Category Manager, Information Technology

Take your career further with McLane!

McLane teammates, the driving force behind our success, are diverse professionals who work together seamlessly to keep our operations running smoothly. As a teammate, you will pair your dedication, expertise, and collaborative spirit with your fellow teammates to serve America's most beloved brands. McLane leaders think long-term, act with purpose, and inspire high performance. They lead with accountability, communicate clearly, and drive results through collaboration, innovation, and continuous growth. They empower each teammate to learn from industry leaders, develop their skills, and build lasting connections nationwide.

Develop, govern, and execute enterprise Software and SaaS category strategies that maximize business value, optimize total cost of ownership, and strengthen supplier performance across the Digital Supply Chain. Serve as the category owner for software spend, establishing long-term sourcing strategies, procurement standards, and supplier engagement models that align with technology roadmaps and business objectives.

Lead end-to-end category planning, market analysis, supplier negotiations, and contract execution to drive commercial outcomes, mitigate risk, and accelerate value realization. Partner with Digital, Finance, Legal, Security, and business leaders to prioritize investments, influence sourcing decisions, and ensure software licensing, consumption, and supplier strategies support enterprise growth, innovation, and operational excellence.

This is an on-site position which will require the candidate to report and work from the office. Therefore, interested candidates should be within a 50-minute radius from Temple, TX.

What You'll Do:

• Own cost and value outcomes for the category by delivering measurable reductions in initial cost, governing strategic buyer execution, and achieving year-over-year improvements in total cost of ownership while maintaining or improving service levels.
• Translate business demand and technology priorities into executable sourcing strategies by partnering with IT&D, Finance, Legal, and Operations stakeholders to align procurement activities with enterprise objectives.
• Operate and optimize category performance by evaluating supplier capabilities, monitoring service delivery, and ensuring compliance with commercial, risk, and governance standards.
• Contribute leadership through team development, performance management, and
• coaching of strategic buyers, while driving continuous improvement in sourcing practices, analytics, and processes that increase efficiency and strengthen procurement capability at scale.
• Function as leader in managing the total cost of ownership of the Procurement function
• Manage large volume of Software and SaaS agreements with renewals occurring annually. Oversee annual budget.
• Responsible for contract lifecycle management including quotes, negotiation, and execution.
• Support for both Strategic/high-value engagements and Tail Software spend through policy execution and controls.
• Lead cross-functional engagement with IT&D, Legal, Finance, Security, and Architecture teams.
• Responsible for managing financial Impact & Return on Investment (ROI) including expected savings year-over-year due to improved contract baselines and governance.
• Plan and lead sourcing and supplier strategies to achieve best cost and service that are aligned with business priorities and operational needs.
• Review, monitor and approve strategic plans by category
• Provide support and continuous improvement opportunities within functional team and across all business units.
• Lead cross functional teams to drive successful project and category outcomes/results.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What We're Looking For:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, or related technical/analytical field.
• Master's degree and industry certifications preferred
• Four years of supply chain or related experience.
• Leadership experience preferred.
• Strong strategic and analytical skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Strong interpersonal and relationship skills are required
• Strong verbal and written business communication skills
• Ability to recognize market, refining, and supply nuances that impact daily decisions

This position requires the ability to read, write, and understand English at a level sufficient to perform job-related tasks effectively and safely. This includes understanding work instructions, safety protocols, and communications essential to the role. The requirement is directly related to the nature of the job and ensures compliance with workplace safety and operational standards.

Working Conditions:

• Office environment
• Travel (10%)

Why Join Us?

• Gain hands-on tax experience with mentorship from senior professionals
• Build your career with a stable, growth-oriented organization
• Be part of a collaborative team that values accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement

Benefits You Can Count On:

• Day 1 Benefits: medical, dental, and vision insurance, FSA/HSA, and company-paid life insurance
• Paid time off begins day one.
• 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan after 90 days.
• Additional benefits: pet insurance, maternity/paternity leave, employee assistance programs, discount programs, tuition reimbursement program, and more!

Fit the following? We want you here!

• Teamwork oriented
• Organized
• Problem solver
• Detailed

Our roadmap. Our story.

We've been forging our path as a leader in the distribution industry since 1894. Building an expansive nationwide network of team members for 130+ years has allowed us to stay agile for our clients across the restaurant, retail, and e-commerce industries. We look to the future and are ready to continue making industry-defining moves by embracing the newest technology into our practices, continuing team member training, and emphasizing our people-centered culture.

Candidates may be subject to a background check and drug screen, in accordance with applicable laws.

All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

For our complete EEO and Pay Transparency statement, please visit https://www.mclaneco.com/legal/employment/