Staff Category Manager

Itron is innovating new ways for utilities and cities to manage energy and water. We create a more resourceful world to protect essential resources for today and tomorrow. Join us.

At Itron we are committed to delivering innovative end-to-end solutions in energy and water infrastructure. Our Indirect Procurement team strives to be world-class focusing on accountability results and an excellent work environment. We seek a proven leader who thrives in a fast-paced competitive and evolving environment and who can collaborate and communicate effectively within Itrons culture.

The Staff Category Manager will lead strategic sourcing initiatives for Hardware Telecom and IT Services. This role requires a collaborative customer-centric professional who can develop category strategies manage supplier relationships and ensure compliance while driving innovation and value across Itrons technology ecosystem.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead End-to-End Sourcing Projects: Manage all phases of sourcing for Hardware Telecom and IT Servicesincluding RFx supplier negotiations contract management and supplier relationship managementusing an agile approach to maximize value and efficiency.

• Develop Category Strategies: Create and execute sourcing strategies and category plans for Hardware (servers storage end-user devices peripherals) Telecom (mobility wireline unified communications IoT LAN/WAN SDN) and IT Services (managed services consulting support). Partner closely with IT R&D and other business units to deliver tailored solutions.

• Supplier Relationship Management: Build and maintain collaborative win-win relationships with key suppliers. Drive continuous improvement innovation and compliance across the supply base.

• Market Intelligence & Spend Analysis: Provide industry and supplier research market insights and financial analysis to identify strategic suppliers and savings opportunities. Document and track all delivered value.

• Contract & Risk Management: Prepare review and negotiate contracts bids proposals and vendor agreements for legal correctness price and technical compliance. Collaborate with Legal and Risk teams as needed.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Work collaboratively with senior stakeholders in IT HR Finance Legal Sales and Marketing to validate sourcing opportunities and ensure alignment with enterprise goals.

Required Skills & Experience

• Bachelors degree in Business Management MIS Supply Chain or related field.

• Minimum 7 years of strategic sourcing/category management experience with a strong focus on Hardware Telecom and IT Services.

• Demonstrated expertise in managing sourcing projects for Hardware (servers storage end-user devices peripherals) Telecom (mobility wireline unified communications IoT LAN/WAN SDN) and IT Services (managed services IT consulting support services).

• Advanced skills in Excel PowerPoint and process management.

• Robust RFP management and supplier negotiation skills.

• Strong contract and vendor management experience.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Proven analytical skills (numeric and text-based) with the ability to convert information into actionable recommendations.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills for all organizational levels.

• Strong organizational and multi-phase project management skills.

• Ability to work independently and lead cross-functional teams across diverse cultures.

• Prior consulting experience in Technology Procurement is a plus.

Travel: This position may require limited travel.

Benefits Info

This position also includes a competitive benefit package including; financial social health and wellbeing programs paid vacation 401k matching employee stock purchase program hybrid work schedule and more!

#LI-BJ1

Itron is committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce and providing an authentic workplace experience for all employees. If you are excited about this role but your past experiences dont perfectly align with every requirement we encourage you to apply the end you may be just who we are looking for!

The successful candidates starting wage will be determined based on permissible non-discriminatory factors such as skills and experience.

Itron is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you require an accommodation to apply please contact a recruiting representative at 1- or email .

Itron is transforming how the world manages energy water and city services. Our trusted intelligent infrastructure solutions help utilities and cities improve efficiency build resilience and deliver safe reliable and affordable service. With edge intelligence we connect people data insights and devices so communities can better manage the essential resources they rely on to live. Join us as we create a more resourceful world: