Manager, IT Category Management

Job DescriptionThe Manager, IT Category Management, is responsible for directing all sourcing and vendor contracting activities within the assigned categories. This role supervises staff engaged in the sourcing process for high-value and complex goods, services, or projects and initiatives. The incumbent focuses on reducing organizational costs by implementing effective sourcing strategies, tools, and processes. Coordination with third-party vendors, business owners, and the legal team is essential for the preparation, analysis, and negotiation of vendor contracts. Additionally, this position supports business owners across all functional areas in technology vendor selection and ensures that vendor obligations are documented in alignment with business requirements.What You'll Do Manage staff responsible for the development and execution of sourcing strategies in one or more technology categories.Direct and train staff in conducting sourcing events, including development of project work plan, category profile, category strategy, minimum requirements and evaluation criteria, solicitationGuide staff in the development and implementation assorted bid documents and requests (i.e. RFP, RFI, RFQ); and manage status reporting and performance metrics of sourcing and category management activities.Understand, analyze and forecast complex market and industry dynamics and share subject matter expertise and industry knowledge within the established portfolio of products and servicesPartner with stakeholders to develop business and sourcing strategy and source products and services using proven tools, processes, and analytics to drive and achieve business results.Coordinate the evaluation and analyses of sourcing results from a total cost of ownership perspective, and provide optimization recommendationsLead cross-functional teams responsible for complex vendor negotiations, including those that require specialized subject matter expertise, nonstandard risk mitigation solutions, and coordination of multiple arrangements.Proactively establish and foster successful, positive working relationships with vendor personnel. Drive vendor engagement through formal and informal transactions.Manage contract management function and facilitate effective collaboration with Corporate Compliance, Legal, Audit and Risk Management and other internal stakeholders for compliance activities to ensure regulatory conditions are met.Develop new procedures, training, initiatives, specifications and recommendations for process or policy changes and improvements, as appropriate.What You Bring Bachelor's degree or advanced degree (where required)8+ years of experience in related field.In lieu of degree, 10+ years of experience in related field.Bonus Points 8+ years Technology procurement experienceHighly PreferredProcurement experience at a healthcare companyHighly PreferredProcurement experience with key vendors including IBM, Microsoft, Salesforce, ServiceNow, Cognizant, Accenture, NTT Data and HCL TechnologiesExperience purchasing hardware and software through Value Added ResellersWhat You'll Get The opportunity to work at the cutting edge of health care delivery with a team that's deeply invested in the community.Work-life balance, flexibility, and the autonomy to do great work.Medical, dental, and vision coverage along with numerous health and wellness programs.Parental leave and support plus adoption and surrogacy assistance.Career development programs and tuition reimbursement for continued education.401k match including an annual company contributionSalary Range At Blue Cross NC, we take great pride in a fair and equitable compensation package that reflects market-price and our starting salaries are typically planned near the middle of the range listed. Compensation decisions are driven by factors including experience and training, specialized skill sets, licensure and certifications and other business and organizational needs.Our base salary is part of a robust Total Rewards package that includes an Annual Incentive Bonus*, 401(k) with employer match, Paid Time Off (PTO), and competitive health benefits and wellness programs.*Based on annual corporate goal achievement and individual performance.$107,901.00 - $172,642.00Skills IT Procurement, Negotiation, Strategic Sourcing, Vendor Procurement _____________________________________________________________________JOB ALERT FRAUD:We have become aware of scams from individuals, organizations, and internet sites claiming to represent Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina in recruitment activities in return for disclosing financial information. Our hiring process does not include text-based conversations or interviews and never requires payment or fees from job applicants. All our career opportunities are published onhttps://bcbsnc.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/BCBSNC. If you have already provided your personal information that you suspect is fraudulent activity, please report it to your local authorities. Any fraudulent activity should be reported to:HR.Staffing@BCBSNC.com.