Software Category Manager

The opportunity

In this role you will develop, plan and implement strategy focused on optimizing costs, quality, delivery and reliability of suppliers and supplied products for an assigned category. You will manage large projects or processes.

How you will make an impact:

• Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive global category strategies for all software, SaaS, and related IT services, aligning with business objectives and digital transformation initiatives.
• Lead end-to-end strategic sourcing processes, including market analysis, supplier identification, RFI/RFP development, negotiation, and contract finalization.
• Negotiate complex software licensing agreements (on-premise, subscription, perpetual), cloud service agreements (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS), and professional services contracts with major software vendors (e.g., Microsoft, Oracle, SAP, Salesforce, Adobe, Autodesk).
• Drive cost optimization and value creation through effective negotiation, demand management, standardization, and consolidation strategies.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key internal stakeholders (IT, Legal, Finance, Business Units) to understand their needs, ensure alignment, and foster collaboration.
• Monitor software market trends, emerging technologies, and supplier landscapes to identify new opportunities and potential risks.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, legal requirements, and industry best practices in all procurement activities.
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with software licensing, vendor lock-in, and compliance.
• Mentor and support junior procurement professionals within the team.

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Information Technology, Finance, or a related field. Master's degree or relevant certifications (e.g., CIPS, CPSM) preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, or category management, with at least 3 years specifically focused on Software or IT services.
• Proven experience negotiating high-value, complex software contracts with major global vendors.
• Strong understanding of various software licensing models (e.g., perpetual, subscription, user-based, core-based), cloud service agreements, and software asset management (SAM) principles.
• Strong analytical and financial acumen, with the ability to build business cases and analyze total cost of ownership (TCO).
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively at all levels.
• Proficiency in procurement tools and systems (e.g., SAP Ariba, ServiceNow).
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.