Category Manager (Travel Program)

American Electric Power•Columbus, OH

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. Enhance traveler experience through communications, training initiatives, and responding to internal traveler inquiries. Develop, implement, and continuously improve the company's travel program, policies, and procedures to align with business objectives and traveler needs. Manage relationships and performance of travel management companies (TMCs), airlines, hotels, car rental providers, and other travel-related suppliers. Lead strategic sourcing, contract negotiations, and supplier review processes to optimize service levels, compliance, and total travel spend.

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 travel management companies (TMCs), online booking tools, and travel technology platforms.
Familiarity with SAP Concur, American Express Global Business Travel, Navan, CWT, or similar travel management solutions.
Experience leading travel technology implementations and process improvement initiatives.
Experience managing a travel program for a large, multi-state organization.
Strong change management and stakeholder engagement capabilities.

Responsibilities

Act as lead for assigned Procurement projects and sourcing categories.
Provide leadership to team members in strategic areas including sourcing, procurement, contracts, supplier relationship management, inventory management and material standardization.
Develop, negotiate, execute and maintain strategic sourcing agreements.
Identify cost reduction opportunities and capture Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) savings.
Manage project-driven sourcing activities for high-spend, high-impact, and complex categories.
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 support shared business objectives and business unit partner needs.
Ensure corporate spend and savings goals are incorporated into the sourcing strategy and contracts.
Develop and manage metrics/measurements to record progress and actions related to program processes.
Enhance traveler experience through communications, training initiatives, and responding to internal traveler inquiries.
Develop, implement, and continuously improve the company's travel program, policies, and procedures.
Manage relationships and performance of travel management companies (TMCs), airlines, hotels, car rental providers, and other travel-related suppliers.
Lead strategic sourcing, contract negotiations, and supplier review processes.