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It Category Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

IT Category Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$104K - $135K/yr

Grant Thornton is seeking an IT Category Manager to join the team. Approved office locations can be found below. Grant Thornton's Global Sourcing, Procurement and Vendor Management team is looking ...

IT Category Manager Job Details * This role is hybrid (3 days) based in either the Northbrook or Chicago, IL office. * The IT Category Manager is responsible for the strategic sourcing of Enterprise ...

Grant Thornton is seeking an IT Category Manager to join the team. Approved office locations can be found below. Grant Thornton's Global Sourcing, Procurement and Vendor Management team is looking ...

Grant Thornton is seeking an IT Category Manager to join the team. Approved office locations can be found below. Grant Thornton's Global Sourcing, Procurement and Vendor Management team is looking ...

If so, being an IT Category Manager with Frost could be for you. At Frost, it's about more than a job. It's about having a flourishing career where you can thrive, both in and out of work. At Frost ...

If so, being an IT Category Manager with Frost could be for you. At Frost, it's about more than a job. It's about having a flourishing career where you can thrive, both in and out of work. At Frost ...

If so, being an IT Category Manager with Frost could be for you. At Frost, it's about more than a job. It's about having a flourishing career where you can thrive, both in and out of work. At Frost ...

If so, being an IT Category Manager with Frost could be for you. At Frost, it's about more than a job. It's about having a flourishing career where you can thrive, both in and out of work. At Frost ...

If so, being an IT Category Manager with Frost could be for you. At Frost, it's about more than a job. It's about having a flourishing career where you can thrive, both in and out of work. At Frost ...

If so, being an IT Category Manager with Frost could be for you. At Frost, it's about more than a job. It's about having a flourishing career where you can thrive, both in and out of work. At Frost ...

IT Category Manager

Woburn, MA · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

The IT Category Manager will deliver cost-effective, high-quality solutions to support our IT organization's mission of leading the industry. Responsibilities What You Can Offer Us * Provide ...

New

IT Category Manager

Glen Mills, PA · On-site

$83K - $104K/yr

Strategic Sourcing Manager - IT & Cloud Infrastructure Role Overview We are seeking a Strategic ... Develop and execute multi-year category strategies to optimize IT spend. Act as a trusted advisor ...

We are seeking a seasoned Senior IT Procurement Manager to join a leading global organization. In this role, you will be responsible for developing and implementing sophisticated IT category ...

Job Summary The IT Category Manager is responsible for managing strategic sourcing, contract negotiations, vendor management, and procurement activities related to IT products and services within a ...

IT Category Manager Location: San Jose, CA (Monday-Thursday onsite, Friday remote) Compensation: $60 - $65 an hour on W2 Duration: 6 months contract IT Category Manager Role Overview The IT Category ...

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It Category Manager information

See salary details

$36K

$93.4K

$134.5K

How much do it category manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for it category manager in the United States is $93,410.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,500.00 and $110,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between It Category Manager vs IT Procurement Specialist?

AspectIT Category ManagerIT Procurement Specialist
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor’s degree in IT, business, or related field; certifications like CPSM or CIPS are commonRequires a bachelor’s degree; certifications such as CPSM or CIPS are also beneficial
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, vendor management, and category analysis within IT departmentsProcurement processes, vendor negotiations, and purchasing activities within IT supply chain
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by large corporations, government agencies, and IT service providersCommon in organizations with dedicated procurement or purchasing departments in IT

The IT Category Manager focuses on strategic management of IT product categories, vendor relationships, and market analysis. In contrast, the IT Procurement Specialist handles the day-to-day purchasing, negotiations, and procurement processes. Both roles often collaborate but serve different functions within IT supply chain management.

Will the category manager be replaced by AI?

A category manager plays a strategic role in overseeing product categories, supplier relationships, and market analysis. While AI tools can assist with data analysis and automation of routine tasks, the role requires decision-making, negotiation, and strategic planning that currently cannot be fully replaced by AI. Therefore, AI is likely to augment rather than replace category managers in the foreseeable future.

What is the salary of a category manager?

The salary of a category manager typically ranges from $70,000 to $130,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. Senior or specialized category managers may earn higher compensation, often including bonuses and benefits.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an IT Category Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an IT Category Manager, you need expertise in procurement, contract negotiation, and supplier management, typically backed by a degree in business, supply chain, or information technology. Familiarity with e-procurement platforms, spend analysis tools, and certifications like CIPS or CPM is highly beneficial. Strong analytical thinking, stakeholder management, and effective communication are critical soft skills for this role. These qualifications are important to ensure cost-effective sourcing, risk mitigation, and alignment of IT procurement with organizational strategy.

What jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

An IT Category Manager typically earns between $100,000 and $180,000 annually, with top earners reaching around $200,000. Roles such as senior IT executives, software architects, and specialized cybersecurity managers can sometimes reach or exceed $300,000 with experience, certifications, and in high-demand industries. High-level executive positions in technology companies are also known to pay $300,000 or more annually.

What does IT mean to be a category manager?

An IT Category Manager is responsible for overseeing specific technology categories within an organization, such as hardware, software, or services. They analyze market trends, negotiate with suppliers, and develop strategies to optimize procurement and reduce costs, often using tools like spend analysis software. Strong negotiation, vendor management, and industry knowledge are essential for success in this role.

What are some of the most common challenges faced by IT Category Managers, and how can they be addressed?

IT Category Managers often face challenges such as rapidly changing technology landscapes, managing supplier relationships, and balancing cost savings with quality and innovation. Keeping up with emerging technologies and market trends is crucial, as is collaborating closely with internal stakeholders to understand their needs. Building strong relationships with suppliers and leveraging data-driven decision-making can help mitigate risks and ensure value. Effective communication and negotiation skills are essential to navigate these complexities and achieve strategic procurement goals.

What is an IT Category Manager?

An IT Category Manager is a professional responsible for overseeing the procurement and management of IT-related goods and services within an organization. Their main duties include developing sourcing strategies, managing supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, and ensuring cost-effectiveness in IT spending. They work closely with internal stakeholders to understand technology needs and align procurement activities with business objectives. The role requires strong analytical, negotiation, and project management skills, as well as a solid understanding of the IT market.
More about It Category Manager jobs
What cities are hiring for It Category Manager jobs? Cities with the most It Category Manager job openings:
What states have the most It Category Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for It Category Manager jobs include:
Infographic showing various It Category Manager job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $93,410 per year, or $44.9 per hour.
IT Category Manager

IT Category Manager

Grant Thornton

Chicago, IL • On-site

$104K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 26 days ago


Grant Thornton rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 22 rated bookkeepers and accountants


Job description


Grant Thornton is seeking an IT Category Manager to join the team. Approved office locations can be found below.
Grant Thornton's Global Sourcing, Procurement and Vendor Management team is looking for an IT Category Manager to lead the commercial discussions and negotiations for goods/services provided by its IT suppliers. The category manager will be responsible for sourcing strategic services by identifying the most relevant and competitive acceptable supply sources, facilitating and coordinating RFx process, and working with legal to negotiate and finalize agreements. Working with the Grant Thornton business stakeholders, the IT category manager will establish best in class procurement practices when third party IT products and services are negotiated and contracted. The ideal candidate will have deep domain expertise with Microsoft Enterprise Licensing Agreements, renewals, and true-ups. The candidate will have demonstrated knowledge in at least several of the technology stacks including, application development and support, infrastructure, telecom, MSP's, and operations. The candidate will have experience with source to pay platforms, with SAP Ariba experience a plus.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Ensure all business, functional, and technical requirements for all goods or services are properly vetted, market ready, and commercially executed.
  • Provide expert strategic sourcing support and leadership for all aspects of procurement projects with a specific focus on technology products and services.
  • Achieve savings by improving internal processes and procedures, implementing supply chain efficiencies, understanding and reducing total cost of ownership, and balancing the overall cost, quality, and effectiveness for purchased IT products and services.
  • Provide market insight, benchmarking, and commodity expertise to the firm for decision making.
  • Generate annual IT category plans which incorporate sourcing project waves to meet business goals and technology savings objectives.
  • Support and/or lead the analysis, selection, implementation, management and use of process automation, including eProcurement, Contract Lifecycle Management and eSourcing as applicable to add efficiencies, increase effectiveness, and contain costs for the firm's expenditures.
  • Coordinate with business stakeholders to ensure supplier sourcing strategies are aligned with enterprise goals and objectives.
  • Evaluate, analyze, and score supplier proposals with stakeholders and recommend strategic path forward.
  • Review contracts with technology SMEs, business stakeholders, and legal while ensuring proper contract terminology.
  • Develop service provider evaluation metrics to allow for fair and equitable scoring of suppliers.
  • Leverage Ariba, ADO, and Power BI for processing transactions, analysis, and tracking of work.
  • Negotiate contracts expiring on an annual basis and new deals/supplier deals.
  • Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
  • Degree(s) (e.g. Bachelor's degree in Information Technology or a related field is required)
  • Bachelor Degree in Business, Strategic Sourcing/Procurement, Technology or equivalent business experience.
  • Minimum of 8+ years' of experience in working in technology based strategic sourcing / IT supplier management.
  • Proven abilities and experience in technology, services procurement, and contract negotiations.
  • Expert and demonstrable knowledge of sourcing and procurement best practices and issues.
  • Ability to simultaneously and efficiently manage and communicate on multiple changing priorities with a variety of stakeholders.
  • Proven ability to lead all phases of the acquisition process for high dollar, high impact procurement projects.
  • Outstanding verbal and written communication, including proven ability to comfortably interact with all levels of leadership, including one-on-one interaction with CIO, CFO, and firm partners.
  • Must possess analytical and technical skills required to understand business practices and recommend automation opportunities.
  • A highly motivated self-starter with the ability to plan, create, and execute own ideas.
  • Awareness of benchmarking tools/options (Gartner//ISM, etc.) to support best practices and supplier recommendations
  • Experience in applying risk management within procurement.
  • Expert knowledge of supplier evaluation and contract design and legal elements.
  • Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.
  • Ability to both manage and prioritize fluctuation of work levels to achieve results.

The base salary range for this position is between $104,000 and $135,000. Placement within the pay range is at Grant Thornton's discretion, and it is based on multiple factors, including but not limited to, job-related knowledge/skills, experience, business needs, progression within the role, geographic location, and internal equity. At Grant Thornton, compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.
About Us
At Grant Thornton, we believe in making business more personal and building trust into every result - for our clients and you. Here, we go beyond your expectations of a career in professional services by offering a career path with more: more opportunity, more flexibility, and more support. It's what makes us different, and we think being different makes us better.
In the U.S., Grant Thornton delivers professional services through two specialized entities: Grant Thornton LLP, a licensed, certified public accounting (CPA) firm that provides audit and assurance services - and Grant Thornton Advisors LLC (not a licensed CPA firm), which exclusively provides non-attest offerings, including tax and advisory services.
In 2025, Grant Thornton formed a multinational, multidisciplinary platform with Grant Thornton Ireland. The platform offers a premier Trans-Atlantic advisory and tax practice, as well as independent American and Irish audit practices. With $2.7 billion in revenues and more than 50 offices spanning the U.S., Ireland and other territories, the platform delivers a singular client experience that includes enhanced solutions and capabilities, backed by powerful technologies and a roster of 12,000 quality-driven professionals enjoying exceptional career-growth opportunities and a distinctive cross-border culture.
Grant Thornton is part of the Grant Thornton International Limited network, which provides access to its member firms in more than 150 global markets.
About the Team
The team you're about to join is ready to help you thrive. Here's how:
• Whether it's your work location, weekly schedule, or flex time off, we empower you with the options to work the way that it best serves your clients and your life. Consistent with the firm's hybrid work model, this position will require in-person attendance at least three days per week, either at a GT office or client site.
• Here, you are supported to prioritize your overall well-being through work-life integration options that work best for you and those in your household.
• We understand that your needs, responsibilities and experiences are different - and we think that's a good thing. That's why we support you with personalized and comprehensive benefits that recognize and empower all the identities, roles and aspirations that make you, well, you. See how at www.gt.com/careers
• When it comes to inclusion, we are committed to doing more than checking boxes. Explore all the ways we're taking action for diversity, equity & inclusion at www.gt.com/careers
Here's what you can expect next:
If you apply and are selected to interview, a Grant Thornton team member will reach out to you to schedule a time to connect. We encourage you to also check out other roles that may be a good fit for you or get to know us a little bit better at www.gt.com/careers.
Benefits:
We understand that your needs, responsibilities and experiences are different, and we think that's a good thing. That's why we support you with personalized and comprehensive benefits that recognize and empower all the identities, roles and aspirations that make you, well, you. For an overview of our benefit offerings, please visit: https://www.grantthornton.com/careers/rewards-and-benefits
  • Benefits for internship positions: Grant Thornton interns are eligible to participate in the firm's medical, dental and vision insurance programs and the firm's employee assistance program. Interns also receive a minimum of 72 hours of paid sick leave and are paid for firm holidays that fall within their internship period.
  • Benefits for seasonal employee positions: Grant Thornton seasonal employees are eligible to participate in the firm's medical, dental and vision insurance programs and the firm's employee assistance program. Seasonal employees may also be eligible to participate in the firm's 401(k) savings plan and employee retirement plan in accordance with applicable plan terms and eligibility requirements. Seasonal employees receive a minimum of 72 hours of paid sick leave.

Grant Thornton employees may be eligible for a discretionary, annual bonus based on individual and firm performance, subject to the terms, conditions and eligibility criteria of the applicable bonus plan or program. Interns and seasonal employees are not eligible for bonus compensation.
Additional Details:
It is the policy of Grant Thornton to promote equal employment opportunities. All personnel decisions (including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, working conditions, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, evaluations, and termination) are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital or civil union status, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship status, veteran status, disability, handicap, genetic predisposition or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws, it is the policy of Grant Thornton to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. To make an accommodation request, please contact HRHelp@us.gt.com.
For Los Angeles Applicants only: We will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, including those with Criminal Histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.
For Massachusetts Applicants only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Grant Thornton does not require or administer lie detector tests as a condition of employment or continued employment.

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About Grant Thornton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Grant Thornton, we believe in making business more personal and building trust into every result - for our clients and you. Here, we go beyond your expectations of a career in professional services by offering a career path with more: more opportunity, more flexibility, and more support. It's what makes us different, and we think being different makes us better.

Industry

Accounting services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1924