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# Associate Director, Strategic Souring and Procurement, Software/SaaS Category Management

- **Company:** Kpmg LLP
- **Location:** Chicago, IL, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Software as a Service, Cloud Computing, Cyber Security, Microsoft Software, Oracle (Applications), Procurement Software, SAP (Applications), Software Asset Management, Large Language Models, Information Technology
- **Published:** November 13, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.kpmguscareers.com/jobdetail/?jobId=139970

## About the Role

* Minimum eight years of recent progressive leadership experience in strategic sourcing, global IT procurement, or commercial contract negotiation, with a proven track record of managing large-scale, enterprise-wide software, cloud infrastructure, and AI technology portfolios ($50M-$100M+ in annual spend)
 * MBA, Juris Doctor (JD), or relevant advanced degree from an accredited college or university is strongly preferred; minimum of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in an analytical or business discipline (for example, business administration, supply chain management, finance, computer science, or MIS) is required
 * Deep, actionable expertise in structuring complex global commercial models, including hyperscaler commit-to-consume frameworks, SaaS enterprise licensing, and emerging GenAI/LLM commercial constructs (for example, token economics, co-development IP ownership, data usage restrictions, and AI indemnities)
 * Exceptional executive communication, C-level negotiation, and diplomacy skills. Demonstrated ability to navigate complex global matrix organizations, align diverse cross-border stakeholders, and partner seamlessly with Legal/OGC and Risk teams on sensitive regulatory and compliance matters
 * Advanced financial modeling and analytical capabilities (TCO, ROI, global baseline validation, and consumption forecasting); proven ability to lead multiple high-visibility, time-sensitive global negotiations and dispute resolutions simultaneously from strategy formulation to executive sign-off
 * Demonstrated success in leading, coaching, and developing high-performing sourcing managers and analysts, fostering a collaborative, results-driven culture across U.S. and global sourcing teams
 * Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for employment-based visa sponsorship now or in the future; KPMG LLP will not sponsor applicants for U.S. work visa status for this opportunity (no sponsorship is available for H-1B, L-1, TN, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, F-1, J-1, OPT, CPT or any other employment-based visa)

## Description

KPMG is currently seeking an Associate Director, Category Manager (Software/Saas) to join our Strategic Souring, Procurement Team organization., * Lead end-to-end, high-complexity sourcing initiatives and executive-level contract negotiations for Tier-1 software, cloud hyperscalers (for example, AWS, GCP, Microsoft, Oracle, SAP), and emerging GenAI/LLM and agentic platform providers. Partner closely with Global Sourcing, Technology, Finance, and Legal leadership to structure multi-jurisdictional Master Agreements, global Enterprise Agreements (EAs), and collaborative engineering Statements of Work (SOWs) that seamlessly support U.S. firm operations

 * Pioneer innovative contracting and pricing models for AI-native solutions, including token-based consumption, compute capacity commits, and AI-enabled productivity gain-sharing mechanisms; work in lockstep with Legal and Risk teams to establish ironclad contractual safeguards around data privacy, model training rights, algorithmic liability, and exclusive firm ownership of bespoke AI intellectual property
 * Act as a senior commercial partner to business unit leaders and executive stakeholders to define multi-year category roadmaps, forecast demand, and establish aggressive financial targets; design sophisticated negotiation playbooks that maximize global buying power, optimize Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), and enforce stringent SLA performance and cybersecurity standards
 * Direct enterprise-wide software and SaaS rationalization initiatives across the U.S. landscape; partner with Software Asset Management (SAM), InfoSec, and Independence teams to lead complex publisher audit defenses, resolve legacy licensing exposures, and enforce strict regulatory and PCAOB/SEC audit independence compliance delivering substantial hard-dollar savings and multi-million-dollar cost avoidance
 * Conduct deep-dive market intelligence on the rapidly evolving AI landscape, shifting hyperscaler cost drivers, global pricing disparities, and macroeconomic indicators; translate these insights into actionable executive briefings that identify disruptive technology partners, prevent vendor lock-in, and maintain the firm's competitive edge
 * Lead C-level Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) governance and Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) to align vendor innovation roadmaps with the firm's strategic objectives and hold strategic partners accountable to delivery milestones; provide direct leadership, coaching, and mentorship to Category Managers and Senior Associates, elevating the overall commercial capability of the SSP Category Management team
 * Act with integrity, professionalism, and personal responsibility to uphold KPMG's respectful and courteous work environment