Global IT Category Manager

Job Description
The Senior Global IT Category Manager leads enterprise-wide category management and procurement for IT products and services, including software, cloud solutions, hardware, infrastructure, and professional services. This role partners with stakeholders throughout the full contracting lifecycle—from requirements planning through sourcing, negotiation, contract award, and supplier performance management. Responsibilities include executing global IT category strategies, driving cost optimization, reducing risk, and ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures.
Key Responsibilities

Category Strategy & Sourcing
• Develop and execute global IT category strategies across software, cloud services, hardware, infrastructure, consulting, and professional services.
• Conduct spend analytics, market research, and supplier assessments to inform category strategies and mitigate risk.
• Lead sourcing activities including RFI/RFP creation, proposal analysis, business case development, negotiations, and supplier selection.
• With guidance from global Legal, Finance, IT, Risk, Data Privacy, and other stakeholders to negotiate supplier contract terms and conditions (e.g., Enterprise Agreements, SaaS Agreements, EULAs, MSAs, SOWs).
• Drive alignment across global teams on category initiatives, risk considerations, and cost‑saving opportunities.
Contracting & Supplier Management
• Support stakeholders in drafting Statements of Work, ensuring deliverables, milestones, and risk mitigations are clearly defined.
• Lead negotiations to achieve best value in pricing, service levels, licensing models, and total cost of ownership.
• Serve as a point of escalation for supplier performance issues and coordinate resolution with internal teams.
• Maintain strong supplier and internal customer relationships while ensuring compliance with BAE procurement standards.

Operational & Compliance Responsibilities
• Ensure procurement files, documentation, and approvals meet policy and audit requirements.
• Coordinate with finance and global sectors/business units on funding strategies for enterprise technology procurements.
• Communicate category strategy updates, deal status, risks, and savings projections to senior leadership.
• Track and deliver on IT procurement performance metrics and objectives.

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Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Business Administration, Procurement, and 10 years work expereince or equivalent experience.
• 7+ years of experience in IT procurement, category management, or a related discipline.
• Strong knowledge of IT technologies, licensing models, and contracting structures.
• Experience with IT suppliers across software, hardware, infrastructure, telecom, and Software‑as‑a‑Service offerings.
• Excellent analytical, critical‑thinking, problem‑solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, and operate effectively under tight deadlines.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to present complex information to senior leaders
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate across teams and influence stakeholders at all levels.

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• Experience with global category management in large, complex organizations.
• Experience with complex suppliers in IT and Engineering software
• Familiarity with procurement systems, contract lifecycle management tools, and spend analytics platforms.
• Advanced negotiation training or certification (e.g., CPSM, CIPS) is a plus.

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $110160 - $187272

Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.

Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.

About BAE Systems, Inc.
BAE Systems, Inc. is a defense, aerospace, and security company headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, with more than 40,000 employees worldwide. We serve, supply, and protect those who protect us. As one of the most geographically diverse international defense companies, we deliver a full range of products and services spanning air, land, maritime, space, and cyber, including advanced electronics, intelligence solutions, and dedicated customer support.

Our culture is performance-driven and values-led, built on curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. Purpose isn't a tagline here. It's what drives us. We're developing breakthrough technologies that defend national security and make a lasting impact on our communities and our planet. When you join BAE Systems, you're not just building a career. You're contributing to a mission that truly matters.

This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.