IT Category Manager

Serve as Category Manager within Grant Thornton's Global Sourcing, Procurement, and Vendor Management team.

• Lead global commercial discussions and negotiations for goods and services.
• Support supplier enablement and adoption within SAP Ariba tool.
• Source strategic services by identifying competitive suppliers and facilitating RFx processes.
• Collaborate with legal and stakeholders to negotiate and finalize supplier agreements.
• Implement best-in-class procurement practices for third-party products and services.
• Focus on Managed Services, Professional Services, and Software categories at a global level, including support for renewals and true-ups.
• Provide strategic sourcing leadership for procurement projects, emphasizing cost savings and process efficiencies.
• Develop annual category plans aligned with business goals and savings objectives.
• Provide market insights, benchmarking, and commodity expertise to support decision-making.
• Lead or support eProcurement and contract lifecycle management process automation.
• Align supplier sourcing strategies with enterprise objectives, working closely with business stakeholders.
• Evaluate and score supplier proposals, recommending strategic actions.
• Review contracts with subject matter experts, stakeholders, and legal teams.
• Develop and apply service provider evaluation metrics for supplier scoring.
• Utilize Ariba, ADO, and Power BI for transaction processing, analysis, and work tracking.
• Negotiate new and renewal contracts with suppliers.
• Drive supplier adoption of Ariba.
• Other related procurement and sourcing duties as assigned.

Bachelor's degree in Business, Information Technology, Strategic Sourcing/Procurement, or related field.

• 8-10 years of technology-based strategic sourcing/IT supplier management experience.
• Proven experience in services procurement and contract negotiations.
• Deep knowledge of sourcing/procurement best practices and supplier evaluation.
• Strong analytical, technical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and interact with senior leadership.
• Experience with risk management, benchmarking tools, and contract/legal elements.
• Self-motivated, able to work independently or as part of a team.
• Experience with SAP Ariba (preferred), source-to-pay platforms, and process automation tools.
• Familiarity with Managed Services, Professional Services, Marketing, and HR categories.

Onsite 3 days/week in Downers Grove, IL (3333 Finley Rd, Ste 700)

• 3-month contract, with potential to extend Interview Process:

• 30-minute technical interview with Manager

• 30-minute interview with Director, + $122,600-184,000 per year