Category Manager

Pay Grade

16 Deadline to Apply: March 12, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CST

Position Summary

The Category Manager will be responsible for ensuring consistent management of all assigned sourcing events and contract development efforts for an assigned set of business units. This generally includes procurement planning with all assigned business units, execution and oversight of the contract development process, development of specific standards and documentation for solicitations, contract negotiations and document management. The category manager’s role in the contract development process requires close collaboration with various departments, including legal, finance, risk, safety, environmental, information technology, security, and all directly assigned business units.

Tasks and Responsibilities

- Coordinates & administers new & existing materials &/or services contracts.

- Analyzes & documents contract development, negotiations, & execution trends so that continuous improvement of contract structure & spend is facilitated.

- Liaise regularly with assigned business units and facilitate meetings with key contract stakeholders to properly scope new contracts, determine strategic contracting opportunities, and develop procurement documents with each assigned business unit.

- Build strong relationships with customers and ensure customer satisfaction.

- Implement category and commodity strategies to optimize business efficiency and leverage economies of scale.

- Execute elements of the overall operations category strategy and acquisition planning to ensure service delivery improvements.

- Provide supplier reconnaissance and supplier relationship management within assigned categories.

- Develop and maintain expert knowledge of respective supply markets, competitors, and product innovations.

- Perform procurement reporting and analysis of management information to identify potential improvement opportunities.

- Identify innovative procurement solutions that provide financial savings and process efficiencies for the organization.

- Address vendor issues to ensure the highest level of service delivery.

- Facilitate implementation of procurement change initiatives within assigned categories to improve business performance.

- Facilitate development of contractual documents (statements of work, solicitation documents, evaluation matrices, and forms) with internal customers.

- Develop & continuously improve work processes & efficiencies, as well as provide management support & interface with management at all levels, including executives.

- Maintain status, priority, and development history for all purchase requisitions for each assigned business unit and share the information regularly with key stakeholders.

- Support all bid and proposal evaluations along with the business unit stakeholder/s and the assigned Procurement Analyst for all contracts in each assigned business unit.

- Identify opportunities to combine contracts with multiple business units that improve procurement and contract management efficiencies.

- Use appropriate interpersonal skills & communication methods to build constructive relationships with employees, customers, suppliers, business units, & other stakeholders to meet shared goals & objectives.

- Collaborate with internal customers (including Legal, Finance, Risk Management, Safety & Security, Environmental Operations, Information Technology, Business Customers, etc.) in developing the necessary contracts & negotiating key terms and conditions.

- Assess the cost and risks of various contract provisions as needed.

- Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Skills

Minimum Knowledge and Abilities

Highest level subject matter / technical expert and may include limited supervisory responsibilities

Exceptionally strong analytical and problem solving abilities

Ability to multi-task various critical work assignments in a fast-paced environment in a professional manner.

Ability to offer alternative solutions for decision making and recommends optimal choice(s) in support of organizational goals/objectives.

Initiative to work independently or as a member of a team, coordinating with others to achieve desired results.

Well-developed written and verbal communication skills for interaction with all levels of personnel.

Ability to meet goals and objectives with minimal direct supervision.

Effective interpersonal and customer service skills.

Possesses and applies comprehensive knowledge of a particular field of specialization to complete complex assignments.

Ability to make recommendations and independent decisions.

High level of accuracy of work and attention to detail, to include the ability to perform precise mathematical calculations.

Usually works with minimum supervision, conferring with superior on unusual matters.

Ability to work in a team environment, coordinating with other areas to achieve goals and objectives.

Ability to work in a variety of locations such as the field, construction centers and the main office.

Preferred Qualifications

- Masters’ degree.

- Extensive experience with financial and operational analytical support.

- Extensive experience with administration of applications.

- Extensive knowledge and experience in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word.

- Proficient in SAP and Microsoft Project.

- Relative experience in supporting utility construction and maintenance.

Competencies

Driving Projects to Completion

Prioritizing and Organizing Work

Managing Time

Developing Plans

Demonstrating Initiative

Delegating Responsibility

Minimum Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, Computer Science, Information Systems, Mathematics or related field from an accredited university, or experience in a Procurement, Category Management, or Contract Development role.

Required Certifications

Working Environment

Indoor and outdoor work, operating computer, manual dexterity, talking, hearing, repetitive motion. May work with dangerous equipment and be exposed to noise, fumes, extreme temperatures.

Use of personal computing equipment, telephone, multi-functioning printer and calculator. Ability to travel to and from meetings, training sessions or other business related events. After hours work may be required.

Physical Demands

Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body.

Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.