Job Description

Apply now: Category Manager, location is Hybrid (Northbrook, IL). The start date is ASAP for this Contract-to-Hire position.

Job Title: Category Manager
Location-Type: Hybrid (3x/week onsite in Northbrook, IL 60062)
Start Date Is: ASAP (May 4, 2026 target)
Duration: 5 Month Contract to Hire
Compensation Range: $45 - $50/hr W2
Benefits : Eligible for Health, Dental, Vision, 401K
Not eligible for visa sponsorship

Job Description:
Responsible for leading strategic sourcing and procurement initiatives across enterprise technology categories, including software, hardware, and IT services.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities:

• Manage global IT procurement categories including SaaS, hardware, and professional services
• Lead end-to-end sourcing lifecycle (RFx, negotiations, contract execution)
• Negotiate enterprise-level software agreements and renewals
• Build and manage supplier relationships to optimize cost and performance
• Partner with IT, Finance, Legal, and business stakeholders on sourcing strategy
• Drive supplier consolidation and cost-saving initiatives
• Ensure compliance with sourcing policies and governance
• Lead strategic sourcing initiatives and process improvements

Requirements:

• 5 years of IT sourcing/category management experience
• Strong experience negotiating enterprise SaaS/software contracts
• Experience managing RFx processes and vendor negotiations
• Knowledge of IT procurement across software, hardware, and services
• Strong stakeholder management experience (including senior leadership)
• Financial analysis and spend data analysis experience
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, IT, or related field

• Experience negotiating with major vendors (e.g., Oracle, Microsoft, Salesforce, ServiceNow)
• Experience with IT consulting vendors (e.g., Client, Infosys)
• CPM, CPSM, or PMP certification
• Advanced Excel skills

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