Category Manager, Corporate Services & Digital/IT

NextDecade • Houston, TX

23h

About The Position

Reporting to the Director, Supply Chain Management, the Category Manager, Corporate Services & Digital/IT is directly accountable for building, owning, and executing the end-to-end category management function for Corporate Services and Digital/IT spend. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring the incumbent to personally develop category strategies from the ground up, lead complex sourcing events, negotiate strategic agreements, and establish the foundational processes, tools, and frameworks that will define how these categories operate long-term.
This role goes well beyond oversight or administration. The Category Manager will directly shape demand management practices, build supplier governance structures, create category playbooks and contracting templates, and drive measurable value through strategic supplier partnerships. The position requires an individual who thrives in a build-and-operate environment, bringing both strategic vision and the willingness to execute at a detailed, transactional level as the function matures. The incumbent will serve as the primary commercial advisor to stakeholders across IT/Digital, Cyber, HR, Finance, HSSE, Communications, Marketing, Legal, and other corporate functions.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing, category management, and/or commercial contract leadership, with significant hands-on experience in Digital, IT, SaaS, and corporate services categories.
• Demonstrated track record of personally building category strategies and sourcing frameworks from the ground up, not solely managing inherited programs.
• Strong commercial contracting acumen including the ability to draft, redline, and negotiate complex agreements with minimal legal support.
• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and operate effectively within a matrixed, cross-functional organization.
• Deep understanding of SaaS licensing models, IT infrastructure procurement, cybersecurity vendor landscapes, and professional services contracting.
• Excellent negotiation, analytical, and written/oral communication skills.
• Strategic thinking combined with a willingness to operate at a detailed, transactional level as needed.
• Strong understanding of contract law and procurement principles.
• Experience with ERP systems (SAP S/4HANA preferred) and contract lifecycle management tools.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree or MBA preferred.
• Experience in energy, LNG, or capital-intensive project environment.
• National Contracts Management Association (NCMA) certifications: CPCM, CCCM, CCMA, or equivalent.
• Supply Chain Management certifications such as CPSM, CSCP, MCIPS, or equivalent.
• Experience implementing or optimizing Procure-to-Pay processes in SAP S/4HANA RISE.
• Familiarity with CLM platforms (e.g., Sirion, Icertis, Agiloft) and e-sourcing tools.

Responsibilities

• Category Strategy Development & Execution: Personally develop and execute the Corporate Services & Digital/IT category strategy covering IT/Digital (SaaS, infrastructure, licensing), Cybersecurity, OEM MSAs, Professional Services (consulting, staffing, managed services), Facilities, Travel, Marketing, Communications, Insurance, and related enterprise agreements. Establish category roadmaps, savings targets, and implementation timelines.
• Hands-On Strategic Sourcing: Lead all phases of strategic sourcing events (RFIs, RFPs, RFQs) from scratch, including defining scope, developing evaluation criteria, conducting supplier assessments, building commercial models, and presenting executive-level recommendations with supporting business cases.
• Direct Commercial Negotiation: Serve as the lead negotiator for high-value, high-complexity agreements. Personally draft, redline, and negotiate contract terms in partnership with Legal, Finance, Tax, Cyber, and Insurance to structure optimal commercial outcomes and risk allocation.
• Stakeholder Partnership & Demand Shaping: Build and maintain trusted advisory relationships with department heads and senior stakeholders. Proactively engage in business planning, influence procurement decisions through data-driven market intelligence, and anticipate future sourcing needs to shape demand before requisitions are raised.
• Supplier Governance & Performance Management: Design and implement supplier relationship management frameworks including performance scorecards, SLA/KPI structures, governance cadences, and continuous improvement programs. Personally conduct quarterly business reviews with strategic suppliers.
• Contract Lifecycle Oversight: Ensure all agreements align with company risk tolerance, internal policies, and regulatory requirements. Manage contract renewals, amendments, and terminations proactively, maintaining visibility into obligation tracking, expiration management, and compliance monitoring.
• Process & Framework Development: Author and maintain category playbooks, standard contracting templates, sourcing checklists, and evaluation matrices. Build standardized approaches that can scale as the organization grows.
• Continuous Improvement & Analytics: Identify and implement process improvements to increase sourcing effectiveness, reduce cycle times, improve compliance, and enhance spend visibility. Develop and maintain category dashboards and reporting to track savings, pipeline, and performance metrics.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Contribute to the broader Supply Chain Management team’s maturity by sharing best practices, supporting SAP S/4HANA Procure-to-Pay processes, and providing subject-matter guidance on corporate services and digital/IT procurement to colleagues across the organization.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level