Software Category Manager

The software and data our teams rely on every day are only as strong as the sourcing strategy behind them. As Category Manager, Software and Data Subscriptions, you’ll own the global strategy for enterprise software, software as a service (SaaS) and market data, reporting to the Category Director, Software. You’ll work with senior technology leaders and application owners across our regions to secure the right tools at the right value. It’s a senior, highly visible role where your commercial judgement turns into measurable savings and stronger supplier partnerships. The role is based in London with hybrid working.

What you’ll do

Shape and maintain short-, mid- and long-term global category strategies for software and data subscriptions, aligned with JLL’s business strategy and technology roadmap.

Own the full category: enterprise software, SaaS and enterprise licensing, and data and market subscriptions. For the data and market subscriptions, you’ll coordinate with the Professional Services category where the spend overlaps.

Build demand plans with application owners and business stakeholders, spotting consolidation opportunities and emerging licensing and commercial models.

Lead sourcing events from request for proposal (RFP) development through bid management, commercial evaluation and recommendation to contract signature. You’ll prepare and present contract documents in line with JLL’s Delegation of Authority.

Deliver financial targets across cost savings, cost avoidance and added value, and keep an accurate savings tracker so stakeholders can see the value delivered.

Rationalise the supply base, consolidate vendors and maintain a clear strategic supplier framework for the category.

Build strategic relationships with key software publishers, SaaS providers and data vendors. You’ll run supplier relationship management with the Procurement Centre of Excellence, covering reviews, scorecards and agreed cadence, and complete third party risk management (TPRM) activity in line with the framework.

Own the renewal calendar and support software asset management (SAM), including licence use and true-ups, so there are no unmanaged expiries or unplanned licence exposure.

Track market trends, licensing models and pricing benchmarks to inform every sourcing decision.

Champion best practice, process improvement and the adoption of sourcing tools, while keeping all activity in line with JLL procurement policies and ethical standards.

Deep strategic sourcing expertise in software, SaaS and/or data and information services, with a record of delivering category strategies across multiple regions.

Proven ability to lead complex, high-value procurement projects from strategy through to execution.

Strong commercial acumen, including contract negotiation, total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis and supplier performance management.

The credibility and presence to build lasting relationships with senior technology and business stakeholders.

A collaborative approach to working across procurement, IT, finance and operations.

A track record of using AI to work faster and deliver better results.

Familiarity with major enterprise software publishers, SaaS licensing models, SAM practices and licence true-up processes.

A relevant degree in business, supply chain, information technology or a related field. An MBA or a CPSM, CIPS or equivalent certification is welcome.

Experience sourcing market data or research subscriptions is a plus, as is a background in corporate real estate, facilities management or professional services.

An ownership mindset, with the discipline to hit targets and the curiosity to keep improving how the category works.

You’ll join a business ranked #13 in the UK Best Employers index by the Financial Times, with a package built around your wellbeing and growth:

Competitive base salary

Private medical insurance

Flexible working, with a hybrid option

Enhanced pension scheme

Electric car scheme

Our people at JLL are shaping the future of real estate for a better world by combining world class services, advisory and technology for our clients. We are committed to hiring the best, most talented peopleand empowering them to thrive, grow meaningful careers and to find a place where they belong. Whether you’ve got deep experience in commercial real estate, skilled trades or technology, or you’re looking to apply your relevant experience to a new industry, join our team as we help shape a brighter way forward., Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading global provider of real estate and investment management services. We take our responsibility to protect the personal information provided to us seriously. Generally the personal information we collect from you are for the purposes of processing in connection with JLL’s recruitment process. We endeavour to keep your personal information secure with appropriate level of security and keep for as long as we need it for legitimate business or legal reasons. We will then delete it safely and securely.