IT Procurement Category Manager

IT Procurement Category Manager

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Job Description

This role is responsible for strategically managing the supplier landscape within a specific Enterprise Application Software category. The manager will develop and execute a robust supplier category strategy in close cooperation with the Digital Office Enterprise Applications team and the Business Groups, ensuring technical goals are met and sharp cost targets are achieved.

How you will contribute and what you will learn

• Develop and execute assigned category strategy aligned with business objectives. Directly manage key T1 suppliers.
• Manage supplier relationships and performance, fostering collaboration and innovation, negotiating contracts and ensuring optimal value.
• Negotiate and manage contracts, ensuring optimal terms and conditions, identifying and executing cost reduction opportunities, and mitigating risks.
• Manage internal stakeholder relationships, aligning strategies with business goals.
• Track KPIs, analyze spending, report on category performance, and identify cost savings and cost avoidance.
• Drive continuous improvement, governance, alignment and compliance within the organization.

Key skills and experience – To have

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in IT Procurement. Software Procurement is a strong plus.
• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, IT, law or a related field.
• Demonstrated strategic insight and ability to develop and execute complex plans.
• Strong organizational, analytical, problem‑solving and negotiation skills. Self‑starting, solution‑oriented and detail‑mindful.
• Strong negotiation skills, with a record of securing optimal terms.
• Extensive contract management experience, including creation, negotiation, and lifecycle management.

Nice to have

• Excellent communication, coordination, and stakeholder management skills.
• Understanding of Enterprise Applications domains, their strategy and challenges, or ability to acquire this knowledge quickly.
• Strong team player who leads by example, is open to helping others, and learns from peers.
• "Can do" attitude, takes pride in work, demonstrates high commitment.

About Us

Advancing connectivity to secure a brighter world. Nokia is a global leader in connectivity for the "AI era". With expertise across fixed, mobile and transport networks, powered by the innovation of Nokia Bell Labs, we’re advancing connectivity to secure a brighter world. Learn more about life at Nokia.

About The Business Group

The Strategy and Technology organization drives Nokia’s future innovation by identifying value‑creation opportunities, setting a unified company vision, and developing coherent business, technology, and architecture strategies. It establishes a research foundation for new products and solutions while providing critical infrastructure to support secure and effective execution across all Nokia business units.

Our recruitment process

We act inclusively and respect the uniqueness of people. Our employment decisions are made regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. We are committed to a culture of inclusion built upon our core value of respect.

If you’re interested in this role but don’t meet every listed requirement, we still encourage you to apply. Unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences enrich our teams, and you may be just the right candidate for this or another opportunity.

Position details

Seniority level: Not applicable

Employment type: Full-time

Job function: Purchasing and Supply Chain

Industries: IT Services and IT Consulting and Telecommunications