    • Develop supplier evaluation and selection criteria for software vendors.


  • Vendor Management:
    • Establish and maintain strong relationships with software vendors and service providers.
    • Negotiate contracts, terms, and conditions with vendors to ensure the best value for the company.
    • Manage software licensing agreements, renewals, and compliance requirements.


  • Cost Optimization:
    • Identify opportunities to optimize software spending across the organization.
    • Monitor and report on cost savings initiatives and results.
    • Ensure cost-effective purchasing through competitive bidding, supplier consolidation, and leveraging volume discounts.


  • Cross-functional Collaboration:
    • Work closely with IT, finance, and other departments to understand software needs and align procurement strategies accordingly.
    • Ensure the alignment of the software procurement strategy with overall business objectives.
    • Support internal teams with sourcing and vendor management best practices.


  • Risk Management:
    • Identify and mitigate risks related to software licensing, vendor performance, and contract compliance.
    • Ensure that software procurement adheres to regulatory and legal requirements.


  • Performance Tracking and Reporting:
    • Develop key performance indicators (KPIs) to track and measure supplier performance.
    • Provide regular reports on procurement activities, cost savings, and vendor performance to senior management.

MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.

The Successful Applicant

  • Bachelor's degree in business administration, procurement, supply chain management, IT, or a related field.
  • 5+ years of experience in procurement or category management, with a focus on software.
  • Strong knowledge of software licensing models (SaaS, perpetual, subscription).
  • Excellent negotiation and vendor management skills.
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to assess market trends and supplier capabilities.
  • Familiarity with procurement software/tools (e.g., SAP Ariba, Oracle Procurement).
  • Ability to work cross-functionally and collaborate with various departments.
  • Experience with budget management and financial analysis.



What's on Offer

Target compensation for the Category Manager - Software is $115,000 - $150,000 base salary.

Contact
Clayton Hamilton
Quote job ref
JN-102024-6566322

Job summary

Sector
Procurement & Supply Chain
Sub Sector
Indirect Procurement
Industry
Technology & Telecoms
Location
Chicago
Contract Type
Permanent
Consultant name
Clayton Hamilton
Job Reference
JN-102024-6566322