Job#: 3035625 Job Description: Category Manager - IT Hardware & SoftwareLocation: Reston, VA (Onsite)
Employment Type: Direct Hire
Compensation: $140,000 base salary
Eligibility: U.S. Citizenship required | No clearance required
OverviewApex Systems is seeking a
Category Manager - IT Hardware & Software to lead enterprise-wide sourcing strategies across key technology spend categories. This individual will drive value through strategic supplier partnerships, optimized sourcing practices, and effective cost and risk management across hardware, software, SaaS, and related IT services. This role is highly cross-functional, partnering with procurement, finance, IT, and business stakeholders to align category strategies with organizational priorities and technology roadmaps.
Key Responsibilities- Develop and execute enterprise category strategies across IT hardware, software, SaaS, cloud-related licensing, maintenance, and support
- Analyze spend data, forecasts, and business requirements to identify demand trends and sourcing opportunities
- Establish and manage strategic supplier partnerships with OEMs, distributors, and resellers
- Lead negotiations and implementation of enterprise agreements in compliance with FAR and internal standards
- Drive cost optimization and total cost of ownership (TCO) improvements across assigned categories
- Deliver market intelligence and category insights to support business decision-making
- Promote adoption of preferred suppliers and enterprise agreements across the organization
- Monitor and report on supplier performance, including pricing, service levels, compliance, and fulfillment
- Continuously refine category strategies based on market trends, technology lifecycle changes, and business needs
- Enable stakeholders through training and communication on sourcing strategies, tools, and processes
- Support continuous improvement of procurement processes and digital/automated purchasing tools
Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, or related field (or equivalent experience)
- 6+ years of experience in category management, strategic sourcing, or procurement, with a focus on IT hardware and software
- Hands-on experience with software licensing, SaaS agreements, hardware procurement, and supplier management
- Strong knowledge of federal procurement regulations and compliance requirements (FAR familiarity preferred)
- Proven ability to develop category strategies, sourcing plans, and business cases
- Advanced analytical and data-driven decision-making skills
- Demonstrated success in supplier negotiations and relationship management
- Experience managing multiple initiatives in a fast-paced environment
- Proficiency with procurement tools (e.g., Costpoint, Ivalua) and Microsoft Office Suite
- Experience leveraging AI or automation tools in procurement or sourcing is a plus
Professional Skills & Attributes- Strategic thinker with a focus on innovation and continuous improvement
- Strong communicator with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels
- Highly analytical, detail-oriented, and results-driven
- Effective in cross-functional collaboration and change management
- Adaptable and solutions-oriented in a dynamic environment
EEO Employer
Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law. If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation in using our website for a search or application, please contact our Employee Services Department at or .
Everforth Apex is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Everforth Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico. Everforth Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click for more details.
Everforth Apex Benefits Overview: Everforth Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Everforth Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Everforth Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Everforth Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Everforth Apex team member can provide.
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