Category Manager - IT Sourcing

Job Title: Category Manager - Technology Procurement
Primary Location: Northbrook, IL - Hybrid 3 days onsite
Position Type: 6-month W2 contract (8/25/26 through 1/30/27) with potential for extension

Overview
TalentFish is casting a line for a Category Manager to support our premier client in leading strategic technology sourcing initiatives across the enterprise. This role is ideal for an experienced procurement professional who has negotiated complex, high-value technology agreements and enjoys partnering with executive leadership to drive sourcing strategy, supplier optimization, and cost savings.

This is a highly visible position that partners closely with IT, Finance, Legal, Cybersecurity, and business leadership to manage enterprise technology procurement while serving as a trusted advisor throughout the sourcing lifecycle.

What You Bring to the Role (Ideal Experience)

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, Information Technology, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience developing and executing IT sourcing/category management strategies.
• Strong experience negotiating enterprise agreements involving software, hardware, cloud technologies, and IT professional services.
• Experience negotiating with major technology vendors such as:
  • Microsoft
  • Oracle
  • Salesforce
  • ServiceNow
• Experience negotiating with large consulting and technology service providers such as:
  • Accenture
  • Infosys
  • IBM
  • Microsoft
• Strong knowledge of strategic sourcing methodologies and commercial contracting practices.
• Demonstrated success delivering significant, sustainable cost savings through sourcing strategy and supplier negotiations.
• Experience analyzing procurement spend data to support sourcing decisions.
• Outstanding communication, presentation, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Comfortable presenting recommendations directly to senior leadership and C-suite executives.
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail and documentation.
• Ability to solve complex business problems independently while balancing risk, value, and business objectives.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPM, CPSM, and/or PMP certification.
• Experience supporting global procurement organizations.
• Experience leading enterprise technology sourcing transformation initiatives.

What You'll Do (Skills Used in This Position)

• Lead the global technology procurement category, including enterprise software, SaaS, cloud services, hardware, communications platforms, managed services, and IT professional services.
• Develop and execute category strategies that align with business objectives while delivering measurable cost savings and operational value.
• Manage the complete sourcing lifecycle, including RFx development, supplier evaluations, negotiations, contract execution, renewals, governance approvals, and business case development.
• Build and maintain strategic supplier relationships while optimizing the supplier portfolio and leveraging enterprise buying power.
• Negotiate complex commercial agreements with major technology vendors and consulting partners.
• Partner closely with business stakeholders across IT, Finance, Legal, Cybersecurity, and executive leadership to ensure sourcing strategies support organizational priorities.
• Analyze spend data and market trends to identify sourcing opportunities and improve procurement outcomes.
• Lead strategic sourcing initiatives, process improvements, and procurement best practices.
• Ensure compliance with global sourcing policies and procurement governance.

Compensation Information
The expected salary range for this position is $50 - $80 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications. This role also qualifies for comprehensive benefits such as health insurance and paid time off. TalentFish is committed to pay transparency and equal opportunity. The salary range provided is in compliance with applicable state and federal regulations.

This role requires authorization to work in the U.S. without current or future visa sponsorship.

All offers are contingent upon the completion of a background check, which may include but is not limited to reference checks, education verification, employment verification, drug testing, criminal records checks, and any required certifications or compliance requirements based on the end client's background check policies and applicable laws.

TalentFish is an employee-owned company pioneering a new realm in talent acquisition. We are redefining IT staffing by evolving AI, video screening, and our unique platform. TalentFish focuses on providing the best employee, consultant, and client experience possible.
At TalentFish we are an Equal Opportunity Employer; we embrace and encourage diversity!