Michelle Rowland
Naperville
Summary
Professional category management expert with proven ability to drive strategic sourcing and optimize procurement processes. Strong focus on team collaboration, delivering results, and adapting to changing needs. Skilled in vendor negotiation, market analysis, and budget management. Known for reliability, effective communication, and leadership in multifaceted environments.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Sr. Category Manager IV, Device Procurement
UScellular, LLC
12.2022 - 08.2025
- Negotiated, executed, and managed contracts and relationships for Connected Device and Device Services across multiple high-value supplier accounts.
- Oversaw strategic partnerships with major vendors, including Apple Inc., Assurant Inc., Asurion LLC, Nokia of America Corporation, Google Inc., and Motorola Inc.
- Led cross-functional sourcing teams to drive procurement initiatives; developed RFx documents and scoring models, conducted vendor evaluations, and established SLAs.
- Built and maintained strong relationships with internal stakeholders including Operations, Legal, Accounting, and Finance, ensuring alignment and seamless execution of sourcing strategies.
- Designed and implemented new processes and procedures to restructure and optimize the Device Procurement Team’s operations and acted as a mentor to two Category Managers on my team.
Category Manager III, Small Cells
UScellular, LLC
03.2020 - 12.2022
- Negotiate and execute Master License Agreements and Supplemental License Agreements for the Small Cell Program with utility companies and municipalities for right-of-way access and collocations.
- Manage site acquisition vendors assigned to acquire right-of-way access for Small Cell deployment.
- Created and implemented processes and procedures for the development of the USCC Small Cell Program.
- Created and present site acquisition training for third party vendors on a quarterly basis.
- Perform analyses of small cell category, spend, financial and industry data to identify sourcing and cost savings opportunities.
Right-of-Way Agent
Atwell, LLC
09.2019 - 03.2020
- Title research, including, but not limited to, tax card research and retrieval, onsite and online title research and reporting, preparation of Vesting and Marketable Title files and posting of said files according to established project procedures.
- Performs property negotiations for the acquisition and disposition of property rights as necessary.
- Represent the client in complex negotiations with property owners and attorneys.
Permitting Manager, Small Cells
Mobilitie, LLC
06.2016 - 12.2019
- Maintain relationships with over 250 municipalities in Illinois, Indiana and Florida and manage all aspects of complying with conditions of approvals from municipalities for installation, operation and maintenance of facilities and networks.
- Work with permit agencies/joint pole/structure owner(s) and other 3rd parties to obtain permits for wireless backhaul equipment.
- Collaborated with jurisdictional staff and elected officials to develop policies and processes for the deployment of telecommunications networks in the public rights-of-way for top markets.
- Evaluated local municipal codes in over 200 jurisdictions, working to recommend ordinance changes and communicating those changes effectively with internal teams and local representatives.
- Interacted directly with city representatives to draft and efficiently implement policies, providing insight in order to streamline legislative processes.
- Earned recognition from management for outstanding contributions in external stakeholder relationships, demonstrating dedication and leadership in a variety of challenging circumstances.
- Reviewed and updated presentations and organizational messaging to keep pace with project updates.
- Ensured consistent compliance with local policies for organizational lobbying efforts.
Land Project Manager
Contract Land Staff, LLC
06.2010 - 06.2017
- Perform dual roles as the Project Manager and Project Coordinator.
- Oversee the day to day right-of-way field staff on various pipeline projects in-house through field staff training, site visits, regulatory coordination, and reporting meetings with upper management and legal counsel.
- Draft legal agreements and coordinate support for reviewing and negotiating legal terms and conditions with third parties in right-of-way acquisition efforts.
- Prepare project budgets for right-of-way acquisitions and budgets for contractor services associate with each project.
- Member of the Client Response Team that worked to ensure that various special requests of the client were met with accuracy and ease.
- Review project control documents to ensure they are compliant with client and project standards.
Document Specialist
Gilcrease and Partners, LLC
09.2008 - 06.2010
- Reviewed tract specific Construction Stipulations on all easements, created a Microsoft Access Database and Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet to update and manage any construction stipulations and distributed same to Right of Way Agents, Construction Team, Civil Engineers and Environmental Specialists.
- Calculated and created all first written offer letters to all non-negotiated land owners prior to condemnation, based on Real Estate Land Appraisal reports and Survey and Sketch Plats.
Education
Bachelor of Science (BS) - Political Science
Illinois State University
Normal, IL05.2007
Skills
- Supplier contracts
- Supplier relationship management
- Category planning
- Negotiation expertise
- Strategic sourcing
- Supplier reviews
- Risk mitigation
Affiliations
- International Right of Way Association 2010-Present
- Women in Technology 2023-Present
- Association of Supply Chain Management 2022-Present
Timeline
Sr. Category Manager IV, Device Procurement
UScellular, LLC
12.2022 - 08.2025
Category Manager III, Small Cells
UScellular, LLC
03.2020 - 12.2022
Right-of-Way Agent
Atwell, LLC
09.2019 - 03.2020
Permitting Manager, Small Cells
Mobilitie, LLC
06.2016 - 12.2019
Land Project Manager
Contract Land Staff, LLC
06.2010 - 06.2017
Document Specialist
Gilcrease and Partners, LLC
09.2008 - 06.2010
Bachelor of Science (BS) - Political Science
Illinois State University
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