Category Manager

Idaho Power Company•Boise, ID

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

Idaho Power — located in vibrant Boise, Idaho — is looking for a Category Manager to join our Supply Chain Procurement team. It’s an exciting time to work for Idaho Power. Our work plays a critical role in communities we serve across Idaho and Oregon, and we’re working hard to safely provide our customers with the safe, reliable, affordable energy they depend on. While this position is based at Idaho Power’s downtown Boise location, we offer both flexible schedules and the opportunity to work up to 40% remote after a period of demonstrated proficiency in the role. What does a Category Manager do for us? This individual will develop, lead, and execute supply strategies to support Idaho Power's procurement objectives. They are responsible for source development, negotiations, contracts, and supplier management for assigned materials and services. They will develop strong strategic working relationships with internal customers and key suppliers to assure enterprise-wide cost, quality, risk, and service targets are met. They also help implement strategic activities for the entire Procurement operation, including the contracting, purchasing and supplier relationship teams. In addition to the meaningful work we do, we offer work-life balance, competitive pay and benefits, an employee incentive plan, and both a 401k employer-match and a pension plan, making Idaho Power one of the best employers in the state.

Requirements

Deep understanding of complex contract terms, ensuring compliance and risk mitigation in high-value agreements
Broad business acumen, adept at translating complex concepts into clear, actionable strategies for diverse audiences
Building strategic relationships with internal stakeholders and key suppliers to foster collaboration and long-term partnerships
Advanced analytical and negotiation skills, leveraging data insights to inform decisions and maximize category performance
Dynamic presentation and facilitation, skilled at aligning cross-functional teams to achieve shared objectives
Highly organized project leadership, managing multiple initiatives and competing priorities with precision and efficiency
Strong supplier relationship management, maintaining strategic partnerships that deliver measurable value
Successfully leading complex sourcing projects and programs, combining analytical rigor with innovative problem-solving
Strong strategic relationship building with both internal business partners and key suppliers
Design and execute innovative category strategies across diverse goods and service sectors to drive value and efficiency
Leverage deep market insights to build accurate cost models, forecasts, and forward-thinking sourcing strategies
Deliver data-driven purchasing recommendations through comprehensive cost analysis, scenario planning, and trend evaluation
Lead high-stakes negotiations with strategic suppliers to secure optimal pricing, terms, and service quality
Identify and capitalize on supplier opportunities that enhance performance and strengthen partnerships
Assess category risks proactively and implement robust mitigation strategies aligned with industry standards and compliance requirements
Transform contracts into operational success, ensuring seamless execution and measurable outcomes for key agreements
Optimize business processes, management time, use critical thinking, and decision-making to drive operational excellence
Lead and contribute to projects independently or as part of high-performing teams, ensuring successful delivery of objectives
Coordinate and review work across teams, driving accountability and quality outcomes
Communicate with clarity and influence, tailoring messages for diverse audiences and facilitating productive group discussions
Adapt quickly to shifting priorities, maintaining focus and delivering results under dynamic conditions
Analyze complex information to uncover trends and connections, applying insights to develop innovative solutions and actionable alternatives
Thrive in fast-paced, high-pressure environments, managing aggressive deadlines while maintaining composure and professionalism
Ask the tough questions and tackle challenging problems, fostering a culture of transparency and continuous improvement
Apply exceptional analytical and strategic thinking, turning data into decisions that drive business success
Build trust with key stakeholders, aligning priorities and securing buy-in for critical initiatives
Bachelor's degree OR An equivalent combination of education and experience
7 years related work experience including 5 years recent experience in corporate operations, procurement or contracting fields

Nice To Haves

Masters degree in business, supply chain, or related field
3 years of project management or other demonstrated leadership experience
3 years of demonstrated success leading complex contract strategies in the Utility Industry
5 years recent experience in category management in the Utility Industry

Responsibilities

Develop, lead, and execute supply strategies to support Idaho Power's procurement objectives.
Responsible for source development, negotiations, contracts, and supplier management for assigned materials and services.
Develop strong strategic working relationships with internal customers and key suppliers to assure enterprise-wide cost, quality, risk, and service targets are met.
Help implement strategic activities for the entire Procurement operation, including the contracting, purchasing and supplier relationship teams.