SCM Category Manager

Southern Company•Birmingham, AL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This position works within the Supply Chain Management organization to support the Generation Business Unit to maximize the value that is delivered using a category management framework. The role collaborates with senior internal stakeholders, supply chain teams, and suppliers to use continuous improvement techniques to improve internal Business Unit and supply chain outcomes. The role ensures Supply Chain Management is perceived as a positive, significant, value-adding partner to the business by providing solutions to business and operational supply chain challenges, improving processes to reduce total costs of ownership, and maintaining a strategic approach to procurement and supply management.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Technology, Finance, or other relevant technical discipline preferred
Education or experience in contracts
At least 3-5 years of progressive Supply Chain Management experience in category management, strategic sourcing, procurement, supplier relationship management, or related disciplines.
Demonstrated success developing and implementing category strategies that deliver measurable business value through cost optimization, risk mitigation, operational efficiencies, supplier performance improvements, innovation, and process standardization.
Experience leading enterprise-wide or program-based category initiatives that drive system-wide impact across large, complex organizations, preferably within utility, power generation, industrial manufacturing, energy, or other asset-intensive environments.
Proven ability to develop category strategies that align with business objectives and support long-term operational, reliability, and financial goals.
Experience building strategic partnerships and influencing stakeholders across multiple business functions and leadership levels.
Competitive bidding, strategic sourcing, and contract negotiation experience required.
Previous category management experience required.
Knowledge of supply markets and purchasing principles
Professional written and verbal communication skills
Knowledge of contract terminology
Facilitation skills
Proven negotiation skills
Excellent project management
Strong skill in use of Microsoft Office
Comprehensive knowledge of SCM
Financial acumen and demonstrated aptitude in analytics
Safety focus and a strong personal safety record
Dedication to an accident-free work environment with strict adherence to all safety and compliance requirements
Must lead by example and ensure equity and fairness in interactions with others
Must conduct self in a manner that builds trust and confidence with coworkers, contractors, supervisors, and management
Ability to work within a team setting, including the ability to build and motivate a team toward a shared goal
Demonstrated initiative and creativity coupled with a strong customer service focus will be expected

Nice To Haves

Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) or Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) is a plus
Professional Contract Manager (CPCM) or Certified Commercial Contract Manager (CCCM) is a plus
Experience managing complex categories with significant annual spend responsibility preferred.
Project management experience is a plus.
Experience working within renewable energy categories (solar, wind, battery storage, hydro, etc.) is a plus.

Responsibilities

Develops and executes category plans that identify opportunities for operational efficiencies, drive cost savings, manage risk, improve safety, drive innovation, and ensure the continuous development of categories managed.
Supervises, plans, manages, and assumes complete responsibility for all activities and processes associated with the categories assigned, potential categories include solar, wind, battery storage, hydro or other assigned categories. Developing category profiles; conducting market research to identify new suppliers, to predict stresses on the supply base, and to manage pricing (e.g., index pricing and volume discounts).
Typically manages between $100M - $300M in annual spend
Leads negotiations, oversees all stages of strategic procurement.
Helps facilitate supplier performance measurement and collaborates with key suppliers to identify potential areas for improvement.
Manages and identifies supplier alliance opportunities. Supports internal utility Business Unit's supplier management efforts.
Performs thorough analysis to support the development of category plans, including but not limited to meeting with internal customers to understand their needs, requirements, and plans; determining the impact of joint efforts on supplier KPIs; analyzing historical spend; forecasting future spend based on demand planning; building cost models; calculating total cost of ownership (TCO); creating supplier value.
Works with Business Unit clients to develop and manage tools necessary to track supplier performance (ex: scorecards).
Communicates supplier performance metrics to relevant stakeholders on a regular basis.
Interfaces with all levels of Supply Chain Management and Business Unit clients, including senior management.
Leads and participates in cross-functional teams, including representatives from Business Unit clients, Supplier Diversity, Risk Management, and/or Legal.
Creates and implements development plans for suppliers who do not meet performance standards and resolves conflict between suppliers and the company.
Contributes as a member to the One SCM Category Management team by leveraging strengths to support fellow team members, sharing lessons learned, and engaging others to help in addressing knowledge or experience gaps