Category Manager (Technology)

American Electric Power•Columbus, OH

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Act as lead for assigned Procurement projects and sourcing categories. Oversee the specific projects and sourcing categories by providing leadership to team members in a variety of strategic areas including sourcing, procurement, contracts, supplier relationship management, inventory management and material standardization. Highly advanced level of knowledge and responsibility for developing, negotiating, executing and maintaining strategic sourcing agreements for specific categories for the procurement of materials, equipment and/or services used by AEP internal customers. This position will identify cost reduction opportunities and capture real Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) savings (direct or indirect) by aggregating sourcing volumes. This position’s primary responsibility is to manage project-driven sourcing activities for a variety of market baskets that are normally associated with high-spend, high-impact, and often complex categories across multiple business unit stakeholders. Develop and implement strategies to achieve corporate savings goals. Establish effective relationships and work collaboratively with Business Unit customers, and suppliers to maintain customer satisfaction. Interface with Business Unit leadership to report ongoing progress to goals. Champion new initiatives that will support shared business objectives, support the business unit partner's needs, and enable the company to efficiently operate in a competitive and changing environment. Strategies will be developed in a collaborative effort between Supply Chain, Procurement, and the various Business Units and Operating Companies impacted by the program. Ensure corporate spend and savings goals are incorporated into the sourcing strategy and contracts. Develop and manage metrics/measurements to record the progress and actions related to the program processes. Responsible for the strategic sourcing, contracting, and supplier management of enterprise software, SaaS, digital solutions, and technology services. Partners with business leaders and technology teams to evaluate, negotiate, and manage technology investments while driving commercial value, mitigating risk, supporting operational and customer-facing technology initiatives, and ensuring alignment with enterprise architecture, cybersecurity, regulatory, and financial objectives.

Requirements

Bachelor Degree in Supply Management/Logistics, Business Administration, Engineering or related fields of study.
5 years in Supply Chain / Fleet or related experience.
Experience working with technology and professional service suppliers.
Experience partnering with business and technology leaders to anticipate demand, develop sourcing strategies and manage technology investments.
Experience with supplier relationships, governance and category planning to deliver value, manage risk and supporting enterprise technology roadmaps.
Experience managing an IT and OT category across a large, multi-state organization.
Strong change management and stakeholder engagement capabilities.

Responsibilities

Act as lead for assigned Procurement projects and sourcing categories.
Oversee specific projects and sourcing categories by providing leadership to team members.
Develop, negotiate, execute and maintain strategic sourcing agreements for specific categories.
Identify cost reduction opportunities and capture real Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) savings.
Manage project-driven sourcing activities for a variety of market baskets.
Develop and implement strategies to achieve corporate savings goals.
Establish effective relationships and work collaboratively with Business Unit customers, and suppliers.
Interface with Business Unit leadership to report ongoing progress to goals.
Champion new initiatives that will support shared business objectives.
Ensure corporate spend and savings goals are incorporated into the sourcing strategy and contracts.
Develop and manage metrics/measurements to record the progress and actions related to the program processes.
Responsible for the strategic sourcing, contracting, and supplier management of enterprise software, SaaS, digital solutions, and technology services.
Partner with business leaders and technology teams to evaluate, negotiate, and manage technology investments.
Drive commercial value, mitigate risk, and support operational and customer-facing technology initiatives.
Ensure alignment with enterprise architecture, cybersecurity, regulatory, and financial objectives.