Category Manager- Information Technology

CHS Inc. is a leading global agribusiness owned by farmers, ranchers and cooperatives across the United States that provides grain, food and energy resources to businesses and consumers around the world.  We serve agriculture customers and consumers across the United States and around the world.  Most of our 10,000 employees are in the United States, but today we have employees in 19 countries. At CHS, we are creating connections to empower agriculture.

Summary

CHS, Inc. is seeking a Category Manager - Information Technology to lead sourcing strategies and support operational excellence. This role, part of the Global Strategic Sourcing team, will collaborate with IT teams to execute category strategies, manage supplier relationships, standardize procurement processes, and support IT initiatives.

The ideal candidate will have a passion for business partnerships, creative problem-solving skills, technical experience, and a commitment to continuous improvement as well as expertise in IT, vendor negotiations, strategic sourcing principles, and the procure-to-pay process, along with the ability to partner closely with internal stakeholders to meet complex business need. 

This position is hybrid working multiple days per week in our Inver Grove Heights, MN global corporate office. 

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Planning

• Lead transformative projects and drive simplification within IT procurement
• Develop and deliver annual and long-range business plans and category strategies
• Align with senior business partners on category strategy
• Provide strategic direction for sourcing and procurement processes, fostering collaborative partnerships within the organization

Supplier and Stakeholder Management

• Maintain supplier relationships, lead contract negotiations, and conduct sourcing events
• Develop close partnerships and collaboration with CHS IT teams Lead global sourcing initiatives using the RFx process, negotiate contracts to maximize value and minimize risks, and build strong relationships with stakeholders
• Support expansion strategies, renewals, and vendor management options

Operational Excellence

• Standardize buying/procurement processes across businesses, technologies, and channels
• Promote a LEAN working approach within the procurement team and maintain an overview for leadership
• Facilitate project review gates, coach team members, and ensure consistent quality across procurement initiatives
• Implement cost-saving initiatives, conduct cost analysis and benchmarking to ensure competitive pricing

Market and Data Analysis

• Monitor market trends to mitigate risks within the IT supply chain and develop contingency plans for supply continuity
• Utilize data and analytics to drive informed procurement decisions and maintain KPIs to enhance the effectiveness of IT category management

Technical Expertise

• Serve as CHS subject matter expert on new and evolving technologies to improve operational productivity and performance
• Develop and implement IT procurement strategies for hardware, software, and services

Financial Management

• Deliver cost savings, cost avoidance, and other financial value measures

Additional Responsibilities

• Perform other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications (required)

• High School diploma or GED
• 7+ years of experience in sourcing/procurement, supply chain, or information technology

Additional Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred in business administration, supply chain management, information technology or related field
• Strong working knowledge of various IT products and services, including hardware, software, and cloud solutions.
• Proven ability to develop and implement effective procurement and supplier strategies.
• Proficiency in procurement software, spend management tools, and Microsoft Office Suite products. 
• Understanding of economics, business analytics, operations, purchasing management, and management information systems.
• Sourcing, RF(x) experience
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships
• Pre-employment screening is based on the job requirements and industry guidelines and may or may not be required for the position. If required, selected candidates must pass pre-employment screenings to include all or a combination of drug, criminal, motor vehicle check, physical requirements and FMSCA Clearinghouse

CHS offers a compet