Senior Category Manager
About The Position
Develops and executes sourcing category, supplier, and risk management strategies aligned with business stakeholder priorities for key categories. Leads cross-functional teams from the business and Supply Chain to deliver project and category outcomes. Plans and leads competitive sourcing events using an enterprise-wide approach and external-factor intelligence, develops negotiation strategies, negotiates commercial terms, manages supplier performance and relationships, and develops and executes contracts with key suppliers. The role directly sources and contracts third-party contractor services, including electric, gas, and engineering functions. The Senior Category Manager develops enterprise-wide category strategies to optimize cost and improve operations; performs spend and cost analysis; researches suppliers and assesses risks; and works with logistics personnel on inventory strategies. The position also manages supplier performance and development, contract negotiation and administration, contractor claims, contract compliance, and risk management in partnership with Legal, Security, and business management. It creates and manages project plans, integrates sourcing and business plans, leads continuous improvement and change management, and communicates contract summaries and implementation plans. Xcel Energy supports a hybrid work model. Many roles are expected to work onsite three days per week, Tuesday through Thursday, although expectations vary by role, team, and business needs. This position requires attendance at meetings in various locations and up to 20% travel.
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.
- Five years of supply chain experience, with a focus in sourcing.
- Three years of contract formation knowledge and experience.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
- Significant experience with purchasing and sourcing systems.
- Demonstrated customer service skills.
- Strong interpersonal and relationship skills.
- Ability to attend meetings in various locations and travel up to 20%.
- Valid driver's license required.
Nice To Haves
- MBA.
- Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) or another supply chain certification.
- Negotiation skills.
- Project management skills.
- Previous experience managing categories with annual spend exceeding $100 million.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement enterprise-wide category strategies to optimize cost and improve operations in line with sourcing best practices.
- Collaborate with business stakeholders to align business demands, category and contract strategies, and execution.
- Perform spend and cost analysis, including total cost of ownership and should-cost models, to develop category strategies and capture value.
- Research suppliers, develop risk profiles, and monitor industry information, external factors, and trends.
- Work with logistics personnel to implement optimal inventory strategies.
- Lead supplier performance, relationship, and development efforts focused on total cost of ownership, quality, delivery, and continuous improvement.
- Develop supplier plans that support business goals and strengthen collaboration and partnerships.
- Develop performance-based supplier scorecards and monitor, document, and evaluate supplier performance.
- Lead the resolution of supplier disputes.
- Lead negotiations of commercial terms and establish 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 to resolution while minimizing cost and schedule impacts.
- Ensure suppliers comply with contract terms and meet commitments.
- Develop and communicate contract summaries and implementation plans.
- Develop risk management strategies and administer category contract agreements in conjunction with Legal and Security teams.
- Manage and define contract risk elements in collaboration with business area management.
- Lead cross-functional business and Supply Chain teams to achieve project and category outcomes.
- Create and manage project plans to implement category strategies and integrate sourcing plans with business projects.
- Manage Supply Chain, business, and supplier continuous-improvement efforts.
- Lead change-management efforts.
- Source and contract third-party contractor services, including electric, gas, and engineering functions.
Benefits
- Annual Incentive Program
- Medical/pharmacy plan
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- 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
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
