Category Manager - Sr Software Buyer

About the role

The Category Manager - Sr Software Buyer processes technology contracts and purchases based on departmental needs, focusing primarily on supporting HR and Finance technology solutions (enterprise software, SaaS, and implementation).

As a self-starter and proactive problem solver, the Category Manager - Sr Software Buyer leads successful vendor negotiations by establishing competitive bidding environments, elevating new and incumbent supplier relationships, analyzing cost and usage trends, adhering to procurement policies, and effectively partnering with internal stakeholders across HR, Finance, Legal, and Third Party Risk Management. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential to bridge technical specifications with commercial and contractual terms.

Principal Accountabilities

• Technology & Enterprise Sourcing: Drive end-to-end procurement processes for HR and Finance software, platforms, and related services. Solicit and evaluate domestic and international proposals using negotiation and total cost of ownership.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Problem Solving: Serve as a consultative partner to HR and Finance to understand current and future technical requirements, independently troubleshoot procurement bottlenecks, and recommend optimal vendor strategies.
• Post-Buy & Financial Operations: Manage post-buy functions, including handling complex invoice-versus-PO discrepancies in collaboration with Accounts Payable and Finance.
• Supplier Governance & Relationship Management: Lead supplier governance (quarterly business reviews, scorecards, roadmap alignment), monitor vendor compliance, and evaluate cross-functional processes among procurement, business units, and suppliers.
• Process Optimization: Continuously monitor market trends and identify cost-saving or operational efficiency opportunities across corporate tech stacks. Complete deal summaries and pipeline dashboards as required.

Software & Systems Requirements

• Proficient with Microsoft 365 and/or Google Workspace suite.
• Required/Preferred: Prior experience with enterprise ERP systems, specifically Workday

Qualifications

• Bachelors Degree
• 3-5+ years of relevant experience within a procurement organization

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Pay and benefits

CME Group is committed to offering a competitive total rewards package for our employees that recognizes their contributions to the business and reflects our long-term investment in their future. The pay range for this role is $81,100-$135,100.

Actual salary offered will be dependent on a wide array of factors including but not limited to: relevant experience, skills, education and comparison to internal employees (where relevant). Our compensation program also includes an annual target bonus opportunity for all employees, as well as the opportunity to become an owner in the company through our broad-based equity program.

Through our benefits program, we strive to offer flexibility, value and choice. From comprehensive health coverage, to a retirement package that includes both a 401(k) and an active pension plan, to highly competitive education reimbursement provisions, paid time off and a mental health benefit, CME Group offers a holistic benefits package for our team and their dependents.

CME Group: Where Futures are Made

CME Group is the world's leading derivatives marketplace. But who we are goes deeper than that. Here, you can impact markets worldwide. Transform industries. And build a career by shaping tomorrow. We invest in your success and you own it - all while working alongside a team of leading experts who inspire you in ways big and small. Problem solvers, difference makers, trailblazers. Those are our people. And we're looking for more.

Important Notice: Recruitment fraud is on the rise, with scammers using misleading promises of job offers and interviews to solicit money and personal information from job seekers. CME Group adheres to established procedures designed to maintain trust, confidence and security throughout our recruitment process.