Principal Category Manager

Houston, TX · Canonsburg, PAFull-time$134k–$185kPosted Jul 22, 2026

POSITION TITLE: Principal Category Manager (P5)

For more than three decades, Crown Castle has led the way in shared communications infrastructure, delivering profitable solutions by connecting communities, businesses, and people, and enabling each to thrive with reliable access to voice and data in more places, faster than ever before. When you join Crown Castle, you become part of a dynamic team of passionate and collaborative professionals engaging in complex challenges and contributing to projects that shape the future of life and work.

ABOUT THE ROLE
The Principal Category Manager – Indirect Sourcing is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies across indirect spend categories, with a primary focus on enterprise software, technology, and professional services. This role leads complex negotiations with strategic suppliers, drives cost savings and risk mitigation initiatives, and serves as a trusted advisor to business stakeholders.

In addition to managing a portfolio of critical suppliers and contracts, this position provides leadership, coaching, and development for a team of Category Managers and Senior Category Managers, helping drive sourcing excellence across the organization.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Manage strategic indirect spend categories, including software, , IT, legal, fleet, utilities, marketing, and professional services.
Lead complex negotiations and commercial discussions with key suppliers, including Microsoft, Oracle, ServiceNow, and other enterprise technology providers.
Develop and execute category strategies that support business objectives while optimizing cost, risk, and supplier performance.
Partner with Legal, Finance, IT, Security, and business leaders to negotiate and execute contracts.
Lead RFX events, supplier evaluations, bid analyses, and sourcing recommendations utilizing Coupa and other sourcing tools.
Manage supplier relationships, business reviews, and performance improvement initiatives.
Identify and deliver savings, cost avoidance, and value creation opportunities.
Coach and develop a team of indirect sourcing professionals while providing guidance on sourcing strategy, negotiations, and stakeholder engagement.
Drive compliance with procurement policies, contract management processes, and supplier governance requirements.

Experience / Minimum Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Business, Supply Chain, Finance, Information Systems, or a related field.
8+ years of indirect strategic sourcing, procurement, or category management experience.
Significant experience negotiating enterprise software, SaaS, cloud, telecommunications, IT, and professional services agreements.
Demonstrated success leading complex commercial negotiations with strategic suppliers, including providers such as Microsoft, Oracle, ServiceNow, and similar enterprise technology vendors.
Experience drafting, negotiating, and redlining master services agreements, software licensing agreements, SaaS agreements, statements of work, and related commercial contracts.
Experience developing and executing category strategies that deliver measurable cost savings, cost avoidance, and supplier performance improvements.
Strong financial and analytical skills, including business case development, total cost of ownership analysis, and supplier evaluation.
Experience using Coupa (or similar source-to-pay and spend management platforms) for sourcing events, contract management, supplier management, and procurement analytics.
Familiarity with supplier onboarding, compliance, and risk management platforms such as Avetta.
Experience building effective partnerships with Legal, Finance, IT, Cybersecurity, and business stakeholders.
Prior experience coaching, mentoring, or managing Category Managers and sourcing professionals.
Excellent communication, negotiation, stakeholder management, and influencing skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and drive results in a fast-paced environment.

Organizational Relationship

Reports To: Director, Supply Chain

Titles of Direct Reports: Sr Category Manager, Category Manager, Sr Buyer, Supply Chain Manager

Where You Will Work
This role falls into our hybrid work model working in the office on Monday through Thursday. On Fridays, teammates have the option to work from the office or home. There is an expectation of collaboration with teammates and stakeholders for moments that matter that could require travel.

YOUR COMPANY BENEFITS
At Crown Castle, we do our best to ensure you have access to the resources you need to live a healthy and happy life no matter where you are in life. Our benefits are built around your individual needs, covering physical, mental, and financial health and designed to enhance your quality of life.

We are proud to offer a full suite of health and wealth benefits for you and your loved ones. Below are a few of the key highlights of the many benefits we provide.

Comprehensive healthcare plans with highly company subsidized premiums and up to $2,000 annual company contribution to your Health Savings Account (HSA base plan for employee and dependents).
Market-leading 401(k) plan, which includes up to 10% company contributions through our 5% match and 5% profit sharing program (based on employee contributions).
New-child leave up to 8 weeks of 100% paid leave upon birth or legal adoption of a new child. Birth mothers are eligible for up to 8 weeks of additional 100% paid medical leave.
Tuition reimbursement up to $5,250 per year of eligible tuition and fees.
Crown Castle scholarship program awarding up to $10,000 per recipient each year for eligible dependent children of employees and interns.
Matching charitable contributions to qualified charitable organizations of up to $1,000 per year per teammate.
Generous paid time-off for eligible full-time employees (minimum 18 days per year based on years of service).
10 company holidays plus 2 floating holiday.
All offices provide free beverages and snacks.

Compensation
The salary range offered for this position is $134400 - $184800 annually. A candidate's offer is determined by various factors including but not limited to, depth of experience, role-related knowledge and skills, relevant education or training, internal alignment, and work location. Depending on the position offered, the compensation package may also include incentive compensation opportunities in the form of a discretionary annual cash bonus or commissions, and equity incentives.

Additional Information
If you are interested in joining our team, please visit the Crown Castle careers site to apply. We do not accept resumes from agencies, headhunters, or other third-party suppliers who have not signed a formal agreement with us. This position will remain posted until filled.