Job Description

Job Description:
Job Title: Category Manager
Job Location: Atlanta, GA

Job Type: Contract

Supply chain Category Manager is a customer facing position that involves Strategic Sourcing, Supplier Relationship Management, Cost Optimization, Risk Management, Collaboration with stakeholders.

This role requires deep knowledge of IT procurement, supplier negotiations, and an understanding of the technology landscape, including hardware, software, IT services, and cloud solutions. The Sourcing Manager will work closely with internal stakeholders to ensure that sourcing strategies align with business objectives and deliver high-quality solutions within budget.

Key responsibilities

• Strategic Sourcing & Procurement
• Lead and manage the sourcing activities for the IT category, including hardware, software, IT services, and cloud computing solutions.
• Develop and implement sourcing strategies that align with the organization's goals, focusing on cost savings, quality, supplier performance, and risk management.
• Drive supplier selection, contract negotiations, and the establishment of mutually beneficial partnerships.
• Identify and evaluate new suppliers and technologies, ensuring continuous innovation and improvement of sourcing practices.
• Create and manage sourcing strategies that balance price, performance, risk, and business need.
• Supplier Management & Relationship Building
• Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with key IT suppliers and service providers.
• Manage the supplier lifecycle, including onboarding, performance monitoring, and compliance to agreed terms and conditions.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders (e.g., IT, Finance, Legal, and Operations) to ensure supplier agreements meet business and technical requirements.
• Monitor and manage supplier performance through KPIs, service level agreements (SLAs), and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Cost Optimization & Budgeting:
• Identify opportunities for cost reduction and process optimization through strategic sourcing, volume consolidation, and negotiation.
• Work with Finance and relevant business units to develop and manage IT procurement budgets and forecast future spending.
• Risk management
• Assess and mitigate risks related to the procurement of IT products and services, including supplier risk, geopolitical factors, and cybersecurity concerns.
• Ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory, and contractual obligations related to IT sourcing and procurement.
• Conduct regular risk assessments on IT suppliers and proactively address potential disruptions in the supply chain.
• Contract Management & Negotiation
• Lead complex contract negotiations with IT vendors, ensuring favorable terms and conditions that meet business objectives and reduce liabilities.
• Review and manage contracts, ensuring they align with company policies and legal requirements.
• Resolve any disputes or issues with suppliers in a timely and effective manner.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
• Work closely with IT and other business units to understand their technological requirements and ensure sourcing decisions meet operational needs.
• Provide input and expertise on IT strategy, trends, and market conditions to guide internal stakeholders.
• Collaborate with the legal department to ensure all contracts are compliant with internal policies and applicable laws.
• Market Intelligence Analysis
• Stay current on emerging trends in the IT industry, including new technologies, software solutions, and supplier innovations.
• Analyze market conditions and benchmarks to provide strategic insights and inform decision-making.
• Conduct supplier and market research to identify best-in-class vendors and solutions.

Required:

• Associate degree in Information Technology, Business, Purchasing, Customer Service, or related field.
• Bachelor's degree in business administration, Supply Chain Management, IT Management, or a related field. A master's degree or professional certifications (e.g., CPSM, CIPS, or equivalent) is a plus.
• A strong customer service person that can manage multiple projects at a time with various Cox team members.
• Ability to identify opportunities and take necessary actions to continuously improve the Procurement process.
• Strong reporting, planning, communication, and organizational skills.
• The ability to communicate and collaborate with other functions, regions, and departments within the Enterprise in alignment with Cox values and culture.
• The ability to convince others with shared interests to adopt policies, practices, and procedures. May influence others that are skeptical or unwilling to adapt current approach

Preferred Experience

• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in IT procurement or strategic sourcing, with a focus on technology, software, hardware, or IT services.
• Strong track record of managing complex IT sourcing initiatives, including supplier selection, negotiation, and contract management.
• Experience in managing large budgets and complex stakeholder relationships.

Skilled and competencies

• Strong negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• In-depth knowledge of IT sourcing practices, market trends, and emerging technologies.
• Ability to analyze complex data, conduct market research, and develop sourcing strategies based on data-driven insights.
• Proven ability to manage and build relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders, both internally and externally.
• Experience with supplier performance management and risk assessment.
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple sourcing projects simultaneously.
• Proficient in procurement software tools (e.g., SAP Ariba, Oracle Procurement, Coupa), Excel, and other analytics tools.

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