Category Manager, Software

Job Description

Category Manager, Software

This is an exciting opportunity to be a part of a newly formed Global Procurement function in a fast-paced and dynamic business in the entertainment industry. Responsible for the leadership, transformation, strategy and execution of complex, long-term category sourcing strategies across Activision, Blizzard and King technology spend categories.

The role will be responsible for leading the charge to evaluate new suppliers, to negotiate current contracts with an emphasis on price, terms, quality, and to execute on consolidation opportunities.

This individual would work closely with key stakeholders across the organizations to develop effective cost optimization strategies and implementation plans. The ideal candidate is an independent, self-motivated leader with a proven track record of proactively identifying process efficiencies, anticipating business needs, and implementing solutions across the organization.

Responsibilities
• Demonstrate ability to build strong trusted relationships with senior internal stakeholders across Activision, Blizzard, King technology teams. Build and maintain ongoing relationships with active suppliers and build relationships with potential future suppliers. Communicate and set expectations with stakeholders regarding anticipated timelines, savings, contract amendments, etc.
• Obtain stakeholder requirements, validate current understanding of business needs including current license entitlements, license usage, and cost allocation model. This requires a comprehensive understanding of complex business objectives and a high level of attention to detail.
• Create models and perform analysis to determine a negotiation strategy, comprehension of complex business objectives and maintain a high-level of attention to detail for the subcategories of spend you are responsible for.
• Negotiation and management of Software and SaaS contracts of varying complexity, including financial, contractual (Terms and Conditions), and commercial terms. Lead the negotiation process for Software and SaaS contracts, including engaging with suppliers, functional leaders, legal team, subject matter experts, leadership, as required.
• Responsible for the development and execution of Sub-Category strategies for Activision, Blizzard, King Technology
• Drive annual productivity improvements and cost savings initiatives to targeted goals within respective Sub-Categories
• Consistently seek process optimization and quality of service opportunities.
• Develop RFX's within respective Sub-Category when appropriate
• Oversee the end-to-end procurement process for requests within your assigned Sub-Categories Responsible for accuracy of contractual metadata within the GTP Contract Repository for your assigned Sub-Categories.
• Responsible for escalation management within your managed Sub-Category to address and resolve issues and quality concerns.
• Present to executive leadership as necessary.

Requirements
• 5+ years of Technology Strategic Sourcing (not transactional) experience with a focus in Software at a global company. Category Management experience with an emphasis in Software, SaaS and Hosting including but not limited to various type of Software and related services including perpetual, term, subscription, and maintenance and support.
• 5+ years of Technology Procurement and Contract Management experience for leading large-scale, complex and/or regional/global categories of spend at the enterprise level. Experience negotiating and managing contracts (MSA and Commercial) for Software, SaaS, and Hosting agreements for a global organization.
• Strategic mindset and solid analytical skills
• Strong negotiating skills and experience
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong presentation skills, with the ability to work with stakeholders across an organization
• Quantitative Analysis (financial or price modeling-both creation of model itself and performing the analysis from which a negotiation strategy is determined, requires comprehension of complex business objectives and a high level of attention to detail) is required
• Able to work independently, with limited direction and limited ability to delegate

Preferred Qualifications
• Bachelor's Degree
• MBA

We love hearing from anyone who is enthusiastic about changing the games industry. Not sure you meet all qualifications? Let us decide! Research shows that women and members of other under-represented groups tend to not apply to jobs when they think they may not meet every qualification, when, in fact, they often do! We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourage you to apply.

We are committed to working with and providing reasonable assistance to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you are a disabled individual requiring an accommodation to apply for an open position, please email your request to accommodationrequests@activisionblizzard.com General employment questions cannot be accepted or processed here. Thank you for your interest

Subject to eligibility requirements, the Company offers comprehensive benefits including:
• Medical, dental, vision, health savings account or health reimbursement account, healthcare spending accounts, dependent care spending accounts, life and AD&D insurance, disability insurance;
• 401(k) with Company match, tuition reimbursement, charitable donation matching;
• Paid holidays and vacation, paid sick time, floating holidays, compassion and bereavement leaves, parental leave;
• Mental health & wellbeing programs, fitness programs, free and discounted games, and a variety of other voluntary benefit programs like supplemental life & disability, legal service, ID protection, rental insurance, and others;
• If the Company requires that you move geographic locations for the job, then you may also be eligible for relocation assistance.

Eligibility to participate in these benefits may vary for part time and temporary full-time employees and interns with the Company. You can learn more by visiting https://www.benefitsforeveryworld.com/.

In the US, the standard base pay range for this role is $97,200.00 - $179,900.00 Annual. These values reflect the expected base pay range of new hires across all US locations. Ultimately, your specific range and offer will be based on several factors, including relevant experience, performance, and work location. Your Talent Professional can share this role's range details for your local geography during the hiring process. In addition to a competitive base pay, employees in this role may be eligible for incentive compensation. Incentive compensation is not guaranteed.

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-rjy6qb-18-220-204-192-42 in your application.