Global Category Manager - IT & Communications

Eaton is seeking a dynamic and strategic Global Category Manager – IT & Communications to lead the global sourcing strategy for IT and Communications categories. This senior-level role is based in Dublin, Ireland, and reports directly to the Vice President of Procurement. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and executing global category strategies, managing supplier relationships, driving cost optimization, and ensuring alignment with Eaton’s digital transformation and business objectives.

• Global Category Leadership: Lead the development and execution of global sourcing strategies for IT and Communications, including hardware, software, consulting services, and telecommunications.
• Supply Chain IT Commodity Management: Own and drive global and regional sourcing strategy for IT-related commodities, aligning with business needs and technology roadmaps; manage supplier sourcing, contract negotiation, and supplier performance across a ~$350M global spend.
• Contract Negotiation & Compliance: Lead negotiation and development of supplier contracts in compliance with company policies, ensuring contracts align with goals, mitigate risk, and deliver long-term value.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Partner with senior leaders in IT, Finance, Legal, and Business Units to ensure procurement strategies support enterprise objectives and stakeholder satisfaction.
• Supplier Relationship Management: Establish and manage strategic supplier partnerships, driving continuous improvement, innovation, and high performance.
• Team Leadership: Lead and mentor a global team of category professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and excellence.
• Cost Optimization & Value Creation: Identify and deliver cost savings, process efficiencies, and added value across the IT and Communications spend portfolio.
• Governance & Risk Management: Ensure adherence to procurement governance, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements, proactively managing supplier risk.
• Market Intelligence: Monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, and market dynamics to inform sourcing strategies and maintain a competitive advantage.

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA or Master’s degree in Supply Chain from an accredited institution
• Professional Supply Chain related certification (e.g. CPM, CPIM)
• 7-10+ years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing or category management, with a strong focus on IT and/or Communications

• Ability and willingness to objectively tackle complex high-level operational challenges using a practical combination of traditional and innovative methods
• Strong negotiation, contract, and stakeholder management skills
• Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and analytics tools
• Strategic thinker with a global mindset and collaborative leadership style

• Learning & development: tuition assistance, leadership programs, and career growth opportunities
• Inclusive culture: where diverse perspectives are valued and respected
• Sustainability commitment: work for a company that’s improving lives and the planet
• Global impact: be part of a team that powers industries, communities, and innovation worldwide