Lead Category Management Consultant u2013 IT

Job Description We are seeking a highly strategic and experienced Lead Category Management Consultant to support the IT portfolio within a utility company environment. This role will be responsible for developing and executing category strategies, optimizing supplier relationships, and driving value across complex technology spend areasu2014including software and emerging AI solutions. This individual will also play a leadership role in mentoring and upskilling team members. Key Responsibilities: Develop and execute category strategies across the IT portfolio, aligning with business objectives and long-term technology roadmaps Assess current-state procurement and contracting practices (u201cas-isu201d) and design actionable strategies to transition to a more optimized, future-state (u201cto-beu201d) operating model Lead strategic initiatives to evaluate and shift appropriate technology investments from operating expenses (OpEx) to capital expenditures (CapEx), ensuring alignment with financial, regulatory, and accounting guidelines Lead end-to-end sourcing initiatives, including market analysis, supplier evaluation, RFP development, and contract award recommendations Negotiate complex agreements with a strong focus on software, SaaS, and AI-related contracts, including hands-on experience with contract redlining and risk mitigation Partner closely with legal, IT, finance, and business stakeholders to structure deals that support capitalization opportunities where appropriate Identify cost savings opportunities, drive value creation, and improve vendor performance through effective supplier management Establish governance frameworks and best practices for IT category management Act as a subject matter expert in technology procurement, particularly in rapidly evolving areas such as AI and digital platforms Lead, coach, and train junior team members to build internal capability and consistency in category management practices We are a company committed to creating diverse and inclusive environments where people can bring their full, authentic selves to work every day. We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer that believes everyone matters. Qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment regardless of their race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, ancestry, genetic factors, age, disability, protected veteran status, military or uniformed service member status, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to learn more about how we collect, keep, and process your private information, please review Insight Global's Workforce Privacy Policy: Skills and Requirements 7+ years of experience in category management, strategic sourcing, or procurement, with a strong focus on IT categories Proven experience developing strategies to transition organizations from current-state to future-state procurement models Demonstrated experience structuring and strategizing initiatives to shift spend from OpEx to CapEx in compliance with accounting standards and business objectives Deep expertise in negotiating and redlining complex software, SaaS, and AI-related agreements Strong understanding of licensing models, capitalization considerations, data privacy, and AI-specific contractual risks Experience working within regulated industries (utilities preferred) Demonstrated leadership experience, including mentoring or managing team members Ariba experience

Created: 2026-04-29