IT Category Manager

Position Type: Contract
Location: Northbrook, IL

UL:

• 333 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, Illinois, 60062

• A global leader in applied safety science, UL Solutions transforms safety, security,?and sustainability.



Location: Onsite 3 days/week in Northbrook, IL - 333 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, IL 60062



Duration: Contract, CTH – 3 months to start with good potential to extend and convert.





This position may be offered to a candidate authorized to work in the US for his/her/their stated employer, without any restrictions which would prevent the candidate from working on the proposed assignment for the duration of the assignment period.



Overview:

· The IT Category Manager is responsible for the strategic sourcing of Enterprise Technology by actively engaging with various Technology/Business leaders and suppliers of hardware, software and managed services to effectively and efficiently meet business requirements.

· The leader in this role drives multi-year, multi-million-dollar SaaS licensing negotiations, monitors/maintains hardware arrangements, IT Professional Services in alignment with our technology roadmap.



Responsibilities:

· Lead and manage the global technology procurement category portfolio including all enterprise software (e.g., on premise, cloud, SaaS etc.), hardware, communications platforms and managed services, IT Professional Services

· Responsible for all aspects of IT sourcing processes through the lifecycle of RFx, negotiations and execution of legal agreements for new, renewal or extension cycles of licensed products and services – inclusive of supporting necessary governance approvals and business case development

· Develop, maintain and expand key supplier relationships to deliver high levels of service while maintaining best-in-class commercial terms and conditions; manage preferred supplier selection and review processes; rationalize suppliers and consolidate buying power to simplify supplier ecosystem

· Build and enhance relationships with key business stakeholders in COUs / Segments, IT, Finance, Legal, Cybersecurity and other areas within the UL enterprise to engage strategic sourcing throughout the process and be a trusted advisor to the business

· Lead key sourcing initiatives as needed, achieving best value within acceptable risk. (e.g., deliver process improvements / toolset implementation)

· Ensure Global Sourcing policy adherence and enforcement across the UL Solutions enterprise



Qualifications:

· Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, Information Technology or related field

· 5+ years of experience in developing and executing category strategies in IT Sourcing software, hardware and IT Professional Services.

· CPM/CPSM or PMP certification a plus

· Prior experience with negotiating with Oracle, Salesforce, Microsoft and ServiceNow preferred.

· Prior experience with negotiating with IT contracting and consulting firms (e.g., Infosys, Accenture) preferred.

· Effective communication, documentation, and interpersonal skills with a focus on collaboration and partnerships across the organization.

· This person will have direct interaction with C-suite leadership. Comfortable independently interacting with and presenting to senior leadership including C-level executives.

· Experienced sourcing practitioner, understanding of best-practice sourcing methodology and a demonstrated track record of working ethically and collaboratively to achieve excellent outcomes.

· Knowledge of standard commercial contracting practices and procedures. Proven track record of delivering significant and sustainable cost reductions through effective development and execution of sourcing strategy.

· Ability to take a hands-on approach to analyze and interpret spend data is support of sourcing initiatives and UL business objectives.

· Solves complex problems independently and takes a broad perspective to identify innovative solutions.

· Proven track record of delivering significant and sustainable cost reductions through effective development and execution of sourcing strategy.

· Strong process management, organizational and effective time management skills.

· Attention to detail with strong documentation skills



Interview Process:

· 30 minute interview with Manager

· 30 minute interview with Teammate