Category Manager - Professional Services

Category Manager – Professional Services

At SPS Commerce, we're looking for a Category Manager – Professional Services to lead how we source and manage external services that power our business. In this role, you'll develop and execute strategic sourcing initiatives across contract labor, consulting, and managed services, partnering closely with business, finance, legal, and technology teams. You'll play a critical role in driving value—balancing cost, quality, and risk—while building strong supplier relationships and establishing commercial strategies that enable SPS to scale effectively. If you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and enjoy influencing outcomes through data-driven insights and strategic negotiations, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

Develop and execute sourcing strategies for professional services categories including contract labor, consulting, and managed services.

Lead competitive sourcing initiatives including RFPs, supplier evaluations, and negotiations to deliver cost savings and improved service outcomes.

Negotiate complex agreements including master services agreements (MSAs), statements of work (SOWs), managed services agreements, and staff augmentation contracts.

Establish rate cards, pricing models, and commercial frameworks for contract labor and consulting engagements.

Manage relationships with strategic suppliers, driving performance, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Partner with business stakeholders to evaluate delivery models and determine the most effective sourcing approach for external services.

Analyze spend data, labor rates, and vendor performance to identify opportunities for cost optimization and supplier consolidation.

Provide commercial guidance to internal stakeholders on vendor engagements, contracting strategy, and market benchmarks.

Work cross-functionally with legal, finance, HR, and technology teams to ensure alignment on vendor strategy, contracting standards, and procurement policies.

This role is hybrid, based out of our headquarters in Minneapolis. We #SucceedTogether through in-person collaboration balanced with remote work to provide a flexible work environment.

10+ years of experience in procurement, sourcing, or category management focused on professional services

Extensive experience negotiating consulting, managed services, and staff augmentation agreements

Demonstrated experience negotiating master services agreements (MSAs), statements of work (SOWs), and rate cards

Experience managing contract labor vendors or contingent workforce programs

Proven ability to lead competitive sourcing processes such as RFPs and supplier negotiations

Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Finance, or related field (MBA or procurement certifications preferred)

Advanced negotiation and commercial contracting expertise

Strong analytical and financial evaluation skills

Ability to influence senior stakeholders and navigate complex organizational dynamics

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Strong relationship management and stakeholder engagement capabilities

Strategic thinking and problem-solving ability

High emotional intelligence and professional judgment

Ability to manage multiple initiatives in fast-paced environments

At SPS Commerce, we are committed to ensuring that each employee's compensation reflects their unique experiences, performance, and skills in their role. The salary range for this role is: $112,800- $174,800. The actual salary offered will be determined based on the factors listed above and may fall anywhere within the range. Additionally, you may also be eligible to participate in an annual incentive program. An incentive award, if granted, is based on individual and/or organizational performance.

SPS Commerce offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees' health, well-being, and financial security. Benefits are country-specific and aligned with local laws and market practices.

We achieve this by creating an environment where every employee feels a true sense of belonging. We embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring everyone feels accepted, valued, and empowered to make a meaningful impact. We are committed to affirmative action and equal opportunity in all aspects of employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Welcome to SPS Commerce — where innovation meets impact. As the world's largest retail network, we empower over 50,000 customers across diverse industries with cutting-edge cloud technology and expert support, helping them streamline supply chain operations and focus on what they do best. At SPS, we believe every employee plays a vital role in our mission. Whether you're in Business Support, Customer Success, Sales or Technology your work drives real impact. We're committed to creating a workplace where you're empowered to do your best work, champion new ideas, and grow your career. When you succeed, we all succeed. We're all about innovation, collaboration, and growth — and we're just getting started.

Ready to make a difference? Explore opportunities at SPS Commerce today!