Principal Category Manager - Construction Services
About The Position
The Principal Category Manager provides sourcing leadership and direction for complex, critical sourcing categories with significant impact. The role leads cross-functional teams, develops and executes sourcing strategies, collaborates with business partners on complex competitive sourcing events, negotiates commercial terms with critical suppliers, manages risk mitigation, and oversees ongoing supplier performance. It also ensures compliance with supplier safety, risk assessments, and other supplier programs, and serves as a technical expert for the Category Management organization. The position leads enterprise-wide category strategies, spend and cost analysis, supplier research, risk profiling, complex sourcing events, and inventory strategy development. It leads relationships with tier I suppliers, establishes and monitors supplier performance measures, negotiates contracts and contract changes, manages contractor claims, and works with Legal, Security, and business leaders on contract risk. The role also manages implementation plans and continuous improvement initiatives, provides expert guidance to supply chain colleagues, generates new processes and ideas, and mentors others. Xcel Energy supports a hybrid work model. Many roles are expected to work onsite three days per week, Tuesday through Thursday, but expectations vary by role, team, and business needs. This role may require travel of up to 20% and attendance at meetings in various locations.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, business, or a related technical or analytical field; an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
- A combination of eight years of supply chain and industry experience, including category management, supplier relationship management, sourcing, and contract management expertise.
- A combination of five years of experience directly leading complex contract negotiations and project management.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
- Significant experience with purchasing and sourcing systems.
- Ability to attend meetings in various locations and travel up to 20%.
- Valid driver's license.
Nice To Haves
- Understanding of third-party contractor services.
- Understanding of union dynamics.
- MBA.
- Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) or another supply chain certification.
Responsibilities
- Lead the development and implementation of critical enterprise-wide category strategies.
- Perform spend and cost analysis, including total cost of ownership and should-cost models, and develop strategies to maximize value capture.
- Research suppliers, develop risk profiles, and monitor industry information, external factors, and trends to keep category strategies aligned with current best practices.
- Develop and execute complex sourcing event strategies and guide other team members in sourcing activities.
- Work with logistics personnel to implement optimal inventory strategies.
- Lead tier I supplier relationship management for multiple critical suppliers, focusing on total cost of ownership, quality, delivery, and continuous improvement.
- Monitor supplier innovations and incorporate relevant innovations into sourcing strategy.
- Establish supplier KPIs and metrics; document, monitor, and evaluate supplier performance.
- Lead resolution of disputes with critical suppliers.
- Develop negotiation strategies and negotiate contracts that support category strategies and business requirements.
- Review, analyze, verify, and negotiate contract changes and additional work orders.
- Monitor compliance across buying channels, suppliers, and contract purchasing execution.
- Manage contractor claims through resolution and ensure suppliers meet contract terms and commitments.
- Develop and communicate contract summaries and implementation plans.
- Develop risk management strategies with Legal and Security, apply contract-law principles, and work with business-area management to define contract risks.
- Limit company risk by ensuring required documents and notices have been obtained and are satisfactory.
- Create and manage project plans to implement category strategies.
- Manage supply chain, business, and supplier continuous improvement efforts.
- Provide expert guidance, oversight, and collaboration to the supply chain team in building category and sourcing strategies.
- Generate and implement new ideas and processes, mentor colleagues, and provide work oversight.
Benefits
- Annual Incentive Program
- Medical/Pharmacy Plan
- Dental
- Vision
- Life Insurance
- Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
- Health Care Flexible Spending Account
- Health Savings Account (if enrolled in an eligible health plan)
- Limited-Purpose Flexible Spending Account (if enrolled in an eligible health plan and HSA)
- Transportation Reimbursement Account
- Short-term disability
- Long-term disability
- Employee Assistance Program
- Fitness Center Reimbursement (if enrolled in an eligible health plan)
- Tuition reimbursement
- Transit programs
- Employee recognition program
- Pension
- 401(k) plan
- Paid time off
- Holidays
- Volunteer Paid Time Off
- Parental Leave
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Principal
