Category Manager (IT Software & Services)

Market Enterprise Functions At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good. Your impact You're living your purpose and there's even more ahead. Continue growing your skills and exploring new opportunities across our global company. As part of Jacobs' IT Procurement team, you'll join a strategic, value driven group focused on maximizing every dollar spent. We're looking for a client-focused Category Manager to grow with our team. As the Category Manager for IT Software and Services , you'll partner with leadership and senior stakeholders to develop, implement, and manage software and service contracts at global and regional levels. Beyond traditional sourcing, you'll build expertise in external market dynamics and internal business priorities to create strategies that reduce cost, mitigate risk, and drive efficiency. This position has geographic flexibility in the U.S with preference for candidates located in the East coast or Central time zone. You'll apply strong analytical skills and innovative sourcing methods, leading supplier selection across multiple workstreams and collaborating with diverse stakeholder groups. Your commitment to inclusion and diversity will help you cultivate positive relationships with internal teams and a broad supplier base, including diverse and small businesses. You will lead negotiations with current and prospective suppliers and leverage deep software licensing knowledge to support collaboration, share insights, identify opportunities, and strengthen partnerships. At Jacobs, we challenge the status quo to create lasting, innovative solutions. If you're driven, curious, and ready to build a rewarding career alongside the industry's best, Jacobs is where you belong. Here's what you'll need At least 5 years of IT procurement and contracts experience Proven track record managing complex procurements for major projects, including RFx development, contract drafting, negotiations, and administration of purchase orders, contracts, and subcontracts Extensive expertise in enterprise software agreements, with emphasis on IT, engineering and technical software categories; deep knowledge of global licensing models (subscriptions, token-based, multi-site, enterprise, and cloud) Demonstrated success in negotiating and managing large-scale software and hardware agreements, particularly engineering tools and technical platforms Strong stakeholder management and leadership communication skills, with experience building consensus and securing enterprise alignment Analytical and data‑driven decision‑making skills, including spend analysis, market intelligence, and cost-optimization strategies Ability to act as a strategic relationship manager, driving supplier engagement and leading contract renewal initiatives, ensuring not just smooth procurement processes, but also strong ongoing vendor relationships and continuous alignment with business needs Ideally, you'll also have: Bachelor's degree in Business, Law, Information Technology, Supply Management, or a related field 5-8 years of IT procurement and contracts experience Significant experience reviewing and negotiating contracts for large enterprises ($1B+ in revenue) Proficiency with ERP-based procurement systems Experience rationalizing software contracts in support of acquisitions and divestitures Professional certification from ISM, NCMA, or an equivalent international organization #LI-MP1

Posted Salary Range:

Minimum 75,300.00

Posted Salary Range:

Upper 131,000.00 Our health and welfare benefits are designed to invest in you, and in the things you care about. Your health. Your well-being. Your security. Your future. Employees have access to medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance, a 401(k) plan, and the ability to purchase company stock at a discount. Eligible employees may also enroll in a deferred compensation plan or the Executive Deferral Plan. Jacobs has an unlimited U.S. Personalized Paid Time Off (PPTO) policy for full-time salaried/exempt employees, seven paid holidays, and caregiver leave. And certain roles may be eligible for additional rewards, including merit increases, performance discretionary bonus, and stock. The base salary range for this position is $75,300.00 to $131,000.00. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. Job posted on March 18, 2026. This position will be open for at least 3 days. We value collaboration and believe that in-person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work. Your application experience is important to us, and we're keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support . Locations City State Country Houston Texas United States Chicago Illinois United States Moon Township Pennsylvania United States Fort Lauderdale Florida United States Atlanta Georgia United States Lawrence Kansas United States Kansas City Missouri United States Greenville South Carolina United States