Category Manager

Job Description Primary Purpose:

To establish and drive procurement strategies for assigned categories, in alignment with key stakeholders and adherence to Procurement and Corporate Policies. Responsible for driving competitive category supply strategies, supplier performance management and support of several projects in a dynamic environment.

Responsibilities Essential duties and responsibilities:

- Develop, drive, and implement category strategies for assigned categories, including benchmarking, market intelligence, and trend analysis.

- Coordinate multi-disciplinary efforts to define short- and long-term targets, develop strategic action plans and support execution in collaboration with the procurement team.

- Establish and maintain relationships with key suppliers’ senior management (VP/C-suite) and develop a preferred supply base leveraging organizational spend.

- Define supplier qualification requirements per category and participate in supplier audits.

- Lead procurement execution escalation matters, including presenting and driving decisions from Tallgrass Leadership Team.

- Identify outsourcing opportunities through make-or-buy analysis and promote procurement involvement in outsourcing planning for Corporate Functions.

- Negotiate and deploy Master Agreements, ensuring use of standard contract templates and adherence to legal, risk, and contractor assessment processes.

- Lead or support complex negotiations to protect the company’s best interests and optimize supplier performance and total cost of ownership (TCO).

- Negotiate and deploy Master Agreements as needed.

- Ensure standard terms and conditions and contract templates are maintained and utilized, and contract management processes include legal, risk and contractor assessments.

- Collaborate with Internal Audit to ensure compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.

- Track and report key functional metrics for cost analysis, process review and benchmarking.

- Foster positive, professional relationships with internal teams, external customers, and suppliers, maintaining effective communication and professionalism.

- Maintain dependable attendance, high performance standards, and a strong commitment to personal, employee, and public safety.

- Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum requirements: Education

- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management , Engineering, or a related discipline.

- A minimum 5 years direct work experience in Technical Categories management (Rotating Equipment, or static equipment, Electrical equipment, Engineering Services, EPC, Logistic, or other Oil & Gas related categories) may be considered as a substitute for a degree.

Experience/Specific Knowledge

- A minimum of five (5) years’ active and direct work experience in Procurement and Category Management.

- Preferred experience with industry related commodities such as Rotating Equipment or Static Equipment, Electrical equipment, Engineering Services, EPC, or logistics.

- Solid knowledge of financial terms and principles.

- Must be experienced in negotiating contractual terms conditions and legal clauses.

- Strong proficiency with Microsoft applications (including but not limited to Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint) for the purpose of word processing, spreadsheets and information retrieval.

- Experience working on Major Equipment / Capital Expenditure type of Procurement preferred

- Experience resolving conflicts and managing divergent expectations and priorities from stakeholders.

- Proven track record managing multiple tasks simultaneously and driving cross-functional initiatives under strict deadlines.

- Knowledge of analyzing events at the transaction level and applying sound, consistent resolutions.

- Experience building reports and correspondence.

Certifications, Licenses & Registrations

- Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and a driving record satisfactory to the company and its insurers.

Competencies, Skills & Abilities

- Skilled in building and maintaining strong professional relationships with internal stakeholders and external vendors.

- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, able to engage effectively with diverse individuals at all organizational levels.

- Strong reading, listening, analytical, and logical reasoning skills to identify and resolve complex issues.

- Proven ability to work independently, manage tasks and timelines, prioritize daily work, and take initiative with minimal supervision.

- Strategic thinker with a continuous improvement mindset, adept at planning and problem-solving.

- Demonstrates strong customer service orientation, including a positive attitude, sense of urgency, and a “can-do” approach.

- Adaptable to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining clear communication across the organization.

- Collaborative team player who respects confidentiality and works effectively with others.

- Consistently maintains a high level of measurable performance.

- Committed to following work rules, adhering to schedules, and performing all essential and marginal job functions.

- Capable of successfully managing multiple tasks and meeting strict deadlines.

Physical Demands

All of the physical requirements listed below are those that may be necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

- Minimal safety hazards; general office working conditions.

- Must be able to sit for prolonged periods of time.

- The employee is regularly required to use hands to type, touch, handle, or feel. The employee is required to talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to walk and climb or balance. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Working Conditions

- Required to carry a mobile phone and be available to respond during working and non-working hours.

- Occasional overnight travel and weekend travel may be required.

- May be required to work nights and weekends, or non-traditional work hours as needed.

- Successful candidate will be required to clear a drug screen and a complete background check, including a credit report, after an offer has been extended and prior to being employed.

Supervisory Responsibility

- No

Preferred Education, Experience, Certifications, Competencies, Skills, & Abilities

Above the minimum requirements; not required but advantageous in this position:

- One or more or the following Certifications preferred: C.P.M.; C.P.C.M.; C.S.C.P.; C.P.S.M.; C.P.P.

- Experience using Oracle ERP Cloud software

About Us

Tallgrass was named one of the 2023 Top Workplaces USA and highlighted in Colorado's Top Workplaces for the past seven consecutive years. Tallgrass is a leading energy infrastructure company focused on safely, reliably, and sustainably delivering the energy and services that power our nation and enable our quality of life.

At Tallgrass, we value our teams and strive to create an environment where employees feel respected, and their contributions are valued. We aim to support employees' physical, mental, and financial well-being through a comprehensive Total Rewards Program.

- Industry competitive pay

- Health insurance package options that include Flexible Spending & Health Savings Accounts

- Infertility Coverage

- Parental Leave

- 401(k) with up to a 6% match that vests immediately plus an employer discretionary contribution of up to 4%

- Wellness Programs and Mental Health Resources

- Employer-paid life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage

- Critical Illness & Accident Insurance

- Vacation, sick days, paid caregiver leave, volunteer and bereavement paid time off

- Identity theft protection

- Annual discretionary bonus

- Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program

- Company-paid holidays and floating holidays

- Company vehicle (if applicable)

- Employee discounts; vehicles, tires, cellular plans, and more

- Networking and employee engagement events

- Personal development to grow your career with us based on your strengths and interests

Application Deadline:

Recruiting timelines vary by position; however, all Tallgrass positions accept applications for at least five business days from the posting date. This position is open and still accepting applications.

Compensation

: Compensation ranges are provided in good faith based on what we anticipate when researching wages for this position at the state and national levels. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This salary range may also be modified in the future.

Notice to External Search Firms

: Tallgrass does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or employment agencies. Unsolicited referrals and resumes are considered Tallgrass property; therefore, Tallgrass will not pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited referral. Approved vendors may be invited to refer talent for specific positions at Tallgrass's request only. A fully executed agreement with Tallgrass must be in place and current in these cases.

EEO Statement:

Tallgrass complies with all Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) affirmative action laws and regulations. Tallgrass does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender Identity and expression, disability, veteran status, pregnancy status, or other status protected by law.