Category Manager IT

Inland Real Estate • Oak Brook, IL

379d

About The Position

This position will be responsible for the category management strategies for our enterprise IT spend. This will include long and short-term strategies, strategic sourcing, third party risk management (TPRM) collaboration and contract management. This position will align closely with our IT leaders to deliver best in class service for our businesses. Additional responsibilities will include managing Corporate Procurement Programs for the enterprise. These programs could include Yardi, Box.com, DocuSign, CoStar, Corporate Membership and Subscriptions. This role reports directly to the Chief Procurement Officer.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in business, Supply Chain Management or equivalent professional knowledge and/or work experience.
• Minimum 5 years of IT category management, strategic sourcing, or IT indirect procurement.
• Financial services experience required, preferably in commercial real estate.
• Problem solving ability and ability to influence and demonstrate category leadership.
• An analytical mind with strategic ability.
• Excellent communication and people skills.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook are required.
• Intermediate knowledge of Yardi, Box.com, DocuSign, and Venminder.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category management strategies for all IT categories that align with business and budget needs.
• Develop short- and long-term category plans by understanding business needs and marketplace insights.
• Foster solid relationships with vendors to achieve better pricing and quality services.
• Place appropriate orders to ensure product availability that meets client specifications.
• Implement strategic sourcing methods that drive best cost and effective solutions while meeting business needs.
• Collaborate with TPRM to ensure all processes and requirements are met for the entire IT category including contract management.
• Drive cost optimization across the entire IT Category spend delivering measurable cost savings and improving procurement processes.
• Lead the contract management process including price negotiations, terms and conditions, and ensure compliance with company standards.
• Provide experience and insight on different IT products and services, staying up to date on the market.
• Resolve issues that arise from operational or assigned corporate programs quickly and accurately.
• Submit, review, and approve supplier invoices.
• Evaluate incoming proposals, including pricing and contract terms, and provide in-depth analysis for assigned projects.
• Lead suppliers onboarding/offboarding, invoice processing, and provide program support to internal clients.
• Work in a team atmosphere and influence business partners on buying decisions.
• Maintain excellent communication with all business stakeholders.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Securities, Commodity Contracts, and Other Financial Investments and Related Activities
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees