Category Lead I

EPRI•Charlotte, NC

7d•Onsite

About The Position

This role is responsible for negotiating sourcing agreements, managing vendor relationships, analyzing market trends, and developing category acquisition strategies. The Category Lead I will work under guidance to ensure business needs and compliance are met, negotiate favorable economic terms, and track cost savings. They will also identify strategic vendors, monitor vendor performance, and resolve non-compliance issues. Additionally, the role involves staying updated on industry trends, developing category strategies, and collaborating with internal clients and stakeholders to improve operational efficiency.

Requirements

2+ years of relevant experience in supply chain, vendor administration, 3rd party contract negotiations or supplier diversity
Undergraduate degree or commensurate experience, preferably in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration Paralegal, or a related field.
Some understanding of, and experience negotiating commercial acquisition terms and conditions – with the ability to use/draft basic agreement prose
Basic understanding of the generic procure-to-pay process
Outstanding listening, and oral and written communication skills
Familiar with applicable rules, regulations and norms as they apply to acquisitions (i.e., independent contractor status classifications, internal controls and fraud prevention, etc.)
Self-starter capable of working independently, managing deadlines and competing workloads, making informed decisions and seeking advice/decisions from others when needed
Diplomatic, collaborative relationship builder
Strong organizational, problem solving and interpersonal skills
Experience working with data (analysis, clean-up, presentation)

Nice To Haves

Certified Purchasing Professional Designation a plus
Knowledge of a category industry is a plus
Experience working with an ERP system (SAP MM, SRM are desirable, but familiarity with other systems is also a plus)

Responsibilities

Negotiates sourcing agreements and acquisition terms, understanding contract risk and ensuring business needs and compliance are met.
Negotiates favorable economic value with a “total cost” perspective, tracking and reporting cost savings and avoidance.
Evaluates financial proposals and brings to manager’s attention sources with poor financial performance.
Supports the development of a risk analysis matrix for moderate and high-risk arrangements.
Identifies strategic vendors and assists in the development of a continuity-of-business plan with alternate sources of supply.
Monitors vendor performance and engages with strategic vendors to develop collaborative relationships and align objectives.
Identifies opportunities for consolidation of supply base and RFX opportunities.
Conducts RFX events and ensures objective, documented contract awards.
Formulates business cases with objective information/data.
Resolves vendor non-compliance and brings to manager’s attention cases requiring dispute resolution.
Keeps updated on trends in industries related to assigned category and developments in other parts of the organization that have impact on acquisitions/procurement.
Surveys market conditions and identifies, makes recommendations and aids in the selection of, best sources of supply.
Develops category acquisition strategies, monitors, and reports progress.
Helps manage organizational change that results from implementation of category-based acquisition strategies.
Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with internal clients and stakeholders.
Reviews acquisition scopes for value and compliance.
Develops ideas and strategies to improve operational efficiency.
Participates in special projects and assumes other duties as assigned.