The Non-Merch Procurement Category Managers are accountable for all supply management activities (i.e., strategic sourcing, contract negotiation, supplier risk management, and supplier performance management) within an assigned scope of spend categories. This role will primarily support Information Technology (IT) and Web/E-Commerce categories, including software, SaaS solutions, cloud services, IT infrastructure, telecommunications, digital platforms, website development and support, e-commerce technologies, digital marketing tools, and related professional services.
Within their category, Category Managers are expected to partner with their internal business customers to define business objectives, technology requirements, and benefit targets. In addition, the IT Category Manager is expected to stay abreast of key suppliers, emerging technologies, software licensing models, cybersecurity considerations, and industry trends within the IT spend category to understand implications on cost, service, innovation, quality, and risk. From these inputs, the IT Category Managers develops sourcing and supplier management strategies to achieve business objectives while supporting the company's technology and digital growth initiatives.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Performs internal assessments of current and future business needs within assigned IT and E-Commerce spend categories to develop an understanding of technology roadmap, digital platform, and professional service requirements.
- Conducts external assessments of key markets, emerging technologies, software licensing trends, and industry developments to understand market dynamics and future impacts.
- Partners with IT, E-Commerce, Finance, Legal, Information Security, and other stakeholders to align sourcing strategies with business priorities and technology roadmaps.
- Leads cross-functional teams to execute category strategies including requirements development, strategic sourcing, supplier selection, contract negotiation, and supplier onboarding.
- Negotiates complex technology agreements including software licenses, SaaS subscriptions, cloud services, support agreements, professional services, and digital platform contracts.
- Develops qualitative and quantitative models to assess total cost of ownership, business value, supplier risk, and alternative sourcing strategies.
- Accountable for delivering sourcing results and achieving business objectives within assigned spend categories, including cost savings, risk mitigation, process improvements, and service enhancements.
- Drives incremental value through continuous improvement initiatives, supplier innovation programs, and strategic partnerships.
- Collaborates with business stakeholders and suppliers to optimize software utilization, contract renewals, vendor consolidation opportunities, and licensing compliance.
- Monitors supplier performance and service-level commitments, reporting results through supplier scorecards and quarterly business reviews.
- Evaluates supplier risks related to cybersecurity, data privacy, business continuity, and regulatory compliance in partnership with internal subject matter experts.
- Provides regular communication to management regarding sourcing initiatives, contract negotiations, supplier performance, market conditions, and vendor activities within assigned categories.
- ALL OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED.
EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Information Technology, Finance, or a related discipline and/or four to seven years of procurement experience.
- Significant procurement, sourcing, contract management, or category management experience supporting IT, technology, digital, software, telecommunications, cloud services, E-Commerce, or related spend categories.
- Working knowledge of technology procurement concepts, software licensing structures, SaaS agreements, cloud services, and IT supplier management preferred.
- Strong technical competency in Microsoft Office and knowledge of modern procurement tools (e.g., e-sourcing, CLM, P2P, spend analytics, supplier management platforms, etc.).
- CPSM, CPSD, CSCP, or related professional certification preferred.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITY
- Ability to learn quickly and think strategically and creatively.
- Demonstrated understanding of IT and digital technology architecture along with the corresponding procurement principles, supplier ecosystems, and market trends.
- Operates in a proactive and dynamic manner while driving a sense of urgency.
- Possesses strong analytical, financial, negotiation, and influencing skills.
- Able to facilitate cross-functional teams and lead change management initiatives.
- Strong contract review and supplier negotiation capabilities, particularly for software, technology services, and digital solutions.
- Able to communicate complex technical and business concepts effectively to internal and external stakeholders.
- Ability to balance cost optimization, service quality, innovation, security, and risk management objectives.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:
- Occasional visits to key suppliers to evaluate capabilities
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Regular computer work and sitting
- Intermittent walking, standing, and lifting.
INDEPENDENT JUDGEMENT:
- Develops objectives and general policies and procedures for a specific program or functional area of responsibility within general scope of established operational goals and plans. Day-to-day work and decisions do not require direction or review by immediate supervisor. End results are reviewed by supervisor.
Full Time Benefits Summary:
Enjoy discounts on retail merchandise, our restaurants, world-class resorts and conservation attractions!
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Health Savings Account
- Flexible Spending Account
- Voluntary benefits
- 401k Retirement Savings
- Paid holidays
- Paid vacation
- Paid sick time
- Bass Pro Cares Fund
- And more!
Bass Pro Shops is an equal opportunity employer. Hiring decisions are administered without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.
Reasonable Accommodations
Qualified individuals with known disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws.
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please visit your nearest location or contact us at hrcompliance@basspro.com.
Bass Pro Shops