Category Lead - Intermediate - VF

DTI•Columbus, OH

16h•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced Category Lead to support strategic sourcing and supplier relationship management initiatives for a leading public utility organization. This role is responsible for leading enterprise sourcing projects, managing supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, analyzing spend data, and partnering with cross-functional stakeholders to deliver measurable business value. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical, negotiation, supplier management, and project leadership skills with experience driving sourcing strategies and category performance.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience
Experience in strategic sourcing, category management, procurement, or supply chain
Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive business results
Strong analytical, financial, and problem-solving skills
Experience negotiating supplier contracts and commercial agreements
Ability to build strong stakeholder relationships and influence decision-making
Excellent communication and presentation skills
Strong project management and organizational abilities
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple priorities
Strategic Sourcing
Category Management
Supplier Relationship Management (SRM)
Contract Negotiation
Procurement
Supply Chain
Spend Analysis
Cost Modeling
Financial Analysis
Project Management
Stakeholder Management
Vendor Management
Data Analysis
Cross-functional Leadership
Microsoft Excel

Nice To Haves

Experience managing large supplier agreements
Experience working within a Shared Services organization
Utility industry supply chain or procurement experience
Knowledge of category management methodologies and strategic sourcing best practices

Responsibilities

Lead strategic sourcing initiatives from planning through contract execution
Develop and execute category management strategies to improve supplier performance and reduce total cost of ownership
Analyze spend data, market trends, supplier performance, and cost models to identify sourcing opportunities
Build business cases and present recommendations to leadership and stakeholders
Lead cross-functional sourcing and category management teams
Facilitate supplier negotiations, contract renewals, and commercial discussions
Develop and maintain supplier relationships, including managing critical suppliers and conducting Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs)
Monitor supplier performance metrics and implement continuous improvement initiatives
Collaborate with internal business partners to define sourcing requirements and priorities
Develop category forecasts, savings targets, and performance improvement plans
Manage sourcing and category-related projects from initiation through implementation
Resolve supplier issues and ensure contract compliance
Drive stakeholder alignment and consensus throughout sourcing initiatives