Category Leader - IT Software & Services

This is Hybrid role (4 days in office /1 day remote)

About your Team:

This senior procurement role reports to the Sr. Director of IT Procurement and Vendor Management. The position requires an experienced negotiator who will:

• Serve as a trusted advisor to global IBKR stakeholders
• Lead strategic sourcing initiatives for software, SaaS, CSP and IT services
• Guide cross-functional teams through the procurement and vendor management process
• Leverage organizational buying power for commercial advantages
• Apply expertise in enterprise technology contract negotiations

The ideal candidate must demonstrate strong experience with complex IT procurement and possess the skills to drive measurable improvements across the technology purchasing landscape.

 What will be your responsibilities within IBKR: 

• Strategic Sourcing Leadership: Spearhead complex enterprise-wide procurement initiatives and negotiations with major technology providers, including AWS, Akamai, GCP, Microsoft, and Oracle.
• Cost Optimization: Achieve targeted savings through innovative approaches such as enterprise discount programs, long-term agreements, and consumption-based models.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work globally with Technology, Finance, Legal, Compliance and operations teams to align procurement with business objectives.
• Market Intelligence: Maintain current knowledge of industry trends, cost drivers, pricing models, and economic indicators to identify optimal supply sources.
• Financial Analysis: Conduct benchmark reviews and complex financial evaluations of supplier proposals to ensure maximum value.
• Governance and Compliance Management: Serve as the bridge between internal stakeholders and vendors, ensuring adherence to the source-to-pay guideline and compliance with internal policies and regulations.
• Vendor Relationship Management: Oversee key supplier relationships, monitoring performance, quality, cost, and contractual commitments.
• Performance Reviews: Participate in supplier business reviews covering performance metrics, technology roadmaps, and market developments.
• Executive Reporting: Prepare and present sourcing recommendations and progress updates to senior leadership.
• Team Development: Mentor junior team members and oversee the performance and professional growth of direct reports.
• Process Improvement: Contribute to policy development, workflow optimization, and procurement system enhancements.

 What required skill’s you need:

• Education: Bachelor's degree required, preferably in Finance, Business Administration, or Supply Chain Management.
• Experience: Minimum 7 years of professional experience in IT software procurement and vendor management.
• Project Management: Demonstrated ability to manage large-scale, complex strategic initiatives with multi-million-dollar values, tight deadlines, and significant risk factors.
• Methodical Approach: Proven track record applying structured strategic sourcing methodologies successfully.
• Negotiation Skills: Exceptional negotiation abilities with demonstrated capacity to influence executive stakeholders both internally and externally.
• Business Acumen: Strong organizational awareness with sound judgment in planning and decision-making processes.
• Communication: Superior written and verbal communication skills for developing RFx documents, contracts, and executive presentations to both internal and external audiences.
• Stakeholder Management: Proactive and collaborative mindset with a focus on delivering exceptional internal client engagement.
• Analytical Thinking: Advanced analytical and problem-solving capabilities, particularly in translating spend data into effective sourcing strategies.

 To be successful in this position, you will have the following:

• Self-motivated and able to handle tasks with minimal supervision.
• Superb analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent collaboration and communication (Verbal and written) skills.
• Outstanding organizational and time management skills.