Category Manager

About the role:

We are looking for a Category Manager, Technology to support the sourcing and procurement of technology-related goods and services, reporting directly to the Director, Strategic Sourcing. This role will play a key part in shaping and executing sourcing strategies for IT categories including software, hardware, infrastructure, SaaS and IT services, with a focus on cost optimization, business objectives, risk mitigation, and vendor performance.

About us:

Founded in 2005, 8am™ (formerly AffiniPay) is the professional business platform built to help legal, accounting, and other client-focused professionals run stronger, more profitable businesses. Today, more than 250,000 professionals across the U.S. trust 8am to help them work smarter, serve clients better, and unlock their full potential. We have been recognized as one of Inc 5000’s fastest growing companies in the U.S. for 13 years in a row, and as a result, our teams continue to grow as well!

What you'll do:

• Develop and manage category strategies and sourcing plans for technology and IT contracts, including software, hardware, SaaS, and technology services.
• Lead RFx processes, vendor evaluations, and contract negotiations for IT spend.
• Partner with IT, Finance, and Legal teams to ensure end-to-end procurement activities align with business needs and compliance requirements.
• Assist in the consolidation of suppliers to unify IT solutions across the business, reduce fragmentation, and streamline vendor management. 
• Conduct spend and market analysis to identify cost-saving opportunities and manage supplier risk.
• Maintain strong relationships with key  technology suppliers and internal stakeholders to support vendor performance and innovation.
• Track and analyze market trends, technology innovations, and supplier landscape to inform sourcing strategies.
• Support contract lifecycle management, including renewals, license optimization, and service level monitoring.
• Maintain procurement records, contract documentation, and savings tracking for audit and reporting purposes. 
• Track key procurement metrics, including savings, supplier performance, and compliance with sourcing policies.

About you:

• 7+ years of experience in procurement, sourcing, or vendor management, with a focus on IT categories.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Supply Chain, or a related field.
• Strong negotiation skills and experience managing contract terms for enterprise software and technology vendors.
• Working knowledge of IT concepts such as cloud infrastructure, software licensing, SaaS models, cybersecurity, IT service agreements, etc.
• Strong analytical and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments.
• Experience supporting sourcing strategies and RFx processes in a mid-to-large organization.
• Demonstrated experience leveraging AI tools and technologies to improve workflows, enhance decision-making, or drive innovation.
• This position is preferably based in Austin, Texas.

Why 8am 

At 8am, our culture is shaped by the people who bring it to life every day. Together, we build a company rooted in continuous learning, genuine community, holistic wellness, and meaningful engagement—values that empower us as individuals and unite us as a team. Our culture is grounded in our core values: Work Smart, Win Fast; Outshine Ordinary, and We Find a Way. These values drive how we serve our customers and work with each other in a collaborative, inspiring, and empowering environment, every day.

Here’s how we support our 8Team:

• Health Insurance Coverage: We offer our 8Team a variety of medical, dental, and vision plans, designed to fit your needs, including a 100% company-paid HDHP plan for employees.
• Financial perks: We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package including annual bonuses, equity options and 401(k) or RRSP if in Canada, with a company match for all team members.
• Time for what matters: Flexible Time Off, paid holidays, and a parental leave program for our new parents.
• Wellness: Wellness stipends, mental health support, and one-on-one nutrition coaching.
• Learning and Development: Continuous learning through 8am.edu, leadership programs, professional development funds, and individually focused talent development.
• Giving back to the communities around us: Participate in our charitable matching gift program, paid time off for volunteer service, and company-sponsored volunteer events (both local and virtually).
• Engagement: Virtual and in-person team-building events, quarterly award recognition through our Rise & Shine Award of Excellence Program, and our peer-to-peer appreciation platform.

At 8am, we don’t just offer benefits—we create an environment where people can thrive, grow, and make a real impact every day.

Diversity, equity & inclusion at 8am

At 8am, we recognize that innovation occurs with a strong team of people who are diverse in background, personality, talent and ideas. Experience comes in many forms and ensuring a diverse and inclusive workplace where we continue to learn from each other is an integral part of our culture. We are committed to creating a welcoming and transparent environment for all that embraces those differences through education, equal access to opportunities and information, inclusionary programs, and community outreach. 

Security advisory

Our hiring teams at 8am are dedicated to recruiting top talent that share our passion for serving the professional services industry through innovative financial technology.  As such, our Talent Acquisition Team only follows legitimate hiring practices.  We will always communicate with our candidates using emails with the 8am domain and will never ask for sensitive/personal data during the application process.  All interviews take place over phone call, Zoom/Google Meet or in person.  All offers are communicated verbally by our Talent Acquisition Specialists with a written offer letter as a follow up.