[Hiring] Category Manager @Live Nation Entertainment

Role Description

The Category Manager, Technology on Live Nation's Global Procurement team is jointly responsible for strategically managing $250M+ in annual IT spend. This hands-on role leads procurement for stakeholders' highest-priority technology projects – reducing cost structurally and permanently where possible, while supporting stakeholders' broader strategic and operational objectives. The role also shares responsibility for strategic supplier management within the category.

What This Role Will Do

• Stakeholders & Sourcing:
  • Jointly develops overarching enterprise-wide procurement strategies for Live Nation's technology spend, primarily software/SaaS, telecom and networking, physical and cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, AI/ML platforms, and IT professional services.
  • Leads multiple simultaneous direct negotiations and full-lifecycle competitive sourcing events (e.g., RFPs) in a non-mandated environment.
  • Advises senior executives on negotiation strategy, supplier selection and qualification, and contracting approach; analyzes business, financial, and legal risk and develops practical mitigation options.
  • Identifies, quantifies, and captures cost reduction, cost avoidance, and other value opportunities across divisions and functions.
  • Partners with IT, Legal, Compliance, Privacy, Risk Management, Finance, and Operations to bring deals to closure.
• Suppliers:
  • Leads the commercial and operational contracting process for procurement projects, ensuring terms reflect Live Nation's business interests and policies.
  • Supports stakeholders’ efforts to manage and maintain ongoing supplier performance, contributing to development and negotiated implementation of solutions to service, quality, and commercial issues and disputes.
  • Represents Global Procurement with account representatives at Live Nation's incumbent technology suppliers.
• Team:
  • Performs additional duties as assigned, consistent with the nature and level of this role, as business needs evolve.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of progressively responsible experience in sourcing/procurement, supply chain, or operations transformation; top-tier consulting experience preferred.
• Proven track record of generating financial and operational value from procurement projects, ideally in a non-mandated environment; advanced influencing and negotiation skills.
• Working knowledge of one or more IT categories: software/SaaS, infrastructure, networking/telecom, cybersecurity, cloud economics, or IT professional services.
• Familiar with generative AI tools (e.g., Claude, ChatGPT) and comfortable validating AI-generated output rather than relying on it uncritically.
• Demonstrated project management skills; thrives self-directed in a fast-paced, matrixed environment with minimal supervision.
• Strong business acumen, including contract development and risk mitigation.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication; able to influence audiences from analysts to senior executives. Fluent English required.
• Experience with Oracle Fusion Cloud Procurement or a comparable source-to-pay platform (SAP Ariba, Coupa) preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree required (Master's preferred); candidates with an Associate's degree and a strong track record of significant professional experience will also be considered.

Benefits

• Health: Medical, vision, dental and mental health benefits for you and your family, with access to a health care concierge, and Flexible or Health Savings Accounts (FSA or HSA).
• Self: Free concert tickets, generous paid time off including paid holidays, sick time, and personal days.
• Wealth: 401(k) program with company match, stock reimbursement program.
• Family: New parent programs including caregiver leave and baby bonuses, plus fertility, adoption, foster, or surrogacy support.
• Career: Career and skill development programs with School of Live, tuition reimbursement, and student loan repayment.
• Others: Volunteer time off, crowdfunding match.