Category Manager (IT)

HNI Corporation is a global family of brands for the workplace and home dedicated to enhancing the spaces where we live, work, and gather. We pride ourselves on fostering an environment where we make a positive impact on others; upholding our beliefs in integrity, inclusion and belonging.

Your Impact Starts the Day You Do!

What We Need:

We are looking for a Category Manager, IT to join our HNI Workplace Furnishings - Operations team.

• The Category Manager, IT Procurement will strategically manage the procurement and sourcing activities for IT with a value of spend managed between $25M- $35M. Your goal will be to choose appropriate license models, optimize cost savings, drive supplier performance, and ensure the timely delivery of high-quality services to support our company's operations. This role reports to the Director of Indirect Procurement and has an opportunity to bring a high level of transformation, creativity and new thinking to the business.

What You Will Do:

• Category Strategy Development: Develop and implement comprehensive category strategy for IT under management, aligned with the overall procurement objectives and organizational goals.
• Cost Optimization: Identify and execute cost optimization initiatives through strategic sourcing, supplier consolidation, contract negotiation, and process improvements.
• Supplier Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, negotiate contracts, and manage supplier performance to ensure service level agreements (SLAs) are met or exceeded.
• Sourcing and Contracting: Lead the sourcing process for IT, including market research, RFP/RFQ management, bid evaluation, contract negotiation, and finalization.
• Risk Management: Identify and mitigate risks within the IT categories under management by ensuring compliance with legal, regulatory, and ethical standards, as well as assessing supplier financial stability and implementing risk mitigation strategies.
• Market Intelligence: Stay updated on market trends, industry best practices, and emerging technologies within the indirect services categories to drive innovation and continuous improvement.
• Supplier Diversity: Promote supplier diversity by actively seeking opportunities to engage diverse suppliers and supporting the company's diversity and inclusion initiatives.

What You Have:

• Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree preferred
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, or category management, with a primary focus on IT.
• A depth of IT Category and Procurement expertise leading hardware, software, infrastructure, networking, cloud services and labor negotiations.
• Proven track record of working with major platform providers including and not limited to Microsoft, Oracle, SAP, Infor, SalesForce, Cisco, and PaloAlto.
• Proven track record of successfully developing and implementing category strategies, driving cost savings, and managing supplier relationships.
• Strong knowledge of IT categories, market dynamics, and best practices.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with the ability to analyze complex data and make data-driven decisions.
• Proficiency in procurement software systems, cloud services (PAAS, SAAS, IAAS) and tools.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong business acumen and the ability to understand the broader business context.
• Experience negotiating large Oracle ERP and SAP contracts is a plus.
• Ability to think and communicate strategically with attention to detail to translate the vision into action.
• This position will be located on-site in Muscatine, IA or will be Remote with heavy travel up to 70%.
• Relocation for qualified applicants.