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The Lead Category Manager will report directly into the Director of IT Infrastructure Procurement and will lead the development of category strategies, design sourcing plans, oversee negotiations, implement contracts, and drive successful supplier relationships. This leader is also responsible for ensuring strong alignment with, and becoming a trusted advisor to, key functional leaders. This leader will also partner with business and sourcing leadership in Humana’s business segments to drive enterprise-wide value. Category assignment will depend on experience, but may include one or more of the following: End user technology, telecommunications and networking, artificial intelligence, and/or value-added reseller (VAR) management.

The Lead Category Manager investigates available products, evaluates and recommends products based on user requirements. Advises executives to develop functional strategies (often segment specific) on matters of significance. Exercises independent judgment and decision making on complex issues regarding job duties and related tasks, and works under minimal supervision, uses independent judgment requiring analysis of variable factors and determining the best course of action.

Lead the development of category strategies based on sourcing profession best practices, including supply market analyses, Porter’s Five Forces, should-cost models, process and domain expertise.
Work with IT to identify new suppliers and potentially acceptable products or technologies.
Work with Finance to develop risk- and probability-adjusted multi-year savings forecasts and annual savings goals.
Leverage internal and external resources, as part of the operating model, to deliver results in the most effective and efficient manner.
Oversee analysis of qualitative and quantitative supplier characteristics, including supplier capabilities, supplier goals and objectives, risk profile, and suppliers financial position for requisite categories.
Develop multi-year sourcing pipelines with IT, which drive total value, including cost savings and supplier innovation for Humana.
Work collaboratively with the Continuous Improvement team for multi-business unit project implementations.
Coordinate with Contract Managers to identify and incorporate appropriate levels of commercial protection and to minimize risk to Humana.
Drive corporate compliance to the preferred-supplier program via end-user change management and communications programs.
Work closely with Procurement Operations and Corporate Payables to ensure a seamless end-to-end experience for associates.
Maintain and establish professional relationships partners and suppliers within your given category.
Align with senior leaders and partners to develop short-term and long-term category goals.
Refine and develop category strategies consistent with Humana’s diversity and inclusion goals.
Lead procurement processes including negotiations, RFI/RFP/RFX.
Utilizing provided tools, monitor the category to identify opportunities and industry trends that may benefit Humana.

Use your skills to make an impact

Required Qualifications

Bachelors degree or 8 years of technical experience
2+ years of project leadership experience
5+ years Strategic Sourcing experience focused on one or more of the following: End user technology, telecommunications and networking, Software/SaaS, or Cloud infrastructure
5+ years of experience in negotiation and best-in-class practices
5+ years of experience in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contract terms, both commercial and legal
Demonstrable experience leading enterprise-wide Strategic sourcing and negotiations with IT providers such as Microsoft, Google, AWS, Broadcom, BMC, Cisco, Citrix, telecommunications suppliers, and IT value-added resellers
Possess both IT and Business acumen.
Ability to clarify complex situations and gather consensus with internal and external audiences.
Ability to keep multiple projects, assignments or task moving forward simultaneously.
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
Strong drive for creating value for internal customers.
Self-managed / motivated: the ability to independently set priorities, meet commitments and desire to seek valuable improvements.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree, with concentration in IT/Software Supply-Chain
10+ years of Strategic IT sourcing experience
Ability to anticipate roadblocks and issues with suppliers, contracts and deliverables and take proactive steps to resolve.
Ability to identify opportunities for process improvement, savings and risk abatement.
Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills. Must have the ability to use excellent judgment and resolve issues with diplomacy, while keeping long-term goals and strategies intact.
Experience with e-procurement systems such as Coupa Sourcing and SFDC, and contract lifecycle management tools such as Icertis

Additional Information

Why Humana

Humana offers a variety of benefits to promote the best health and well-being of our employees and their families. We design competitive and flexible packages to give our employees a sense of financial security—both today and in the future, including:

Health benefits effective day 1
Paid time off, holidays, volunteer time and jury duty pay
Recognition pay
401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match
Tuition assistance
Scholarships for eligible dependents
Parental and caregiver leave
Employee charity matching program
Network Resource Groups (NRGs)
Career development opportunities

Work-At-Home Requirements

To ensure Home or Hybrid Home/Office employees’ ability to work effectively, the self-provided internet service of Home or Hybrid Home/Office employees must meet the following criteria:

At minimum, a download speed of 25 Mbps and an upload speed of 10 Mbps is recommended; wireless, wired cable or DSL connection is suggested
Satellite, cellular and microwave connection can be used only if approved by leadership.
Employees who live and work from Home in the state of California, Illinois, Montana, or South Dakota will be provided a bi-weekly payment for their internet expense.
Humana will provide Home or Hybrid Home/Office employees with telephone equipment appropriate to meet the business requirements for their position/job.
Work from a dedicated space lacking ongoing interruptions to protect member PHI / HIPAA information.

Interview Format

As part of our hiring process for this opportunity, we will be using an interviewing technology called Modern Hire to enhance our hiring and decision-making ability. Modern Hire allows us to quickly connect and gain valuable information from you pertaining to your relevant skills and experience at a time that is best for your schedule.

Social Security Task

Humana values personal identity protection. Please be aware that applicants may be asked to provide their Social Security Number, if it is not already on file. When required, an email will be sent from Humana@myworkday.com with instructions on how to add the information into your official application on Humana’s secure website.

*This is a remote position.

**Must be able to work EST hours.

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Scheduled Weekly Hours

Pay Range

The compensation range below reflects a good faith estimate of starting base pay for full time (40 hours per week) employment at the time of posting. The pay range may be higher or lower based on geographic location and individual pay will vary based on demonstrated job related skills, knowledge, experience, education, certifications, etc.

$104,000 - $143,000 per year

This job is eligible for a bonus incentive plan. This incentive opportunity is based upon company and/or individual performance.

Description of Benefits

Humana, Inc. and its affiliated subsidiaries (collectively, “Humana”) offers competitive benefits that support whole-person well-being. Associate benefits are designed to encourage personal wellness and smart healthcare decisions for you and your family while also knowing your life extends outside of work. Among our benefits, Humana provides medical, dental and vision benefits, 401(k) retirement savings plan, time off (including paid time off, company and personal holidays, volunteer time off, paid parental and caregiver leave), short-term and long-term disability, life insurance and many other opportunities.

Application Deadline: 09-27-2025

About us

Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) is committed to putting health first – for our teammates, our customers and our company. Through our Humana insurance services and CenterWell healthcare services, we make it easier for the millions of people we serve to achieve their best health – delivering the care and service they need, when they need it. These efforts are leading to a better quality of life for people with Medicare, Medicaid, families, individuals, military service personnel, and communities at large.

Equal Opportunity Employer

It is the policy of Humana not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability or veteran status. It is also the policy of Humana to take affirmative action to employ and to advance in employment, all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status, and to base all employment decisions only on valid job requirements. This policy shall apply to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, upgrading, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, recall, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation and selection for training, including apprenticeship, at all levels of employment.