Category Manager, Indirect Spend

Okta’s Strategic Sourcing and Procurement (SS&P) team is looking for an experienced Category Manager to join our team to co-lead global sourcing activities for indirect services. This includes leading projects and contract negotiations for various spend categories such as Professional Services (Consulting, Finance & Legal), Facilities, and HR. 

In this role, you will be a trusted partner to our stakeholders, guiding them throughout the entire sourcing process. You will be responsible for developing and executing the sourcing strategy for the Professional Services and HR categories, leading complex negotiations, and driving cost-saving initiatives while maintaining service quality.

We are looking for a proactive, organized, and collaborative individual who works well in a fast-paced environment. This role will report to the Manager, Strategic Sourcing -  Indirect. The is a hybrid role (2 days a week in office) and must be based in either  Bellevue, WA, or the San Francisco Bay Area.

Key Responsibilities:

• Category Strategy & Planning: Develop and execute proactive sourcing strategies for the Professional Services, Facilities and/or HR categories, working closely with functional groups to understand their long-term needs and deliver tangible value.
• Sourcing & Project Management: Manage the entire lifecycle of sourcing projects from end-to-end, including conducting RFIs, RFPs, and market assessments to lead supplier selection activities.
• Contract Negotiation: Lead commercial term negotiations for project-level agreements (Statements of Work, Order Forms) and partner with Legal on Master Service Agreements (MSAs) or various Exhibits, ensuring favorable terms and compliance.
• Cost Optimization: Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities through strategic negotiations and process improvements. Develop and track KPIs to measure savings and value.
• Stakeholder Partnership:  Build strong relationships with stakeholders to understand their objectives and align procurement initiatives with their business requirements.
• Supplier Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, ensuring they meet performance expectations, quality standards, and contractual agreements.
• Process, Governance & Compliance: Ensure adherence to Okta’s SS&P policies and procedures. Help develop and implement governance to drive performance, mitigate risk, and improve operational efficiency.
• Data Analysis & Reporting: Conduct internal and external data analysis to provide clear, actionable insights. Regularly update leadership on strategy progress, savings, and market trends.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Finance, or a related field.
• 3-5 years of Strategic Sourcing experience within indirect/services categories and overall procurement experience.
• Proven ability to lead contract and commercial term negotiations.
• Independently run and manage RFPs.
• Experience managing multiple projects in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Familiarity with the procure-to-pay process and proficiency in tools like Google Workspace and MS Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint). 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional certifications such as CSCP, CPSM, or CPIM.
• Strong negotiation skills and experience in leading negotiations across various services and indirect categories
• Ability to be responsible for multiple projects with tight target dates
• Familiarity with the procure-to-pay process and vendor management principles
• Excellent project management and time management skills
• Proficiency with analytics and reporting
• Experience with ERP and financial systems. Familiarity with Coupa, Workday/ScoutRFP is a plus

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