Senior Category Manager

Alliant Energy•Madison, WI

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

In this influential position, the Senior Category Manager will work hand-in-hand with senior leadership and key vendor partners to oversee intricate, high-stakes contracts, optimize supplier performance, and drive substantial cost savings through data-driven decision-making. This role presents a unique opportunity to lead comprehensive RFP processes, navigate complex contract negotiations, and cultivate robust cross-functional partnerships. This role can be based in any of our service territories and will require occasional travel to the candidate’s home office in either Madison, WI or Cedar Rapids, IA. Senior Category Manager is responsible for integrating internal client initiatives, strategy, and business direction with supply management. This position leads and cultivates strategic partnerships with clients and vendors to create value for the company by advancing business objectives. This role collaborates with client subject matter specialists and managers to assess business requirements and develops strategic plans for ongoing sourcing needs. This position works seamlessly with supply chain contract management and business performance teams to execute projects successfully.

Requirements

7 years of related experience in purchasing or supply chain.
Demonstrated cross-functional team work experience, including the ability to track and report project status from start to finish, as well as the ability to gain trust and confidence of internal and external personnel.
Persuasive communication skills (oral and written), with an ability to communicate to senior executives in client organizations.
Advanced ability to guide collaborative projects with suppliers to deliver value, efficiencies and/or improvements in safety and quality.
Excellent analytic, negotiation, and problem solving skills.
Experience handling multiple high-profile projects simultaneously and ability to take ownership of assigned projects.
Demonstrate established proficiency utilizing evolving technological tools to streamline daily tasks and communications.
Ability to work effectively in a collaborative and inclusive work environment.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's Degree Business Administration, Purchasing or Supply Chain
Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM), Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) or Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) designation

Responsibilities

Supports supply chain portfolio and relationship management functions by bringing considerable subject matter expertise and mentorship to others in the group.
Leads the effort to issue and evaluate strategic requests for information (RFI) and requests for proposal (RFP).
Provides recommendations and supports programs to evaluate new and existing vendors as well as their products and services to create synergy across business organizations.
Develops strategic portfolio management plans to promote value creation both through decreasing costs–via improved vendor selection and management, as well as process efficiencies–and increasing top-line growth.
Develops strategic plans in conjunction with client groups to meet ongoing sourcing needs.
Facilitates routine business review meetings with clients and key suppliers.
Works on cross-functional teams to effectively engage key stakeholders to best advance supply chain initiatives that support Alliant Energy’s strategic objectives.
Manages relationship requirements–supply chain, customer, supplier, legal, risk, environmental, and safety–within portfolio activities.
Works with business units and functional leadership to determine metrics required to assure performance, supply continuity, and manage risk.
Engages in other duties as needed that support Alliant Energy’s Values and helps deliver on our Purpose to serve customers and build stronger communities.