Category Manager MGT - IT

Brief Description

The Category Manager — IT owns sourcing strategy, contract management, and supplier relationships for software, SaaS, telecommunications, and IT services spend across Patterson-UTI Management Services and affiliated operating companies. This role leads enterprise software negotiations and renewals end-to-end — from RFP through contract execution and ongoing supplier management — partnering closely with IT, Information Security, Finance, Legal, and business stakeholders. The position carries direct accountability for negotiated savings, contractual risk management, renewal discipline, and cost avoidance across a high-volume, high-complexity contract portfolio.

This position will report directly to the Director of Supply Chain MGT

Detailed Description:

• Develop and execute category strategy for enterprise software, SaaS, telecommunications, mobility, and IT services spend across multiple business units

• Lead strategic sourcing events (RFPs/RFQs) for the category from requirements development through award and implementation

• Negotiate SaaS and enterprise license agreements end-to-end: pricing and per-user rates, renewal escalation caps, licensed-user definitions, SLAs and service credits, liability and indemnification terms, and data security and privacy exhibits

• Own the software and SaaS renewal calendar; drive proactive demand management and license right-sizing ahead of renewal dates to eliminate waste and reduce renewal risk

• Manage telecommunications and mobility agreements, including wireless carrier contracts, device programs, and enterprise connectivity spend across operating companies

• Partner with IT, Information Security, and Legal on contract terms, security review coordination, and data privacy requirements; coordinate commercial redlines with the contracts team’s pre-legal review process

• Manage supplier performance and conduct regular business reviews with key software, SaaS, and telecom vendors

• Track and report negotiated savings, cost avoidance, and contract value against annual category targets

• Support procure-to-pay and contract lifecycle management processes in Coupa, including supplier enablement, contract repository accuracy, and expiration tracking

• Identify and analyze market data to support sourcing strategy, benchmarking, and rate negotiations

• Promote a diverse and inclusive work environment and perform other related duties as assigned

Job Requirements:

• Self-motivated with the ability to influence decisions and drive results across multiple business units without direct authority

• Strong written and oral communication skills; ability to conduct effective presentations and communicate complex contract terms to business and technical stakeholders

• Superior analytical skills: spend analysis, should-cost modeling, license utilization analysis, and savings tracking in Excel

• Demonstrated ability to evaluate and negotiate complex SaaS, software, and telecommunications contracts including commercial terms, SLAs, and renewal structures

• Ability to manage cross-functional relationships across IT, InfoSec, Legal, Finance, and business leadership

• Working knowledge of software licensing models (per-user, consumption-based, enterprise license) and telecom/mobility contract structures

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook); experience with Coupa or comparable P2P/CLM platform preferred

• Ability to work with minimal supervision in a fast-paced, multi-entity environment

Demonstrated ability in the following leadership competencies:

• Builds and Maintains Effective Relationships

• Courageous Leadership

• Managing Vision and Purpose

• Business Acumen

• Drive for Results

• Customer Focus

• Decision Quality