Procurement Category Lead , Gas & Building Services (Hybrid Schedule)

Eversource Energy•Berlin, CT

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Procurement Category Lead leads, develops, and implements category management plans for assigned categories, including natural gas and facilities services. The role manages procurement spend in categories with medium to high spend, risk, change, market complexity, and stakeholder considerations. As the category’s recognized leader and subject-matter expert, the Category Lead develops strategic sourcing strategies, manages bid processes, and negotiates purchases of materials, equipment, services, and large or highly complex contracts. The position also acts as a change agent, influencing stakeholders and advising client groups on category strategy, sourcing, and supplier and contract management. The role drives total cost-of-ownership improvements and supplier performance, develops the supply base, and profiles and assesses markets, risks, competition, trends, and opportunities to ensure continuity of supply and maximize value. It develops multi-year category strategies and annual procurement plans aligned with business forecasts and objectives, and manages project plans, risks, business cases, and execution to achieve projected financial and operational benefits. The Category Lead leads cross-organizational teams, supplier negotiations and relationship management, monitors contract and supplier performance, and ensures compliance with procurement policies and corporate requirements. The position prepares and presents business plans, briefs, category management plans, and other documents to management and internal and external stakeholders. This is a hybrid-eligible role. Current guidelines require at least three office days per week, including Tuesdays and Wednesdays, with the third day determined by the employee and supervisor. Employees must be able to work in the office up to five days per week if needed or if policy changes. The role may also require responding to emergency situations outside normal responsibilities, work hours, and location. Eversource does not offer immigration-related sponsorship for this position.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
Five or more years of related experience.
Expertise in the category area, demonstrated through the ability to develop and articulate category strategies.
Full understanding of purchasing and inventory systems.
Strong understanding of contract language, terms, and conditions.
Solid understanding of business and financial principles.
Advanced problem-solving, decision-making, influencing, and negotiating skills.
Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to manage complex or critical internal and external relationships with diplomacy and political savvy.
Advanced program and project management skills and techniques.
Expert analytical skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Nice To Haves

MBA preferred.
Supervisory experience preferred.
Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.), Six Sigma, Lean, Process Management, or Project Management certification.

Responsibilities

Lead, develop, and implement category management plans and strategic sourcing strategies for assigned categories, including natural gas and facilities services.
Manage procurement spend and source materials, equipment, and services, including large and highly complex purchases and contracts.
Drive total cost-of-ownership improvements, supplier performance, and development of the supply base in line with stakeholder needs and the organization’s Business Plan.
Profile, benchmark, research, and assess markets, risks, competition, trends, and opportunities to ensure continuity of supply and maximize value and competitive advantage.
Advise client groups and business sponsors on category strategy, sourcing, supplier management, and contract management, and keep sponsors informed and engaged in category plans.
Lead cross-organizational teams to develop and implement strategies that meet objectives and targets.
Provide coaching and mentoring as a role model and technical expert.
Develop and manage supplier and stakeholder relationship strategies and supplier relationship management plans; coordinate with the business and resolve or escalate supplier issues.
Lead supplier negotiations and produce and analyze supplier relationship management scorecards.
Monitor contract and supplier performance, including KPIs; review performance with business groups and use results to improve future performance and strategies.
Ensure contracts are managed to meet category strategic objectives and the benefits framework.
Execute multi-year category strategies and annual procurement plans aligned with business forecasts and objectives.
Consult with the Manager on developing business cases to support decision-making and obtain approval.
Recommend process, sourcing, and contract-structure changes based on business needs and market structure.
Develop and manage project plans, identify risks, recommend mitigation, and ensure strategy execution on schedule and delivery of projected financial and operational benefits.
Support and comply with procurement policies and procedures, ensure compliance, and support corporate audit requests.
Write and present business plans, briefs, category management plans, and other documents to management and internal and external stakeholders.
Respond to emergency situations as assigned, potentially outside normal responsibilities, work hours, and location.