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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Lead Category Manager - IT - Software - **Company:** Stanley Black & Decker - **Location:** Charlotte, NC, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Microsoft Excel, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Hardware Infrastructure - **Published:** August 7, 2026 - **Apply:** https://us.experteer.com/career/view-jobs/lead-category-manager-it-software-charlotte-nc-usa-58826372 ## About the Role This operations * Lead IT software procurement day-to-day activities, contract reviews, approvals, and SOP improvements * Act as IT escalation lead, coordinating with MSP and VIP stakeholders * Support continuous improvement of procurement processes and procedures Tasks * 5+ years in Procurement (Strategic Sourcing, Contract Management) in global, complex environments * 5+ years in IT Technology category (hardware, software, IT-related labor) with software focus * Bachelor's degree in Business, Strategy, Finance, IT, Computer Science, Engineering, Legal, or other quantitative discipline * MBA preferred * Expert level proficiency in Excel * Strong contract negotiation skills * Management consulting background preferred Key requirements * Medical, dental, life, vision * disability, 401(k), Employee Stock Purchase Plan * paid time off, holidays, personal days * tuition reimbursement * tool discounts * partner programs ## Description Experteer Overview As Lead Category Sourcing Manager, you will drive strategic IT hardware/software sourcing within a global procurement context. You'll partner with senior stakeholders to structure complex contract negotiations and manage multi-year savings across the Software category. You'll lead strategic sourcing initiatives, supplier governance, and day-to-day contract management to optimize value and risk. This role sits in our Global Supply Chain Sourcing team, blending innovation with rigorous procurement practices to enable enterprise-wide initiatives. You will be at the intersection of technology, strategy, and operations, contributing to a purpose-driven, tech-enabled manufacturing leader. Compensation / Benefits * Negotiate IT contract renewals including license management and multi-year savings tracking * Plan and execute strategic sourcing initiatives, evaluate vendors, negotiate and award contracts * Manage supplier relationship activities (SRM), governance, and procurement operations * Lead IT software procurement day-to-day activities, contract reviews, approvals, and SOP improvements * Act as IT escalation lead, coordinating with MSP and VIP stakeholders * Support continuous improvement of procurement processes and procedures Tasks * 5+ years in Procurement (Strategic Sourcing, Contract Management) in global, complex environments * 5+ years in IT Technology category (hardware, software, IT-related labor) with software focus * Bachelor's degree in Business, Strategy, Finance, IT, Computer Science, Engineering, Legal, or other quantitative discipline * MBA preferred * Expert level proficiency in Excel * Strong contract negotiation skills * Management consulting background preferred Key requirements * Medical, dental, life, vision * disability, 401(k), Employee Stock Purchase Plan * paid time off, holidays, personal days * tuition reimbursement * tool discounts * partner programs ## Related Videos - [Hiring Technical Leaders: Promote from Within or Go External?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100167-hiring-technical-leaders-promote-from-within-or-go-external) - [Enabling intelligent logistics automation: home-grown Industrial IoT platform at Austrian Post](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2018-enabling-intelligent-logistics-automation-home-grown-industrial-iot-platform-at-austrian-post) - [The Avengers Initiative (Practical Ethics for Software Engineers)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2070-the-avengers-initiative-practical-ethics-for-software-engineers) - [In-depth .NET Azure Functions: Isolated mode, performance and durable AI agents](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100207-in-depth-net-azure-functions-isolated-mode-performance-and-durable-ai-agents) - [It's not easy being green](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/558-it-s-not-easy-being-green) - [Official Opening of WeAreDevelopers World Congress 2026](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100000-official-opening-of-wearedevelopers-world-congress-2026) ## Related Articles - [What is Software Engineering?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/289-what-is-software-engineering) - [From developer to manager – what does it take to become an engineering manager?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/42-from-developer-to-manager-what-does-it-take-to-become-an-engineering-manager) - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [Fully Remote Software Engineer Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/447-fully-remote-software-engineer-jobs) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated) - [What’s the Difference between a Junior, Mid, and Senior Developer?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/238-what-s-the-difference-between-a-junior-mid-and-senior-developer)