MANAGER- STRATEGIC AND CATEGORY MANAGEMENT

El Paso Electric Company•El Paso, TX

2d•$118,300 - $165,160

About The Position

The Manager, Strategic Sourcing & Category Management leads the development and execution of enterprise-wide sourcing and category management strategies that maximize value, ensure supply continuity, mitigate risk, and support El Paso Electric’s operational and strategic objectives. This role partners closely with leaders across Operations, Engineering, Technology, Generation, Transmission & Distribution, and Corporate Services to align sourcing initiatives with business priorities and drive sustainable results. The Manager oversees complex sourcing activities, supplier relationships, contract negotiations, and category strategies across critical spend areas, including utility equipment and materials, capital projects and construction services, technology and digital solutions, fleet and facilities, professional services, and generation, transmission, distribution, and renewable energy support services.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Finance, Economics, or related field.
7+ years of experience
Experience in strategic sourcing, category management, procurement, supply chain management, commercial contracting, or related business functions.
Demonstrated experience leading complex sourcing initiatives, supplier negotiations, and contract management activities.
Strong knowledge of strategic sourcing methodologies, category management principles, supplier relationship management, and procurement best practices.
Ability to influence, collaborate with, and build credibility among cross-functional stakeholders and senior leadership.
Strong analytical, financial, and problem-solving skills, including experience utilizing spend analysis, market intelligence, and total cost of ownership methodologies to support decision-making.
Knowledge of supply chain risk management practices, contract administration, and supplier performance management.
Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
Demonstrated leadership, change management, and continuous improvement capabilities.
Proficiency with ERP systems, procurement technologies, and Microsoft Office applications.

Nice To Haves

Experience within the electric utility, energy, infrastructure, construction, manufacturing, or other asset-intensive and regulated industries.
Experience sourcing and managing categories related to capital projects, utility materials and equipment, construction services, technology and digital solutions, renewable energy, generation assets, or indirect spend.
Master's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or a related discipline.
Professional certifications such as Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), or similar credentials.
Experience with Oracle Fusion, spend analytics platforms, supplier performance management tools, and digital procurement technologies.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute multi-year category management and sourcing strategies aligned with business objectives, capital investment plans, and operational priorities.
Build category roadmaps that improve cost, quality, reliability, sustainability, innovation, and supplier diversity while maximizing total value.
Partner with Operations, Engineering, Generation, Transmission & Distribution, Technology, Finance, Human Resources, and Project Management teams to understand business requirements and support strategic initiatives.
Serve as a trusted advisor by providing market intelligence, supplier insights, industry trends, and recommendations that support informed business decisions.
Lead complex sourcing initiatives from opportunity assessment through supplier selection, negotiation, contracting, implementation, and performance monitoring.
Develop sourcing strategies utilizing competitive bidding, supplier collaboration, total cost of ownership analysis, and other strategic procurement methodologies to optimize business outcomes.
Conduct supplier and market assessments to identify opportunities for cost optimization, service improvement, innovation, and operational efficiency.
Establish and promote sourcing best practices, governance, and procurement processes that enhance organizational capabilities and procurement maturity.
Develop and maintain strategic relationships with key suppliers and industry partners, driving performance, innovation, and long-term value creation.
Implement supplier governance frameworks, scorecards, and business review processes to ensure accountability, continuous improvement, and contract compliance.
Identify, assess, and mitigate supply chain risks by developing sourcing strategies, contingency plans, and alternative sources of supply that strengthen business resiliency and continuity.
Leverage spend analytics, supplier performance metrics, forecasting tools, and market intelligence to drive strategic decision-making and category planning.
Utilize Oracle Fusion and other procurement technologies to improve sourcing effectiveness, reporting capabilities, process efficiency, and visibility across the supply chain.
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing sourcing and category management team while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Drive organizational change and adoption of strategic sourcing methodologies, supporting enterprise transformation initiatives and strong stakeholder engagement across the organization.