Supplier Engagement/Market Intelligence Manager

Port Houston•Houston, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Supplier Diversity & Market Intelligence Manager helps Port Houston transition from a transactional procurement model to a strategic, data-driven sourcing organization. The role combines Supplier Diversity responsibilities with Market Intelligence functions to strengthen sourcing strategy, develop supplier ecosystems, and support inclusive economic participation. It serves as a liaison among Port Houston, partner agencies, internal departments, community organizations, and small businesses, while providing market insight to inform sourcing decisions. The Manager leads Small Business Enterprise (SBE) goal-setting and supports regulatory compliance, while monitoring industry trends, supply chains, labor markets, and construction activity to identify sourcing opportunities and risks. Through supplier engagement, research, and relationship development, the role supports market-risk anticipation, improved negotiations, supplier diversification, and increased small-business participation. The position is based at the Port Houston Administration Building. The work environment is generally moderately noisy, though noise may occasionally be high in the open office. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Engineering, Construction Management, Supply Chain, or a related field.
At least 5 years of SBE program management, supplier development, or strategic sourcing experience.
Knowledge of contract requirements, insurance, bonding, payment bond procedures, performance bonds, and terms and conditions for engineering services and construction contracts.
Knowledge of contracting compliance procedures.
Knowledge of construction techniques and sequences.
Thorough understanding of NIGP Codes and NAICS Codes.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Organization and time-management skills.
Leadership and coordination skills.
Ability to analyze market dynamics and trends and forecast materials, labor markets, job markets, and tariffs.
Ability to communicate professionally with staff, contractors, vendors, consultants, and the public.
Ability to work independently without extensive direction or supervision in managing project aspects.
Demonstrated ability to champion projects, implement process-improvement initiatives, and collaborate with and coach internal and external customers.
Ability to evaluate product technology by reviewing trade journals and manufacturers’ recommendations for materials.
Ability to meet scheduled deadlines.
High proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, and knowledge of procurement and ERP systems.

Nice To Haves

Experience in construction or engineering procurement.
Knowledge of Workday and B2Gnow.

Responsibilities

Monitor industry trends, supply-chain fluctuations, commodity pricing, labor-market dynamics, and construction forecasts to support procurement planning and early risk detection.
Research markets and supplier availability to identify emerging suppliers, new entrants, and consolidation risks, with emphasis on small and diverse businesses.
Build cost models and analyses to strengthen negotiation positions and validate supplier pricing.
Track supplier financial health and risk indicators to identify potential supply-chain disruptions.
Provide market insights to internal stakeholders to improve sourcing strategies and long-term supplier planning.
Develop market reports, risk summaries, supplier landscape assessments, and benchmarking analyses.
Support annual sourcing strategies aligned with capital projects, operational needs, and market conditions.
Advise on Port Houston SBE Program initiatives, participation strategies, and regulatory requirements.
Set SBE goals for formal procurements using industry practices, market availability, utilization history, and disparity study data; support departments in developing annual utilization plans.
Lead the Method of Procurement process through supplier availability analyses, utilization assessments, and eligibility determinations.
Analyze SBE availability trends to guide outreach and subcontracting strategy, increase participation, and identify potential suppliers in low-participation industries.
Evaluate and validate bids, proposals, SBE participation plans, and Requests for Commission Action for SBE program compliance; conduct data-driven post-award reviews.
Maintain documentation supporting recommended SBE goals for each procurement.
Develop and deliver SBE training and presentations for internal stakeholders and the contracting community, including at pre-solicitation meetings.
Provide technical assistance to S/MWBE contractors and subcontractors.
Represent Business Equity/SBE during evaluation and ranking of competitive procurement processes.
Mediate vendor disputes and support leadership with performance metrics, compliance outcomes, and strategic recommendations.
Represent Port Houston at industry events, expos, workshops, forums, and stakeholder meetings to advance SBE engagement.
Partner internally to integrate market insights into category strategies and sourcing plans.
Help department staff develop skills in market analysis, supplier engagement, and strategic sourcing.
Build relationships with suppliers, trade organizations, chambers of commerce, and agencies to expand Port Houston’s supplier network.
Champion Port Houston’s core values of respect, excellence, accountability, diligence, and you.
Perform special projects and related duties as required.