Category Manager I-II
About The Position
The Buyer performs sourcing and procurement activities for equipment, materials, goods, supplies, and services. The role manages supplier sourcing and contract processes, supports sourcing initiatives, develops category strategies, maintains relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders, responds to supplier inquiries, and trains internal clients on procurement processes. It also ensures documentation and transactions meet Company, Audit, and Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) standards and contributes to process improvement and cross-functional initiatives. The Category Manager I manages Tier 2 supplier sourcing with support and guidance from senior team members, leads moderately complex contract development and execution, monitors contract expirations and spending, manages contract compliance, and serves as contract administrator for Tier 2 and potentially Tier 1 suppliers. The Category Manager II additionally trains less senior team members and understands more complex agreement concepts, including unit or item creation and negotiation, Economic Cost Adjustment calculations, and product price adjustments. The role may support Oncor logistics during major storm events.
Requirements
- High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
- Category Manager I: at least 2 years of direct experience.
- Category Manager II: at least 4 years of direct experience.
- Solid business knowledge and understanding of sourcing and procurement processes.
- Experience managing the end-to-end sourcing lifecycle for initiatives of basic to intermediate complexity.
- Experience participating in process improvement initiatives.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Solid supplier performance management and relationship-building skills.
- Intermediate application skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Ability to reach agreement and positively influence team outcomes.
- Ability to handle confidential information.
- Ability to negotiate and persuade others.
- Ability to perform work accurately with strong attention to detail.
- Demonstrates Oncor’s core values: Ethical Conduct, Intensity, Respect, Excellence, and Innovation.
Nice To Haves
- Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, or a related field.
- Certification or professional credentials in Procurement, Sourcing, or Supply Chain.
- Utility experience.
- Experience with continuous improvement tools and/or Lean Six Sigma.
- Basic project management skills.
Responsibilities
- Manage sourcing and procurement transactions for equipment, materials, goods, supplies, and services.
- Manage sourcing for Tier 2 suppliers, including preparing requests for information and proposals, conducting pre-bid conferences, evaluating and scoring responses, and negotiating with suppliers.
- Lead development and execution of moderately complex contracts, including terms and conditions, performance measures, insurance requirements, and internal stakeholder reviews involving business owners, Legal, Internal Audit, and SOX compliance.
- Support senior team members on more complex sourcing initiatives.
- Track upcoming contract expirations, communicate status to contract owners, and take action before contracts expire.
- Monitor actual spend against contract forecast limits, communicate status to contract owners, and take action before costs exceed forecast levels.
- Manage contract compliance, including pricing and insurance coverage.
- Serve as Contract Administrator for Tier 2 suppliers and potentially Tier 1 suppliers.
- Create category strategies and conduct supplier cost analysis within assigned categories.
- Review and respond promptly to supplier inquiries forwarded by Associate Buyers.
- Help train Associate Buyers and, for Category Manager II, less senior or less experienced team members.
- Develop relationships with internal stakeholders and contract owners.
- File purchase order and contract documentation in the designated sourcing system according to documentation standards.
- Review and audit purchase order and contract files for accuracy and completeness.
- Participate in process standardization, reengineering, and improvement efforts.
- Participate in creating and reviewing strategic frameworks for supplier categories.
- Review procurement system Buyer activities weekly and take actions needed to meet audit requirements.
- Help standardize and document processes and procedures.
- Support and promote Oncor’s supplier diversity program.
- Incorporate safety into daily work and purchasing decisions.
- Develop and maintain product, industry, and market knowledge.
- Support Oncor in a logistics role during major storm events.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Annual incentive program.
- Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
- Wellness incentives of up to $2,000 in 2026 and other wellbeing resources.
- 401(k) with dollar-for-dollar company match up to 6%.
- 401(k) match with student debt program.
- Cash balance pension plan.
- Adoption assistance.
- Mental health resources.
- Employee resource groups.
- Tuition reimbursement.
- Competitive vacation, 10 company holidays, and 2 personal holidays.
- Paid parental leave.
- Salary continuation for up to 6 months for approved employee illness or injury.
- Commuter benefits.
- Electric vehicle incentive program.
- Appliance purchase plan.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
High school or GED
