Category Manager, Software and Technology Services - Liberty Lake, United States - Itron

Description

Our goal in Indirect Procurement is to be the best at what we do. Delivering innovative, end-to-end solutions that reflect the knowledge and expertise of a world-class procurement organization. At Itron, we focus on delivering on our commitments and being accountable for our results, while providing an excellent work environment with work/life balance. We are looking for a proven leader to join our team who has the skills, abilities, and attitude to help us be a great sourcing organization. The right candidate must enjoy working in a fast-paced competitive and changing environment, while effectively collaborating and communicating in alignment with the culture at Itron.

As part of this role, this individual will be responsible for driving win-win supplier relationships and helping to drive compliance across the categories. A proven track record of strong leadership building, business insight, and strategic thinking in conjunction with a history of driving results are essential.

Job Duties & Responsibilities:

Itron is seeking an Indirect Technology Procurement Category Manager to collaborate with Itron stakeholders to develop sourcing strategies across Technology spend areas including Software, Technology Managed Services, Cloud, Infrastructure, and Telecom.

You will be responsible for supporting Itron stakeholders and managing supplier relationships. The ability to effectively manage and negotiate sourcing projects within the technology space is required and must be demonstrated during the interview process.

This successful candidate must have advanced Indirect Procurement experience in (Software and Technology Services). Additional knowledge within Cloud, Infrastructure, and Telecom is ideal. This candidate will oversee all source-to-contract activities: RFx, negotiations, supplier selection, contract management, and supplier relationship. The desired candidate is an excellent communicator, has strategic procurement experience and advanced Excel and PowerPoint presentation skills. The position will partner closely with key stakeholders, to gain a strong understanding of their needs and develop appropriate sourcing strategies and category plans.

• Lead end to end technology sourcing projects (e.g., RFx) to drive value, including all key steps such as strategy development, supplier negotiation, award recommendations, business case presentations and supplier contract execution, leveraging an agile approach to drive efficiency in execution.

Work collaboratively with Itron procurement leadership, suppliers, and Itron stakeholders to identify project pipelines, create category plans and execute continuous value including process and service improvement projects across multiple Itron organizations.

Collaborate cross-functionally with senior level stakeholders in IT, HR, Finance, Legal, Sales, Marketing etc., to validate and refine identified opportunities.

Provide industry and supplier research, market intelligence and financial analyses to Itron stakeholders; helping to identify target suppliers and guide project outcomes.

Develop an effective framework to govern the strategy, project pipeline and measure performance for the entire enterprise and across divisions.

Provide category and market expertise to create a strategic portfolio of initiatives to achieve savings targets; includes documenting and tracking all savings generated.

Perform spend analysis to identify strategic suppliers, and target savings opportunities to pursue sourcing activity.

Prepare and review contracts, bids, proposals, and vendor agreements for legal correctness, price, and acceptability of items to specifications (collaboration with legal in some instances)

Required Skills and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in a related discipline (Business Management, MIS, Supply Chain, Human Resources, Finance, or similar).
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in strategic sourcing/category management.
• Experience in managing sourcing projects in following areas:
• Software: including SaaS, ELAs with major vendors, maintenance renewals, security, and Platform-as-a-Service
• Services: managed services, devops, strategic consulting services, cloud managed services, application and infrastructure services, contact centers, requirements development
• Additional knowledge in the following areas is a plus:
• Cloud: including public cloud offerings such as AWS, Google, and Azure
• Infrastructure: including servers, end-user computing, print services, storage, and security, Infrastructure-as-a-Service
• Telecom: including unified systems (WebEx, Skype, etc.), LAN/WAN technologies, mobility, wireline, and software-defined networking
• Advanced Excel, PowerPoint, Process Management.
• Robust RFP management and supplier negotiation skills.
• Contract and vendor management.

Preferred Skills and Expereince

• Proven analytical skills in terms of numeric (e.g., spreadsheets) and text based (e.g., reading terms and conditions) analysis, converting information into tangible recommendations to our stakeholders.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills for interaction with all levels of the organization and the delivery of presentations.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to effectively manage multiple priorities and operate effectively in a fast past environment.
• Solid multi-phase project management skills
• Ability to work independently, within a team across all levels and diverse cultures, and the ability to lead team projects.
• Prior consulting experience within the Technology Procurement space

Travel:

• This position may require limited travel.

EEO Statement

Itron is committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce and providing an authentic workplace experience for all employees. If you are excited about this role but your past experiences don't perfectly align with every requirement, we encourage you to apply anyway. In the end, you may be just who we are looking for

Itron is proud to be an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer. If you require an accommodation to apply, please contact a recruiting representative at or email

Pay Transparency Info

The successful candidate's starting salary will be determined based on permissible, non-discriminatory factors such as skills and experience.

About Itron

Itron enables utilities and cities to safely, securely and reliably deliver critical infrastructure services to communities in more than 100 countries. Our portfolio of smart networks, software, services, meters and sensors helps our customers better manage electricity, gas and water resources for the people they serve. By working with our customers to ensure their success, we help improve the quality of life, ensure the safety and promote the wellbeing of millions of people around the globe. Itron is dedicated to creating a more resourceful world. Join us:

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