Global Category Lead - IT Procurement - IIM/FMS/MDI/XLRI

Role Overview:

As the Global Category Lead for IT Procurement, you will serve as the strategic architect for our global technology spend, overseeing the end-to-end lifecycle of IT infrastructure and SaaS investments. You will operate at the intersection of technology, finance, and vendor management, collaborating closely with global IT leadership, legal, and business stakeholders to align procurement strategies with our long-term digital transformation goals. By driving high-impact sourcing initiatives and optimizing our vendor ecosystem, you will directly influence the companys bottom line, ensuring that our technology investments are not only cost-efficient but also scalable and future-proof to support our global business outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

- Develop and execute comprehensive global category strategies for IT infrastructure and SaaS to ensure cost optimization and operational excellence across all business units.

- Lead complex contract negotiations with global technology vendors to secure favorable commercial terms, service level agreements, and long-term value for the organization.

- Partner with internal IT stakeholders to translate technical requirements into robust sourcing strategies that mitigate risk and ensure seamless integration of new technologies.

- Manage the end-to-end strategic sourcing lifecycle, from market analysis and RFP management to vendor selection and performance monitoring, to maintain a competitive supply base.

- Drive continuous improvement in procurement processes by implementing best-in-class category management frameworks that enhance transparency and compliance across global operations.

Required Skillset:

- Demonstrated expertise in managing large-scale IT procurement portfolios, with a deep understanding of SaaS licensing models, cloud infrastructure services, and hardware procurement.

- Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and cross-functional teams through data-driven insights, clear communication, and a consultative approach to problem-solving.

- Strong analytical capabilities to evaluate market trends, vendor performance, and total cost of ownership to inform strategic decision-making.

- Exceptional negotiation and relationship management skills, with the ability to navigate complex contractual discussions and build long-term partnerships with global vendors.

- A Masters degree in Business Administration or a related field from a premier institute is highly preferred, reflecting a strong foundation in strategic management.

- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, hybrid work environment in Mumbai, demonstrating high levels of adaptability and self-motivation in managing global time zones and diverse cultural contexts.

- 8 - 15 years of progressive experience in IT procurement and category management within a large, multinational organization.