Category Manager - Technology Sourcing
Okta
Bengaluru, IndiaPosted 1 month ago
Skill Required
Accounting Operations-121Statisticsrelated fieldanalyticalsecuritybuildingWorkdayetc.)TestNGAgileIAMAI
Key highlights
- Required experience: 3–5 years in technology sourcing and procurement.
- Work schedule: 7 pm – 3 am IST.
- Key benefit: Immersive, in‑person onboarding experience.
- Notable requirement: Strong negotiation and legal acumen in tech contracts.
- Preferred tools: Workday Strategic Sourcing (Scout), Coupa, Ironclad.
- Okta’s mission: Secure every identity, from AI to human.
Role overview
Okta is seeking an experienced Procurement/Category Manager (Technology Sourcing) to join its Strategic Sourcing team and lead high‑value sourcing initiatives for the Technology organization. The role focuses on developing procurement strategies, executing sourcing events, and negotiating contracts across a range of IT services and products to support Okta’s growth and secure its AI‑driven future.
Responsibilities
- Work timings would be in 7 pm - 3 am IST.
- Gather business and technical requirements and produce needed documentation in support of RFx events.
- Develop internal presentations and business case to support management approvals of multi-year supplier agreements.
- Develop, review, and handle any ad hoc documents requiring special circumstances and legal reviews.
- Provide economic analysis of supplier proposals and various internal management inquiries for existing or potential supplier expenditures.
- Identify and detail both internal and external risks associated with technology purchase transactions.
- Actively develop sourcing strategies in support of business initiatives.
- Work with internal partners to figure out risks and dependencies.
- Work with Finance, Legal, Security, Privacy, and other subject matter authorities within Okta to ensure that the policies and procedures are followed and met.
- Build effective, strategic relationships with the business units/stakeholders, suppliers, and cross‑functional teams.
- Lead and support all aspects of the strategic sourcing process, including RFx, supplier evaluations, and day‑to‑day commercial contract negotiations and projects.
- Drive supplier performance review meetings with key suppliers and provide input on performance and future needs/strategic planning.
- Measure supplier performance against contract Service Level Agreements and expectations, manage any remediation as required.
- Use experience and industry expertise to find opportunities to optimize cost, improve service and other efficiency opportunities.
- Conduct spend analytics to identify areas of opportunity for streamlining and consolidation of spend.
- Provide input for areas of opportunity and make recommendations where applicable for projects, departments, or across the company for operational improvements and efficiencies.
- Drive M&A activity from Strategic Sourcing’s perspective, i.e., contract novation and consolidation.
- Support the Strategic Sourcing Senior Manager as needed.
- Communicate proactively with internal and external partners.
Requirements
- 3–5 years of experience in Sourcing and Procurement of Technology (Infrastructure, SaaS, Telecom, IaaS, AI, etc.), including category management, strategic sourcing, consulting, vendor management, risk management, and/or procurement in a large, global company environment.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Supply Chain, or a related field.
- Strong Negotiation & Legal Acumen: Deep understanding of tech contract law, commercial terms, and risk requirements.
- Agile & Pragmatic Decision-Maker: Instinctively differentiates between high‑stakes, irreversible commitments and fast, two‑way/reversible choices—leaning heavily into rapid hypothesis testing, pilot runs, and pivoting quickly based on real‑world outcomes.
- Process & Strategy Expertise: Proven mastery of modern sourcing procedures, frameworks, and end‑to‑end procurement processes.
- High Ownership & Velocity: Ability to take full responsibility for multiple fast‑moving projects and consistently deliver in a high‑tempo environment with tight deadlines.
- Strategic Relationship Builder: Demonstrated track record of building trust and driving alignment with senior‑level business stakeholders, cross‑functional partners, and key vendors.
- Self‑Starter Mentality: Proven ability to manage competing priorities and thrive independently in a dynamic, fast‑paced setting with minimal supervision.
- Analytical & Risk Assessment Skills: Strong problem‑solving capabilities with a knack for identifying, quantifying, and mitigating operational risks.
- Flexibility: Ability to travel as needed.
Nice to have
- Technical Systems Experience: Proficiency in Workday Strategic Sourcing (Scout), Coupa, or Ironclad is a strong plus.
Benefits
- The Okta Experience – immersive, in‑person onboarding designed to accelerate impact and connect new hires to the mission from day one.
- Supporting Your Well‑Being.
- Driving Social Impact.
- Developing Talent and Fostering Connection + Community.
- Global community spanning over 20 offices worldwide, united by a drive to innovate.
- Equal Opportunity Employer with accommodations available for applicants and employees.
Additional details
- Report to the Strategic Sourcing Senior Manager – Technology.
- Job posting ID: P18021_3500093.
- #LI‑Onsite.
- Okta may use Automated Employment Decision Tools (AEDT) for NYC applicants in compliance with Local Law 144.
- Notice for New York City Applicants & Employees regarding AEDT.
- Okta considers qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records consistent with applicable laws.