Senior Procurement Category Manager – IT & AI

Location: Hyderabad or Noida, India (Hybrid)

Function: Procurement / IT & AI Category Management

About the Opportunity

A leading global organization is seeking a commercially sharp and strategically minded Senior Procurement Category Manager to own its IT & AI spend portfolio. This is a high-impact role managing approximately $20M in annual spend, offering significant visibility and the opportunity to shape procurement strategy in one of the fastest-evolving category landscapes — technology and artificial intelligence.

What You'll Do

Develop and execute comprehensive IT & AI category strategies, including market analysis, sourcing roadmaps, and 3-year plans aligned to business objectives
Manage $20M+ in annual IT category spend, delivering year-over-year savings of 5–10% while maintaining or improving quality and service levels
Lead end-to-end strategic sourcing events — RFx processes, supplier evaluations, negotiations, contract awards, and implementation planning for complex, high-value procurements
Negotiate favorable pricing, terms, SLAs, and contract provisions across software, infrastructure, and AI/emerging technology agreements
Build and sustain strategic supplier partnerships through quarterly business reviews, performance scorecards, and continuous improvement programs
Partner closely with internal stakeholders across IT, Finance, Legal, and Operations to translate business requirements into effective procurement strategies
Monitor market trends, pricing dynamics, and supply base shifts in the IT and AI space to deliver timely intelligence to the business
Identify and mitigate supply chain and vendor risks; ensure compliance with regulatory and policy requirements
Champion process improvement and best practice adoption across the procurement function
Mentor junior procurement team members and contribute to capability building across the organization

What We're Looking For

Essential:

7–10 years of progressive procurement or category management experience, with a focus on IT categories in a corporate environment
Proven track record managing $15M+ in annual spend and delivering consistent cost savings of 5–10%+
Deep expertise in strategic sourcing methodologies — RFx, should-cost modeling, TCO analysis, supplier evaluation frameworks
Strong commercial negotiation skills with demonstrated success in complex, high-value IT or technology contracts
Solid understanding of IT market dynamics — software licensing, SaaS, infrastructure, managed services, and emerging AI solutions
Advanced analytical and financial acumen: spend analysis, cost modeling, and business case development
Exceptional stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence senior leaders and technical teams
Proficiency with procurement platforms (SAP Ariba, Coupa, Oracle, or similar), spend analytics tools, and advanced Excel; BI tools a plus
Excellent communication skills and executive presence — able to present complex information clearly to diverse audiences

Desirable:

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Information Technology, or a related field
Professional certification: CPM, CPSM, CSCP, or equivalent
Contract law knowledge and experience negotiating complex IT terms and conditions
Project management certification or demonstrated project leadership experience

Why Join Us

This role sits at the intersection of procurement excellence and technology strategy — a unique opportunity to drive measurable financial impact while engaging with cutting-edge suppliers in AI, SaaS, and enterprise technology. You'll work in a collaborative, high-performance environment with direct influence on organizational outcomes.

This is a confidential search. The hiring organization will be disclosed to shortlisted candidates.

To apply, please submit your CV along with a brief summary of your IT category management experience and key savings achievements.

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