Category Manager - Indirect Spend

Atmos Energy•Dallas, TX

8d•Onsite

About The Position

This role is responsible for developing and executing category-specific purchasing strategies that align with the company's overall business goals. The Category Manager will build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, evaluate their performance, and negotiate contracts, terms, and prices. This position also involves conducting market research, ensuring compliance with company policies and regulations, monitoring and controlling supply chain expenses, and collaborating with internal stakeholders. The Category Manager will track key performance indicators and resolve supply chain-related issues.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.
Minimum of 4 years of experience in procurement.
Gas utility experience will be considered in lieu of procurement experience.
Ability to develop and maintain effective business relationships with internal clients as well as supplier representatives.
Ability to communicate with internal and external customers in order to obtain and provide explanations and information.
Proficient in commonly used reporting and statistical analysis methods/tools.
Ability to perform analyses involving ratios, percentages and simple statistical methods.
Intermediate computer skills for economic analysis (e.g. MS Excel) and correspondence (e.g. MS Word).
Knowledge of purchasing and inventory control databases such as Oracle, SAP, etc and associated applications used to mine data or other information from these sources.

Nice To Haves

A Masters degree or professional certification (e.g., CPM, CPSM) is preferred.

Responsibilities

Create and execute category-specific purchasing strategies that align with the company's overall business goals.
Execute RFP/RFQ’s to support category strategy.
Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, evaluate their performance, and negotiate contracts, terms, and prices.
Conduct market research to identify potential suppliers and stay updated on market trends and pricing.
Assure all procurement activities comply with company policies and industry regulations.
Maintain accurate records of purchases, contracts, and supplier performance.
Monitor and control supply chain expenses to stay within budget.
Implement cost-saving initiatives and strategies to improve efficiency.
Understand macroeconomic shifts (inflation, tariffs, etc.) and the impact on pricing and budgets.
Work closely with internal stakeholders, including engineering, operations, and finance teams, to understand procurement needs and assure alignment with project requirements.
Track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to procurement activities, such as cost savings, supplier performance, and inventory levels.
Address and resolve supply chain-related issues and disputes with suppliers promptly.