Job Information
Itron, Inc. Category Manager, Software and Technology Services in Liberty Lake, Washington
Our goal in Indirect Procurement is to be the best at what we do. Delivering innovative, end-to-end solutions that reflect the knowledge and expertise of a world-class procurement organization. At Itron, we focus on delivering on our commitments and being accountable for our results, while providing an excellent work environment with work/life balance. We are looking for a proven leader to join our team who has the skills, abilities, and attitude to help us be a great sourcing organization. The right candidate must enjoy working in a fast-paced competitive and changing environment, while effectively collaborating and communicating in alignment with the culture at Itron. As part of this role, this individual will be responsible for driving win-win supplier relationships and helping to drive compliance across the categories. A proven track record of strong leadership building, business insight, and strategic thinking in conjunction with a history of driving results are essential. Job Duties & Responsibilities: Itron is seeking an Indirect Technology Procurement Category Manager to collaborate with Itron stakeholders to develop sourcing strategies across Technology spend areas including Software, Technology Managed Services, Cloud, Infrastructure, and Telecom. You will be responsible for supporting Itron stakeholders and managing supplier relationships. The ability to effectively manage and negotiate sourcing projects within the technology space is required and must be demonstrated during the interview process. This successful candidate must have advanced Indirect Procurement experience in (Software and Technology Services). Additional knowledge within Cloud, Infrastructure, and Telecom is ideal. This candidate will oversee all source-to-contract activities: RFx, negotiations, supplier selection, contract management, and supplier relationship. The desired candidate is an excellent communicator, has strategic procurement experience and advanced Excel and PowerPoint presentation skills. The position will partner closely with key stakeholders, to gain a strong understanding of their needs and develop appropriate sourcing strategies and category plans. Lead end to end technology sourcing projects (e.g., RFx) to drive value, including all key steps such as strategy development, supplier negotiation, award recommendations, business case presentations and supplier contract execution, leveraging an agile approach to drive efficiency in execution. * Work collaboratively with Itron procurement leadership, suppliers, and Itron stakeholders to identify project pipelines, create category plans and execute continuous value including process and service improvement projects across multiple Itron organizations. * Collaborate cross-functionally with senior level stakeholders in IT, HR, Finance, Legal, Sales, Marketing etc., to validate and refine identified opportunities. * Provide industry and supplier research, market intelligence and financial analyses to Itron stakeholders; helping to identify target suppliers and guide project outcomes. * Develop an effective framework to govern the strategy, project pipeline and measure performance for the entire enterprise and across divisions. * Provide category and market expertise to create a strategic portfolio of initiatives to achieve savings targets; includes documenting and tracking all savings generated. * Perform spend analysis to identify strategic suppliers, and target savings opportunities to pursue sourcing activity. * Prepare and review contracts, bids, proposals, and vendor agreements for legal correctness, price, and acceptability of items to specifications (collaboration with legal in some instances) Required Skills and Experience Bachelor's degree in a related discipline (Business Management, MIS, Supply Chain, Human Resources, Finance, or similar). Minimum of 7 year