Category Manager - Technology Sourcing

Okta is looking for an experienced Procurement/Category Manager (Technology Sourcing) to join our energetic Strategic Sourcing team to support and be part of Okta’s continued growth. You will lead and co-lead the Sourcing initiatives supporting our Technology organization. This includes leading complex, high-value sourcing projects, activities & contract negotiations for various IT service and product categories that may include Software, Network, SaaS, IaaS, Telephony and other direct or indirect requirements on a local or global scale.

This role will be responsible for procurement strategy development and execution, conducting strategic sourcing events and negotiating acceptable terms and conditions with Suppliers. The position will perform data analytics and work collaboratively with senior stakeholders and other Strategic Sourcing team members to meet stakeholder supply market requirements, create value, ensure process compliance and drive negotiated cost savings and avoidances.

You will be expected to build relationships with internal business partners working with cross-functional groups to support negotiations, risk mitigation and supplier management.

You will report to the Strategic Sourcing Senior Manager – Technology.

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. Additionally 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 and 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 (Required).

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.

Technical Systems Experience: Proficiency in Workday Strategic Sourcing (Scout), Coupa, or Ironclad is a strong plus.

Analytical & Risk Assessment Skills: Strong problem-solving capabilities with a knack for identifying, quantifying, and mitigating operational risks.

Flexibility: Ability to travel as needed.

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