A position is open for a Category Manager, Technology at 8 am (formerly AffiniPay), a rapidly growing professional business platform that supports over 250,000 legal, accounting, and client-focused professionals. This role is crucial for managing the sourcing and procurement of all technology-related goods and services.

This is a full-time, remote position in the US, preferably based in Austin, Texas.

Role Summary and Sourcing Mandate

Reporting to the Director, Strategic Sourcing, the Category Manager will be responsible for defining and executing sourcing strategies for critical IT categories, with a clear focus on cost optimization, risk mitigation, and strategic vendor consolidation.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategy & Planning: Develop and manage comprehensive category strategies and sourcing plans for all technology and IT contracts, including software, hardware, SaaS, and IT services.
• Sourcing Execution: Lead RFx processes, vendor evaluations, and contract negotiations for IT spend. This includes working with Finance and Legal to ensure compliance and alignment.
• Cost Optimization & Consolidation: Conduct spend and market analysis to identify cost-saving opportunities. A key objective is to consolidate suppliers to unify IT solutions, reduce fragmentation, and streamline vendor management across the business.
• Vendor and Stakeholder Management: Maintain strong relationships with key technology suppliers and internal partners. Track and analyze market trends and supplier landscapes to inform strategies.
• Contract Lifecycle Management: Support all aspects of contract management, including renewals, license optimization, and service level monitoring.
• Metrics & Reporting: Track and maintain key procurement metrics, including savings, supplier performance, and compliance for audit and reporting.

Required Experience and Qualifications

The ideal candidate is an experienced sourcing professional with a deep technical understanding of enterprise IT categories, strong negotiation skills, and a strategic mindset.

• Experience: 7+ years of experience in procurement, sourcing, or vendor management, specifically focused on IT categories.
• Technical Knowledge: Working knowledge of IT concepts such as cloud infrastructure, software licensing, SaaS models, cybersecurity, and IT service agreements.
• Sourcing Expertise: Strong negotiation skills and experience managing contract terms for enterprise software and technology vendors. Experience supporting sourcing strategies and RFx processes in a mid-to-large organization.
• Data & Innovation: Strong analytical and communication skills. Demonstrated experience leveraging AI tools and technologies to improve workflows or enhance decision-making is a key attribute.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Supply Chain, or a related field.