Job Title: Procurement Category Manager III
Assignment Duration: 4 months (possible extension, Possible temp to hire based on business needs)
Work Schedule: 40 hours/week- Mon-Fri 8 am to 5 pm
Work Location: Chicago, IL, 60661, 100% on-site

Summary
Responsible for managing Software procurement categories—specifically CyberSecurity and AI—by developing and executing sourcing strategies, building strong supplier relationships, and delivering cost savings, value, and compliance. This mid-senior level role operates with moderate supervision and handles complex procurement projects.

Key Responsibilities

Category Management

• Develop and implement category strategies aligned with business goals
• Analyze spend data, market trends, and supply base for opportunities
• Manage end-to-end procurement processes (RFI/RFP/RFQ, negotiation, contracting)

Supplier Management

• Identify, evaluate, and qualify suppliers
• Lead supplier selection and performance management
• Build strong relationships to drive innovation and ensure compliance
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Collaborate with internal teams (Legal, Finance, Business Units)
• Provide training on procurement best practices

Contract Management

• Negotiate and draft contracts
• Manage renewals, amendments, and ensure compliance

Continuous Improvement & Compliance

• Monitor performance, implement KPIs, and recommend improvements
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies and regulations

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, or related field
• Master’s or certifications (e.g., CPM, CPSM) preferred
• 5+ years in procurement, category management, or strategic sourcing
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and project management skills
• Excellent communication and multitasking abilities
• CyberSecurity and AI software procurement experience desirable
• Proficiency in Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides, etc.)

Preferred Skills

• Experience managing global/regional categories
• Familiarity with iProcurement, Apttus, Fieldglass
• Knowledge of category-specific markets and products
• Understanding of contract law and compliance

MUST HAVES VISIBLE ON RESUME IN WORK HISTORY
Complex Negotiation Scope

• “Lead negotiation and execution of complex, multi-party commercial agreements involving CyberSecurity and AI technologies.”

High-Pace, High-Volume Environment

• “Manage high-volume, time-sensitive negotiations in a fast-paced environment, ensuring rapid turnaround without compromising quality or compliance.”

Broad Commercial Versatility

• “Demonstrate versatility across diverse commercial domains, adapting sourcing strategies to evolving business and legal landscapes.”

Risk-Weighted Decision-Making

• “Make risk-weighted decisions under pressure, balancing business objectives with legal and regulatory constraints.”

Transactional Execution Focus

• “Drive transactional execution of critical procurement agreements, from structuring to closure, with minimal reliance on advisory support.”

Assertive Deal-Making

• “Lead aggressive, solutions-oriented negotiations to drive business outcomes and mitigate risk.” 

Procurement Tools & Vendor Management:

• Strong understanding of contract negotiation, legal/SOW review; experience with iProcurement, Apttus, Fieldglass is a plus but not required.

Cross-Functional Relationships:

• Collaborates with departments like products, legal, IT, and marketing to support operational efficiency.

Reporting Line:

• Reports to the Senior Procurement Manager; works with procurement managers, Legal, vendors, stakeholders, and senior leadership.

Key Contributions (First 90–120 Days)

• Complete assigned tasks and meet deadlines
• Collaborate with internal teams to achieve goals
• Provide stakeholder updates
• Adhere to company policies
• Introduce best practices from prior experience

RFP Management:

• Proven ability to manage RFPs from issuance to vendor selection.

Software Adaptability:

• Preferred experience with Google Workspace; Microsoft Office 365 proficiency is acceptable.

Nice-to-Have Skills

• Experience with iProcurement, Apttus, Fieldglass
• Proficiency in Google Workspace

Required Experience Level

• Mid-to-Senior Level:
• Ideal for candidates with substantial experience in procurement and category management.

 
 
At SPECTRAFORCE, we are committed to maintaining a workplace that ensures fair compensation and wage transparency in adherence with all applicable state and local laws. This position’s starting pay is: $ 49.65/hr.