Category Manager

Pay Grade

16

Deadline to Apply: April 21, 2025

Position Summary

The Category Manager will be responsible for ensuring consistent management of all assigned sourcing events and contract development efforts for an assigned set of business units. This generally includes procurement planning with all assigned business units, execution and oversight of the contract development process, development of specific standards and documentation for solicitations, contract negotiations and document management. The category manager’s role in the contract development process requires close collaboration with various departments, including legal, finance, risk, safety, environmental, information technology, security, and all directly assigned business units. 
 

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Coordinates & administers new & existing materials &/or services contracts.
• Analyzes & documents contract development, negotiations, & execution trends so that continuous improvement of contract structure & spend is facilitated.
• Liaise regularly with assigned business units and facilitate meetings with key contract stakeholders to properly scope new contracts, determine strategic contracting opportunities, and develop procurement documents with each assigned business unit.
• Build strong relationships with customers and ensure customer satisfaction. 
• Implement category and commodity strategies to optimize business efficiency and leverage economies of scale.
• Execute elements of the overall operations category strategy and acquisition planning to ensure service delivery improvements.
• Provide supplier reconnaissance and supplier relationship management within assigned categories. 
• Develop and maintain expert knowledge of respective supply markets, competitors, and product innovations.
• Perform procurement reporting and analysis of management information to identify potential improvement opportunities. 
• Identify innovative procurement solutions that provide financial savings and process efficiencies for the organization. 
• Address vendor issues to ensure the highest level of service delivery.
• Facilitate implementation of procurement change initiatives within assigned categories to improve business performance. 
• Facilitate development of contractual documents (statements of work, solicitation documents, evaluation matrices, and forms) with internal customers. 
• Develop & continuously improve work processes & efficiencies, as well as provide management support & interface with management at all levels, including executives.
• Maintain status, priority, and development history for all purchase requisitions for each assigned business unit and share the information regularly with key stakeholders.
• Support all bid and proposal evaluations along with the business unit stakeholder/s and the assigned Procurement Analyst for all contracts in each assigned business unit.
• Identify opportunities to combine contracts with multiple business units that improve procurement and contract management efficiencies. 
• Use appropriate interpersonal skills & communication methods to build constructive relationships with employees, customers, suppliers, business units, & other stakeholders to meet shared goals & objectives.
• Collaborate with internal customers (including Legal, Finance, Risk Management, Safety & Security, Environmental Operations, Information Technology, Business Customers, etc.) in developing the necessary contracts & negotiating key terms and conditions.
• Assess the cost and risks of various contract provisions as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
   

Minimum Skills

Minimum Knowledge and Abilities

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters’ degree.
• Extensive experience with financial and operational analytical support.
• Extensive experience with administration of applications.
• Extensive knowledge and experience in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word.
• Proficient in SAP and Microsoft Project.
• Relative experience in supporting utility construction and maintenance.

Competencies

Minimum Education

Required Certifications

Working Environment

Physical Demands