Strategic Sourcing (Category Manager) – Data, AI & Hyperscalers

Job Title: Strategic Sourcing - Category Manager – Technology, Data, AI & Hyperscalers

Job Type: Milwaukee, WI - Hybrid - 3 Days week

Job Duration: 12+ Months Contract

Responsibilities:

• Support development and execution of category strategies across technology, data, AI, and cloud
• Identify opportunities for cost optimization, vendor consolidation, and demand management
• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for Tech Deals across, cloud hyperscalers (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform), data platforms, and AI solutions
• Manage sourcing and renewals for hyperscaler contracts and cloud consumption programs
• Managed end-to-end sourcing cycle, understand business needs, perform vendor research to identify potential participants to getting the contract signed
• Develop and published RFP in Ariba
• Conduct market research and analysis to identify potential suppliers, evaluate their capabilities, and gather market intelligence to support decision-making
• Lead supplier selection and qualification processes, including issuing RFIs, RFPs, and conducting supplier evaluations and negotiations
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand their requirements and ensure the sourcing strategy meets their needs
• Negotiate contracts, terms, and pricing with suppliers to secure favorable agreements that optimize value while mitigating risks
• Manage project plan for all assigned sourcing requests from requirement gathering to contracting
• Negotiate contracts, terms, and pricing with suppliers to secure favorable agreements (MSA/SOW) that optimize value while mitigating risks
• Liaise with legal, business and supplier to finalize contracts
• Document and analyze supplier responses to ensure it contains valid and detailed information
• Co-ordination with various stakeholders (business, procurement, suppliers) for setting up meetings, presentations and other sessions
• Liaising with business stakeholders, procurement team and suppliers to ensure timely and successful completions of tasks and activities (related to RFx events, NDA management and contracting)
• Collaborate with Technology, Data, AI, Security, Finance, and Legal teams to align sourcing outcomes
• Maintaining project plans/ tracker for all requests and sourcing events, including timely reporting to all stakeholders

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• 5+ years of sourcing/procurement experience with a focus on IT Hardware & Infrastructure
• Proven experience as a Sourcing Specialist, Procurement Specialist, or similar role
• Strong knowledge of strategic sourcing methodologies, procurement best practices, and supplier management
• Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Good project management/ business analysis/ process analysis skills
• Working knowledge of SAP Ariba, primarily in Sourcing and Contract workspace
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities
• Professional certifications such as Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) or Project Management Professional (PMP)® Certification will be a plus