Software Category Manager
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Jim Bellicoso
Talent Drive are working with a global leading professional services and technology firm, who are seeking a proactive, passionate software procurement expert to join their existing team. Not only would this be a chance to join an incredibly fast-growing organisation, this is an opportunity to greenfield build a software procurement category in the way you think it should be done! You will need to use your skills in analysing unstructured data, identifying hidden opportunities, and shape strategic category management practices to make a true impact.
About the Role:
In addition to managing the software category, you will also be pioneering the way it is managed moving forward; by creating processes and influencing the business to embrace your own strategic category management principles. This is a unique opportunity to develop and implement strategies that drive operational expenditure (OPEX) savings, optimize supplier relationships, and deliver value beyond cost.
Key Responsibilities:
Build and Own the Category Strategy:
- Design and implement innovative procurement strategies for software that align with goals, addressing both current and future business needs.
- Establish the foundational processes and tools required for effective category management.
- Execute Category Strategies:
- Develop and execute comprehensive strategies that deliver P&L impacting OPEX savings and create measurable value for the organization.
- Lead procurement initiatives that ensure category plans are implemented effectively, align with business objectives, and stay within budget constraints.
Uncover Opportunities in Data:
- Utilize unstructured and hard-to-access data sources to uncover opportunities for cost savings, process improvements, and enhanced supplier performance.
- Leverage advanced analytics, market research, and trend patterns to drive informed decision-making, optimize category performance, and identify opportunities for improvement, innovation, and value generation.
Educate and Influence:
- Act as a change agent within the organization, promoting the benefits of strategic category management through effective communication and engagement.
- Provide training and support to stakeholders, ensuring alignment and buy-in across teams.
Deliver Results:
- Consistently meet or exceed OPEX savings targets by identifying and implementing innovative solutions.
- Ensure alignment between category strategies and broader financial and operational goals.
Drive Vendor Excellence:
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key software suppliers and service providers to foster innovation and drive value.
- Lead complex negotiations to secure favourable terms, pricing, and service-level agreements (SLAs) while ensuring compliance with contractual obligations.
Collaborate Cross-Functionally:
- Work closely with IT, finance, legal, and other departments to ensure seamless integration of category strategies into the organization’s operations.
- Serve as a subject matter expert, providing guidance on category-related matters to key stakeholders.
Required Skill set & Characteristics:
- A strategic thinker with a proven track record in category management for software, focusing on SaaS cloud services, software consolidation, and license management to maximize value and ensure compliance.
- Exceptional data analysis skills with the ability to turn complex insights into actionable opportunities.
- A skilled communicator who can educate stakeholders and lead change initiatives across an organization.
- Experience in managing software licensing, SaaS contracts, and software consolidation strategies.
- Expertise in strategic sourcing, vendor negotiations, and budget management.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, supply chain management, IT, or a related field (master’s preferred).
- 5+ years of experience in procurement or category management, ideally in software.
- Strong proficiency in procurement tools and data-driven decision-making.
Apply directly or send your CV to jim@talentdrive.co.uk
Talent Drive are committed to promoting Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace. We review all applicants on equal merit and we do not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, sex, relationship status, disability, race, religion/beliefs, or sexual orientation.
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