Procurement Category Manager - Professional Services

About Us:

Proofpoint is a global leader in human- and agent-centric cybersecurity. We protect how people, data, and AI agents connect across email, cloud, and collaboration tools. Over 80 of the Fortune 100, 10,000 large enterprises, and millions of smaller organizations trust Proofpoint to stop threats, prevent data loss, and build resilience across their people and AI workflows. Our mission is simple: safeguard the digital world and empower people to work securely and confidently. Join us in our pursuit to defend data and protect people.

How We Work:

At Proofpoint you’ll be part of a global team that breaks barriers to redefine cybersecurity guided by our BRAVE core values: 

Bold in how we dream and innovate

Responsive to feedback, challenges and opportunities

Accountable for results and best in class outcomes

Visionary in future focused problem-solving

Exceptional in execution and impact

The role

We are seeking a Procurement Category Manager to join our dynamic Procurement team.

As the Procurement Category Manager at Proofpoint, you will lead category management, sourcing, contracting, and supplier performance across Corporate and Professional Services (PS), and Contingent Workforce, with support across broader Corporate spend as required.

This role partners closely with stakeholders, Legal, Finance, and specialist teams to deliver commercial value, manage risk, and ensure disciplined execution across these categories.

The successful candidate will bring strong commercial judgement, negotiation capability, contract fluency, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to balance cost, speed, quality, and risk.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end sourcing projects, RFPs/RFIs, negotiations, renewals, and supplier management activity across Professional Services and Contingent Workforce, with support across broader Corporate categories where required.
• Partner with business stakeholders and functional teams to understand demand, define requirements, and build sourcing and category strategies aligned to business priorities.
• Develop and maintain category plans, supplier strategies, and renewal pipelines focused on value delivery, risk mitigation, and continuity of supply.
• Provide credible commercial guidance to stakeholders and senior leaders, ensuring alignment on sourcing approach, negotiation strategy, and supplier decisions.
• Conduct market analysis and benchmarking to inform category strategies, supplier selection, and commercial negotiations.
• Negotiate and execute commercial agreements, statements of work, order forms, SLAs, amendments, and other contractual documents in partnership with Legal.
• Monitor supplier compliance with agreed pricing schedules, rate cards, contractual terms, and service levels, and support remediation where required.
• Support business owners through downstream processes, including contracting, purchase execution, supplier onboarding, and Finance coordination for accurate coding and timely payment.
• Drive savings, cost avoidance, demand management, and process improvement initiatives across the category portfolio.
• Proactively manage renewals and competitive events, identifying opportunities to consolidate suppliers, improve service, and strengthen commercial outcomes.
• Monitor supplier performance and risk, run governance where appropriate, and support issue resolution and escalation management with key partners.
• Provide guidance to stakeholders on service models, specifications, and statements of work to support clear requirements and stronger commercial outcomes.
• Contribute to team priorities, ad hoc projects, and continuous improvement across the Procurement function.
• Support and embed company procurement policies, processes, and controls, with particular emphasis on consulting, workforce, and PS-related activity.

Qualifications

• Experience in procurement, category management, strategic sourcing, vendor management, or a related commercial role, with direct experience in Professional Services, Contingent Workforce, or closely related categories.
• Bachelor’s degree or professional qualification in procurement, business, management, or a related field.
• Strong negotiation and contracting skills, with a proven track record of delivering commercial value and securing favorable terms and conditions.
• Strong analytical capability, with the ability to interpret data, assess trade-offs, and communicate clear recommendations to stakeholders.
• Experience leading cross-functional projects and influencing stakeholders across Legal, Finance, business teams, and senior leadership.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, changing environment

Why Proofpoint?

At Proofpoint, we believe that an exceptional career experience includes a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. Here are just a few reasons you’ll love working with us:

• Competitive compensation

• Comprehensive benefits

• Career success on your terms

• Flexible work environment

• Annual wellness and community outreach days

• Always on recognition for your contributions

• Global collaboration and networking opportunities

Our Culture:

Our culture is rooted in values that inspire belonging, empower purpose and drive success-every day, for everyone.

We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. If you need accommodation during the application or interview process, please reach out to accessibility@proofpoint.com.

How to Apply

Interested? Submit your application along with any supporting information- we can’t wait to hear from you!