Category Manager

Pedernales Electric Cooperative•Johnson City, TN

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position is responsible for the overall management of assigned procurement categories essential to our electric utility operations. This role will serve as the primary procurement business partner to assigned operational units, developing robust category strategies that ensure supply continuity, optimize total cost of ownership, and proactively mitigate supply chain risks inherent to the energy sector.

Requirements

Knowledge of business and management principles including strategic planning, resource allocation, leadership techniques and budgeting
Knowledge of using computer systems, which may include setting up and using hardware and software programs, entering data or processing information
Knowledge of purchasing principles, contracts, strategic sourcing and forecasting
Knowledge of laws, rules and regulations governing the purchasing of goods and services
Knowledge of how to benchmark trends to ensure that we remain competitive
Skilled in engaging and influencing stakeholders, operations leaders, and cross functional teams to align procurement strategies with priorities
Skilled in monitoring and managing performance
Skilled in establishing and communicating performance expectations and metrics
Skilled in time management, prioritizing and managing changing priorities
Skilled in anticipating, identifying, analyzing and resolving conflict and problems
Skilled in negotiation techniques
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with the utmost discretion and professionalism
Ability to lead, manage, influence, and motivate staff through daily operation and Cooperative changes
Ability to establish goals and objectives
Ability to manage, monitor, and review contracts, bids, and purchase orders
Ability to interpret, explain and apply strategic sourcing principles and practices
Ability to write and review reports, correspondence, procedure manuals and training materials
Ability to understand and interpret contracts and bid documents.
Ability to analyze, interpret, review, develop, execute and finalize complex proposals
Ability to listen, understand and communicate effectively verbally and in writing
Bachelor’s degree in a related field
Seven years of directly related work experience
Directly related experience may substitute for education
Experience with supplier and subcontractor prequalification, request for proposal solicitation, proposal evaluations, negotiations, risk mitigation approaches, and contract strategies
Experience in developing strategic supplier partnerships, managing performance scorecards, key performance indicators, and fostering supplier innovation

Nice To Haves

Electric utility industry experience preferred

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain Cooperative-wide category strategies that align with business goals for the assigned categories to deliver cost savings, efficiency, and risk mitigation.
Collaborate with key stakeholders to align procurement strategies with business needs, develop category strategies and implement new agreements or processes.
Develops and sustains mutually beneficial strategic relationships with category suppliers, conducting regular performance reviews, fosters collaboration on innovation and continuous improvement, and ensuring alignment with the cooperative’s strategic plan.
Serves as the primary representative to the assigned business unit to represent the procurement process, procurement policy, category management, supplier relationship management, and supplier risk mitigation.
Participates in effective change management regarding procurement processes, champions new supply management processes and procedures and aids in implementation across the organization as well as with key stakeholders.
Leads, supervises, supports, and/or executes RFx (RFP, RFQ, RFI) processes for assigned categories and subcontract scopes.
Facilitates proper scope development within contracts and utilizes strategies to develop performance-based scopes of work.
Negotiate pricing, contract terms, and delivery schedules with key suppliers to drive cost savings and value creation.
Maintain the security of confidential information
Stay abreast of advances in technology
Demonstrate regular and prompt attendance
Performs other related duties as necessary or assigned