Category Manager, Marketing

<div class="content-intro"><p><strong>Secure Every Identity, from AI to Human<br><br></strong>Identity is the key to unlocking the potential of AI. Okta secures AI by building the trusted, neutral infrastructure that enables organizations to safely embrace this new era. This work requires a relentless drive to solve complex challenges with real-world stakes. We are looking for builders and owners who operate with speed and urgency and execute with excellence.<br><br>This is an opportunity to do career-defining work. We're all in on this mission. If you are too, let's talk.</p></div><p>Okta’s Strategic Sourcing and Procurement (SS&amp;P) team is looking for an experienced Category Manager to support and lead sourcing activities for our Marketing spend globally. The primary objective of this position is to maximize value, minimize risk, and ensure our marketing team has the supplier support it needs to succeed.</p> <p>In this role, you will be a trusted partner to our Marketing stakeholders, helping to standardize and streamline procurement processes. You will be responsible for developing and executing the sourcing strategy for the Marketing category, leading complex negotiations, and driving cost-saving initiatives while maintaining service quality.</p> <p>We are looking for a proactive, organized, and collaborative individual who works well in a fast-paced environment. This role will report to the Manager, Strategic Sourcing -&nbsp; Marketing. The is a&nbsp; hybrid role (2 days a week in office) and must be based in either&nbsp; Bellevue, WA, or the San Francisco Bay Area.</p> <h3><strong>Key Responsibilities:</strong></h3> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td> <p>Responsibility</p> </td> <td> <p>Description</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p>Category Strategy &amp; Planning</p> </td> <td> <p>Develop and execute proactive sourcing strategies for the Marketing category, working closely with functional groups to understand their long-term needs and deliver tangible value.</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p>Sourcing &amp; Project Management</p> </td> <td> <p>Manage the entire lifecycle of sourcing projects from end-to-end, including conducting RFIs, RFPs, and market assessments to lead supplier selection activities.</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p>Contract Negotiation</p> </td> <td> <p>Lead commercial term negotiations for project-level agreements (Statements of Work, Order Forms) and partner with Legal on Master Service Agreements (MSAs), ensuring favorable terms and compliance.</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p>Cost Optimization</p> </td> <td> <p>Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities through strategic negotiations and process improvements. Develop and track KPIs to measure savings and value.</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p>Stakeholder Partnership</p> </td> <td> <p>Build strong relationships with Marketing stakeholders to understand their objectives and align procurement initiatives with their business requirements, guiding them through the entire sourcing process.</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p>Supplier Relationship Management</p> </td> <td> <p>Build and maintain strong relationships with key Marketing suppliers, ensuring they meet performance expectations, quality standards, and contractual agreements.</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p>Process, Governance &amp; Compliance</p> </td> <td> <p>Ensure adherence to Okta’s SS&amp;P policies and procedures. Help develop and implement governance to drive performance, mitigate risk, and improve operational efficiency.</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p>Data Analysis &amp; Reporting</p> </td> <td> <p>Conduct internal and external data analysis to provide clear, actionable insights. Regularly update leadership on strategy progress, savings, and market trends.</p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p><strong>Qualifications:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Finance, or a related field.</li> <li>Minimum of 3+ years of experience in strategic sourcing and procurement, with experience in Marketing including Creative &amp; Brand, PR/Communications, Swag, Paid Media, Web Marketing and Events</li> <li>Proven ability to lead contract and commercial term negotiations independently.</l