Category Sourcing Manager, Marketing

Position Overview
Okta’s Strategic Sourcing and Procurement (SS&P) team is looking for an experienced Category Manager to support and lead sourcing activities for our Marketing spend globally. The primary objective is to maximize value, minimize risk, and ensure our marketing team has the supplier support it needs to succeed.

In this role, you will be a trusted partner to our Marketing stakeholders, helping to standardize and streamline procurement processes. You will develop and execute the sourcing strategy for the Marketing category, lead complex negotiations, and drive cost‑saving initiatives while maintaining service quality.

Key Responsibilities

Category strategy & planning: 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.

Sourcing & project management: manage the entire lifecycle of sourcing projects from end‑to‑end, including conducting RFIs, RFPs, and market assessments to lead supplier selection activities.

Contract negotiation: 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.

Cost optimization: identify and implement cost‑saving opportunities through strategic negotiations and process improvements. Develop and track KPIs to measure savings and value.

Stakeholder partnership: 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.

Supplier relationship management: build and maintain strong relationships with key Marketing suppliers, ensuring they meet performance expectations, quality standards, and contractual agreements.

Process, governance & compliance: ensure adherence to Okta’s SS&P policies and procedures. Help develop and implement governance to drive performance, mitigate risk, and improve operational efficiency.

Data analysis & reporting: conduct internal and external data analysis to provide clear, actionable insights. Regularly update leadership on strategy progress, savings, and market trends.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Finance, or a related field.

Minimum of 3+ years of experience in strategic sourcing and procurement, with experience in Marketing including Creative & Brand, PR/Communications, Swag, Paid Media, Web Marketing and Events.

Proven ability to lead contract and commercial term negotiations independently.

Experience managing multiple projects in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.

Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and project management skills.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross‑functional teams.

Familiarity with the procure‑to‑pay process and proficiency in tools like Google Workspace and MS Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint).

Preferred Qualifications

Professional certifications such as CSCP, CPSM, or CPIM.

Strong negotiation skills and experience in leading negotiations across various services and indirect categories.

Independently run and manage RFPs.

Ability to be responsible for multiple projects with tight target dates.

Familiarity with the procure‑to‑pay process and vendor management principles.

Excellent project management and time management skills.

Proficiency with analytics and reporting.

Experience with ERP and financial systems. Familiarity with Coupa, Workday/ScoutRFP is a plus.

Location & Work Arrangement
Hybrid role (2 days a week in office) based in Bellevue, WA, or the San Francisco Bay Area.

Compensation and Benefits
Salary ranges:

San Francisco Bay Area

$100,000 - $137,500 USD.

Other locations

$90,000 - $123,200 USD (California excluding Bay Area, Colorado, Illinois, New York, and Washington). The annual base salary will depend on factors such as your skills, qualifications, experience, and work location. Okta offers equity (where applicable), bonus, and benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k), flexible spending account, paid leave (including PTO and parental leave) in accordance with our applicable plans and policies.

Benefits also include support for employee well‑being, social impact initiatives, and talent development. The Okta Experience includes:

Supporting Your Well‑Being

Driving Social Impact

Developing Talent and Fostering Connection + Community

Equal Opportunity Employer
Okta is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, marital status, age, physical or mental disability, or status as a protected veteran. We also consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and convictions records, consistent with applicable laws.

If reasonable accommodation is needed to complete any part of the job application, interview process, or onboarding please use this Form to request an accommodation.

Notice for New York City Applicants & Employees: Okta may use Automated Employment Decision Tools (AEDT) as defined by New York City Local Law 144, that use artificial intelligence, machine learning, or other automated processes to assist in our recruitment and hiring process. In accordance with NYC Local Law 144, if you are an applicant or employee residing in New York City, please click here to view our full NYC AEDT Notice.

Okta is committed to complying with applicable data privacy and security laws and regulations. For more information, please see our Personnel and Job Candidate Privacy Notice at https://www.okta.com/legal/personnel-policy/.

#J-18808-Ljbffr