Staff Category Manager

Itron is innovating new ways for utilities and cities to manage energy and water. We create a more resourceful world to protect essential resources for today and tomorrow. Join us.

At Itron, we are committed to delivering innovative, end-to-end solutions in energy and water infrastructure. Our Indirect Procurement team strives to be world-class, focusing on accountability, results, and an excellent work environment. We seek a proven leader who thrives in a fast-paced, competitive, and evolving environment, and who can collaborate and communicate effectively within Itron’s culture.

The Staff Category Manager will lead strategic sourcing initiatives for Hardware, Telecom, and IT Services. This role requires a collaborative, customer-centric professional who can develop category strategies, manage supplier relationships, and ensure compliance while driving innovation and value across Itron’s technology ecosystem.

Duties and Responsibilities

- Lead End-to-End Sourcing Projects: Manage all phases of sourcing for Hardware, Telecom, and IT Services—including RFx, supplier negotiations, contract management, and supplier relationship management—using an agile approach to maximize value and efficiency.

- Develop Category Strategies: Create and execute sourcing strategies and category plans for Hardware (servers, storage, end-user devices, peripherals), Telecom (mobility, wireline, unified communications, IoT, LAN/WAN, SDN), and IT Services (managed services, consulting, support). Partner closely with IT, R&D, and other business units to deliver tailored solutions.

- Supplier Relationship Management: Build and maintain collaborative, win-win relationships with key suppliers. Drive continuous improvement, innovation, and compliance across the supply base.

- Market Intelligence & Spend Analysis: Provide industry and supplier research, market insights, and financial analysis to identify strategic suppliers and savings opportunities. Document and track all delivered value.

- Contract & Risk Management: Prepare, review, and negotiate contracts, bids, proposals, and vendor agreements for legal correctness, price, and technical compliance. Collaborate with Legal and Risk teams as needed.

- Cross-Functional Leadership: Work collaboratively with senior stakeholders in IT, HR, Finance, Legal, Sales, and Marketing to validate sourcing opportunities and ensure alignment with enterprise goals.

Required Skills & Experience

- Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, MIS, Supply Chain, or related field.

- Minimum 7 years of strategic sourcing/category management experience, with a strong focus on Hardware, Telecom, and IT Services.

- Demonstrated expertise in managing sourcing projects for Hardware (servers, storage, end-user devices, peripherals), Telecom (mobility, wireline, unified communications, IoT, LAN/WAN, SDN), and IT Services (managed services, IT consulting, support services).

- Advanced skills in Excel, PowerPoint, and process management.

- Robust RFP management and supplier negotiation skills.

- Strong contract and vendor management experience.

Preferred Skills & Experience

- Proven analytical skills (numeric and text-based), with the ability to convert information into actionable recommendations.

- Excellent oral and written communication skills for all organizational levels.

- Strong organizational and multi-phase project management skills.

- Ability to work independently and lead cross-functional teams across diverse cultures.

- Prior consulting experience in Technology Procurement is a plus.

Travel: This position may require limited travel.

Benefits Info

This position also includes a competitive benefit package including; financial, social, health and wellbeing programs, paid vacation, 401k matching, employee stock purchase program, hybrid work schedule, and more!

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Itron is committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce and providing an authentic workplace experience for all employees. If you are excited about this role but your past experiences don't perfectly align with every requirement, we encourage you to apply anyway. In the end, you may be just who we are looking for!

The successful candidate's starting wage will be determined based on permissible, non-discriminatory factors such as skills and experience.

Itron is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you require an accommodation to apply, please contact a recruiting representative at 1-800-635-5461 or email

Accessibility@itron.com

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Itron is transforming how the world manages energy, water and city services. Our trusted intelligent infrastructure solutions help utilities and cities improve efficiency, build resilience and deliver safe, reliable and affordable service. With edge intelligence, we connect people, data insights and devices so communities can better manage the essential resources they rely on to live. Join us as we create a more resourceful world:

www.itron.com