About Lumen
Lumen connects the world. We are igniting business growth by connecting people, data and applications – quickly, securely, and effortlessly. Together, we are building a culture and company from the people up – committed to teamwork, trust and transparency. People power progress.
We’re looking for top-tier talent and offer the flexibility you need to thrive and deliver lasting impact. Join us as we digitally connect the world and shape the future.
The Role
The Lead Category Manager oversees the strategy, sourcing, negotiation, and contracting of highly complex internal use software at Lumen. The Lead Category Manager is responsible for developing and implementing procurement strategies that align with the business objectives and optimize the value and performance of the suppliers. This position will manage Lumen’s “Tier 1” vendors, who are our largest and most visible software partners. You will monitor market trends, analyzes spend data, define category and negotiation strategies, identify risks and opportunities, promotes diversity and sustainability, and manages critical supplier relationships and performance.
Work Location
This position has been designated as fully remote in the U.S.
The Main Responsibilities
Category Analysis & Monitoring:
Conduct internal and external analysis of the software industry, track changes in supplier landscape, market dynamics, and innovation opportunities.
Prepare content for and lead strategy discussions up to C-level.
Category Strategy & Planning:
Incorporate findings from analyses into annual category strategy plan, identify and pursue levers to drive savings via RFPs, negotiations, demand management, and value engineering.
Contracting:
Manage high-complexity contracts and assist with tactical contracts.
Utilize pre-approved supplier contracts based on spend threshold/risk with standardized legal terms.
RFX Strategy & Planning:
Develop RFX strategy within category to drive savings.
Manage high-complexity RFX events and work with the RFX Execution team for tactical execution.
Stakeholder Relationship Management:
Align on strategic agenda with the business, establish a calendar for key meetings to track progress and drive issue resolution in category.
Supplier Relationship Management:
Own relationships as primary point of contact for suppliers, manage/monitor supplier performance, provide constructive feedback, identify strategic suppliers, and track closely by procurement.
Identify alternatives when limited suppliers or risk factors impact multiple suppliers.
What We Look For in a Candidate
Qualifications & Skills:
Bachelor's degree or relevant experience.
Preferred: Experience in software procurement, understanding of best practices, and industry trends.
Minimum 8+ years of related experience.
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills for managing senior-level relationships and complex suppliers.
Experience overseeing supplier relationships, including performance reviews.
Proven background in negotiating high-complexity, high-dollar contracts in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to work independently and in a team; self-motivated; strong analytical and problem-solving skills; detail-oriented.
Intermediate to advanced experience in reviewing contract terms.
Strong to expert knowledge of procurement systems like SAP and Ariba.
Excellent time management and organizational skills.
Experience in fast-paced, high-visibility environments with shifting priorities.
Advanced Microsoft Office skills, intermediate to advanced Excel.
Compensation
| This information reflects the anticipated base salary range for this position based on current national data. Minimums and maximums may vary based on location. Individual pay is based on skills, experience and other relevant factors. Location Based Pay Ranges
$129,639 - $172,852 in these states: AL AR AZ FL GA IA ID IN KS KY LA ME MO MS MT ND NE NM OH OK PA SC SD TN UT VT WI WV WY Lumen offers a comprehensive package featuring a broad range of Health, Life, Voluntary Lifestyle benefits and other perks that enhance your physical, mental, emotional and financial wellbeing. We're able to answer any additional questions you may have about our bonus structure (short-term incentives, long-term incentives and/or sales compensation) as you move through the selection process. |
| Learn more about Lumen's: |
| Benefits |
| Bonus Structure |
What to Expect Next
#LI-HR1
Requisition #: 338288
Background Screening
If you are selected for a position, there will be a background screen, which may include checks for criminal records and/or motor vehicle reports and/or drug screening, depending on the position requirements. For more information on these checks, please refer to the Post Offer section of our FAQ page. Job-related concerns identified during the background screening may disqualify you from the new position or your current role. Background results will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Equal Employment Opportunities
We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all persons regardless of race, color, ancestry, citizenship, national origin, religion, veteran status, disability, genetic characteristic or information, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, family status, pregnancy, or other legally protected status (collectively, “protected statuses”). We do not tolerate unlawful discrimination in any employment decisions, including recruiting, hiring, compensation, promotion, benefits, discipline, termination, job assignments or training.
Disclaimer
The job responsibilities described above indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to include a comprehensive inventory of all duties and responsibilities for this job. Job duties and responsibilities are subject to change based on evolving business needs and conditions.
In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
Please be advised that Lumen does not require any form of payment from job applicants during the recruitment process. All legitimate job openings will be posted on our official website or communicated through official company email addresses. If you encounter any job offers that request payment in exchange for employment at Lumen, they are not for employment with us, but may relate to another company with a similar name.
