Category Manager (IT)

Job Description

Job Description

Category Manager, IT Procurement

Location : On-site in Muscatine, IA or Remote with 50–60% Travel

At HNI Corporation , we’re more than a workplace furnishings leader — we’re a global family of brands committed to creating inspiring environments where people live, work, and gather. Rooted in integrity, inclusion, and innovation, we empower our team members to make a meaningful difference every day.

Your Impact Starts the Day You Do!

What We Need :

We’re looking for a forward-thinking, results-driven Category Manager, IT Procurement to join our HNI Workplace Furnishings – Operations team. In this highly visible and strategic role, you’ll lead IT procurement and sourcing initiatives across a $25M–$35M spend portfolio — shaping our vendor relationships, optimizing costs, and driving operational excellence.

This is an incredible opportunity to contribute to high-impact, enterprise-wide transformation efforts while working alongside collaborative, passionate professionals who value progress and performance.

What You Will Do : Lead with Strategy :

Design and execute a robust IT category strategy that aligns with HNI’s broader business goals, fuels innovation, and delivers measurable value.

Drive Meaningful Cost Savings :

Uncover and implement impactful cost optimization opportunities through strategic sourcing, license model evaluations, and supplier consolidation efforts.

Negotiate High-Value Agreements :

Take the lead in negotiating complex, high-stakes contracts — including cloud services , MCA , ULA , and usage-based agreements with ARC (Additional Resource Charges) and RRC (Reduced Resource Credits) — that support scalability, performance, and compliance.

Manage Critical Supplier Relationships :

Build and nurture trusted partnerships with top-tier IT vendors, ensuring accountability, service excellence, and long-term collaboration.

Execute Strategic Sourcing :

Own the full sourcing lifecycle — from market research and RFP management to bid evaluation and contract finalization — ensuring we partner with the right suppliers, at the right time, for the right value.

Lead Major Implementations :

Spearhead enterprise-level IT projects and large-scale implementations with platforms such as Oracle and Microsoft , helping us stay ahead in a competitive digital landscape.

Mitigate Risk Proactively :

Ensure all IT agreements meet rigorous legal, ethical, and financial standards — including careful evaluation of indemnification clauses , deadspace bands , and sweep provisions .

Stay Ahead of the Curve :

Continuously monitor IT market trends and sourcing best practices to keep our strategies fresh, forward-looking, and future-ready.

Champion Supplier Diversity :

Actively support our diversity and inclusion commitments by identifying and engaging with a wide range of suppliers.

What You Bring :

Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred.

6+ years of experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, or category management with a strong focus on IT.

Proven expertise working with leading enterprise platforms including Oracle, Microsoft, SAP, Infor, Salesforce, Cisco, and Palo Alto .

A solid track record of negotiating and managing complex agreements , including cloud contracts , MCA / ULA agreements , and usage-based pricing models (ARC / RRC).

In-depth knowledge of critical contract terms such as indemnification , deadspace , and sweep clauses .

Experience leading large-scale enterprise software and cloud implementations , with a focus on performance, integration, and cost-efficiency.

Exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.

Strong analytical mindset with the ability to turn insights into action.

Proficiency with procurement tools and an understanding of cloud service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS).

A strategic thinker with high attention to detail, self-motivation, and a passion for driving results.

Why You’ll Love Working at HNI :

Make a visible impact from day one.

Be part of a company that values innovation and encourages new ideas.

Join a supportive, inclusive team where collaboration and growth are part of the culture.

Play a key role in enterprise-level digital transformation.

Location and Travel :

This role is based on-site in Muscatine, IA or can be remote with 50–60% travel .

Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates ready to make a move and make a difference.