Category Manager (Technology Sourcing)

Okta's Strategic Sourcing and Procurement (SS&P) team is looking for an experienced Procurement/Category Manager (Technology Sourcing) to join our energetic Strategic Sourcing team to support and be part of Okta's continued growth. You will lead and co-lead the Sourcing initiatives supporting our Technology organization globally. This includes leading complex, high-value sourcing projects, activities & contract negotiations for various IT service and product categories that may include Software, Network, SaaS, IaaS, Telephony and other direct or indirect requirements on a local or global scale.

This role will be responsible for procurement strategy development and execution, conducting strategic sourcing events and negotiating acceptable terms and conditions with Suppliers. The position will perform data analytics and work collaboratively with senior stakeholders and other Strategic Sourcing team members to meet stakeholder supply market requirements, create value, ensure process compliance and drive negotiated cost savings and avoidances.

You will be expected to build relationships with internal business partners working with cross-functional groups to support negotiations, risk mitigation and supplier management.

You will report to the Sr. Manager, Strategic Sourcing – Technology.

This hybrid office role, 2 days a week in office, requires being based in either Bellevue, WA, or the San Francisco Bay Area.

Key Responsibilities:

• Category Strategy & Planning:  Actively develop sourcing strategies in support of business initiatives for Technology categories (Software, Network, SaaS, IaaS, Telephony, AI, and related technology requirements), working with internal partners to identify risks and dependencies.
• Sourcing & Project Management:  Lead and support all aspects of the strategic sourcing process, including RFx, supplier evaluations, and day-to-day commercial contract negotiations and projects.
• Contract Negotiation:  Lead commercial term negotiations for project-level agreements and partner with Legal on Master Service Agreements (MSAs) and related exhibits, applying strong negotiation and legal acumen to secure favorable terms on high-stakes, high-dollar technology contracts.
• Cost Optimization & Risk Management:  Use experience and industry expertise to find and execute cost optimization opportunities within assigned categories, improving service levels and driving efficiency.  Identify and mitigate both internal and external risks associated with technology purchase transactions.
• Stakeholder Partnership:  Build effective, strategic relationships with senior business stakeholders and cross-functional teams (Finance, Legal, Security, Privacy) to align sourcing initiatives with business requirements, ensuring policies and procedures are followed and met.
• Supplier Relationship Management: Drive supplier performance review meetings with key suppliers within assigned categories, and measure performance against contract SLAs and expectations, managing remediation as required. 
• Process Governance & Compliance: Work with Finance, Legal, Security, Privacy, and other subject matter authorities within Okta to ensure that policies and procedures are followed and met. 
• Data Analysis & Reporting:  Conduct spend analytics within assigned categories to identify opportunities for streamlining and consolidation of spend, and provide findings and recommendations to leadership. 

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Supply Chain, or a related field
• 3–5 years of experience in Sourcing and Procurement of Technology (Infrastructure, SaaS, Telecom, IaaS, AI, etc.), including category management, strategic sourcing, consulting, vendor management, risk management, and/or procurement in a large, global company environment (Required)
• Strong Negotiation & Legal Acumen: Deep understanding of tech contract law, commercial terms, and risk requirements
• Agile & Pragmatic Decision-Maker: Instinctively differentiates between high-stakes, irreversible commitments and fast, two-way/reversible choices
• High Ownership & Velocity: Ability to take full responsibility for multiple fast-moving projects and consistently deliver in a high-tempo environment with tight deadlines
• Self-Starter Mentality: Proven ability to manage competing priorities and thrive independently in a dynamic, fast-paced setting with general guidance from more senior roles
• Technical Systems Experience: Proficiency in Workday Strategic Sourcing (Scout), Coupa, or Ironclad is a strong plus
• Flexibility: Ability to travel as needed

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional certifications such as CSCP, CPSM, or CPIM.
• Experience supporting M&A-related sourcing activity, including contract novation and consolidation.
• Technical Systems Experience: Proficiency in Workday Strategic Sourcing (Scout), Coupa, or Ironclad is a strong plus
• Flexibility: Ability to travel as needed

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