Category Manager - Harris County Office of Purchasing Agent

Harris County (TX)-posted about 2 months ago
Full-time • Manager
Onsite • Houston, TX
501-1,000 employees
Construction of Buildings
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Under minimal supervision, the Manager, Category plays a vital role in overseeing and managing product categories within the Harris County Purchasing Office. The Manager is responsible for strategic planning, data analysis, purchase order (PO) monitoring, category management, and ensuring compliance with government procurement policies. This includes tracking categorical expenditures, maintaining accurate NIGP (National Institute of Governmental Purchasing) and account codes for secure financial reporting, and ensuring alignment with local, state, and federal procurement guidelines. Individuals in this role must possess a deep understanding of public sector purchasing trends, competitive procurement processes, and contract management to ensure that the category management aligns with Harris County's operational and fiscal expectations.

  • Category Strategy Management: Establishes and maintains comprehensive category management strategies, leveraging data services, research tools, and government procurement tracking systems to monitor and evaluate categorical performance and expenditures. Ensures accurate NIGP coding and category spend tracking to facilitate transparent decision-making and compliance with local, state, and federal procurement standards. Works with Contract Managers and Sourcing Managers to develop data-driven recommendations and policies that enhance sourcing efficiency and contract management. Develops detailed, actionable, and impactful strategies that align with Harris County's regulatory requirements and strategic procurement objectives.
  • Market Analysis and Reporting: Conducts market research and governmental cost analysis to track product and service trends, vendor performance, and supply chain risks. Generates category market intelligence reports with a focus on regulatory compliance, public accountability, and cost-efficiency.
  • Financial Oversight: Monitors purchase orders and contract spending to ensure accurate reporting and compliance. Validates NIGP and general ledger account codes for transparent and secure financial reporting. Tracks usage reports and general ledger expenses to maintain financial control and optimize contract utilization.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration & Vendor Management: Partners with key stakeholders, external suppliers, departments, and Purchasing colleagues to support category strategies, vendor selection, contract lifecycle management, and PO processing. Conducts meetings with vendors and departments to coordinate communication, address issues, and oversee strategic implementation. Maintains control over category management initiatives and objectives by ensuring effective vendor oversight and contract alignment. Offers subject matter expertise, guidance, and hands-on support regarding procurement, project execution, and other related areas and addresses escalated issues related to assigned area(s); provides mentorship and supervision to team members as well as informed supervisory duties when needed.
  • Strategic Planning: Develops and executes strategic plans for long-term and short-term category management goals, encompassing spend analysis, market and/or geographic considerations, strategic importance, and cost reductions that align with Harris County's expectations, while also developing and implementing metrics and techniques to track and evaluate category performance and adjust plans to achieve the targeted goals and objectives. Identifies, explores, and formulates contingency plans, including primary and alternative supply sources for products and services.
  • Price Management: Manages category and industry pricing complexity through detailed and frequent analysis, and facilitates sound business decision-making by developing, evaluating, and presenting business cases and cost and benefit analysis to management, all aimed at achieving optimal results.
  • PhD or Master's degree in a directly related field (such as Accounting, Analytics, Business, Economics, Finance, Public Administration, or Supply Chain) from an accredited college or university
  • Three (3) years of relevant experience in a mid-large size organization in strategic sourcing, purchasing, contract negotiation and management, and vendor management
  • Bachelor's degree in a directly related field (such as Accounting, Analytics, Business, Economics, Finance, Public Administration, or Supply Chain) from an accredited college or university
  • Four (4) years of relevant experience in a mid-large size organization in strategic sourcing, purchasing, contract negotiation and management, and vendor management
  • Associate's degree in a directly related field (such as Accounting, Analytics, Business, Economics, Finance, Public Administration, or Supply Chain) from an accredited college or university
  • Six (6) years of relevant experience in a mid-large size organization in strategic sourcing, purchasing, contract negotiation and management, and vendor management
  • Experience with government procurement platforms, financial tracking systems, and spend analysis tools for contract oversight.
  • Ability to develop category strategies through market research, selection criteria, cost structures, pricing, and performance methodologies.
  • Strong understanding of local, state, and federal procurement regulations, compliance requirements, and government purchasing laws.
  • Expertise in public sector financial reporting, budget tracking, and NIGP/account code management to ensure regulatory compliance.
  • Knowledge of county government initiatives and economic policies that impact procurement and contract management.
  • Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment while managing vendor relationships and procurement challenges.
  • Strong problem-solving, conflict resolution, and negotiation skills to address procurement and contract-related issues.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills for internal and external collaboration.
  • Proven ability to lead category management, strategic sourcing, and supplier relationships to drive procurement efficiency.
  • Verifiable procurement experience. (preferred)
  • Medical Coverage
  • Dental Coverage
  • Vision Coverage
  • Wellness Plan
  • Life Insurance
  • Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
  • Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
  • Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
  • Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
  • One (1) floating holiday per year
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Sick Leave
  • 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
  • Professional learning & development opportunities
  • Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
  • Flexible work schedule
  • METRO RideSponsor Program
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