Category Manager, Indirect Spend

Okta Okta · Enterprise · San Francisco, CA · Accounting Operations-121

Okta is seeking an experienced Category Manager to lead global sourcing activities for indirect services, including Professional Services, Facilities, and HR. The role involves developing sourcing strategies, leading contract negotiations, driving cost-saving initiatives, and managing supplier relationships. The position requires strong analytical, project management, and collaboration skills, with a focus on supporting Okta's mission to secure AI.

What you'd actually do

  1. Develop and execute proactive sourcing strategies for the Professional Services, Facilities and/or HR categories, working closely with functional groups to understand their long-term needs and deliver tangible value.
  2. Manage the entire lifecycle of sourcing projects from end-to-end, including conducting RFIs, RFPs, and market assessments to lead supplier selection activities.
  3. Lead commercial term negotiations for project-level agreements (Statements of Work, Order Forms) and partner with Legal on Master Service Agreements (MSAs) or various Exhibits, ensuring favorable terms and compliance.
  4. Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities through strategic negotiations and process improvements. Develop and track KPIs to measure savings and value.
  5. Build strong relationships with stakeholders to understand their objectives and align procurement initiatives with their business requirements.

Skills

Required

  • Strategic Sourcing experience within indirect/services categories
  • procurement experience
  • lead contract and commercial term negotiations
  • run and manage RFPs
  • manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
  • analytical skills
  • problem-solving skills
  • project management skills
  • communication skills
  • interpersonal skills
  • collaboration skills
  • Google Workspace proficiency
  • MS Office Suite proficiency (Excel, PowerPoint)

Nice to have

  • Professional certifications such as CSCP, CPSM, or CPIM
  • Strong negotiation skills
  • Ability to be responsible for multiple projects with tight target dates
  • procure-to-pay process familiarity
  • vendor management principles familiarity
  • project management skills
  • time management skills
  • analytics and reporting proficiency
  • ERP and financial systems experience
  • Coupa, Workday/ScoutRFP familiarity

What the JD emphasized

  • lead global sourcing activities for indirect services
  • leading projects and contract negotiations
  • develop and execute the sourcing strategy
  • leading complex negotiations
  • driving cost-saving initiatives
  • proactive, organized, and collaborative individual
  • fast-paced environment
  • Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Finance, or a related field.
  • 3-5 years of Strategic Sourcing experience within indirect/services categories and overall procurement experience.
  • Proven ability to lead contract and commercial term negotiations.
  • Independently run and manage RFPs.
  • Experience managing multiple projects in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
  • Professional certifications such as CSCP, CPSM, or CPIM.
  • Strong negotiation skills
  • Ability to be responsible for multiple projects with tight target dates