Overview

The Category Manager is responsible for leading and managing the sourcing, supplier management, and procurement strategy for assigned commodities, driving cost-effective solutions and supply continuity. This role develops and executes category strategies informed by market intelligence, financial trends, and long-term demand forecasts. The manager evaluates, segments, and maintains key supplier relationships, negotiates agreements and project-specific terms, and monitors performance using vendor scorecards and KPIs. Serving as subject-matter expert, they provide market insights, support budgeting and project procurement, and coordinate cross-functional teams to optimize sourcing decisions. This role focuses on optimizing costs, quality and delivery while improving Supply Chain efficiency and maintaining supplier relationships.

Location: This position can be located at any of our office locations: Phoenix, AZ; Clinton, IN; Indianapolis, IN; Centennial, CO; Irving, TX; or Fargo, ND. Based on the experience and skillset of the individual identified, we are open to a remote-based role with ability to travel to our office and field site locations to support events or department activities.

Responsibilities

Essential Job Functions:

• Develop and execute multi-year commodity procurement strategy supporting the renewable energy project pipeline
• Identify and engage internal stakeholders across the business to capture category requirements
• Develop, document, and execute category sourcing strategies using best-cost approaches informed by market intelligence, financial trends, and global economic factors
• Monitor market technology trends, policy developments and regulatory changes, and adjust procurement strategies accordingly
• Incorporate market intelligence, analytics, and supplier insights into procurement and contracting strategies
• Develop and maintain should-cost models to identify cost drivers, and sourcing opportunities to drive competitive advantage
• Forecast material demand and build capacity models to drive strategies and actions
• Define negotiation strategy including supplier profiles, commercial negotiations targets, defining switching costs and building Total Cost of Ownership
• Evaluate and segment suppliers based on capabilities, capacity, quality, safety, material sources, and strategic value to the organization
• Monitor supplier performance and resolve issues related to pricing, quality, delivery, and product condition while mitigating supply chain risks
• Lead supplier relationship management for your commodity, including establishing vendor scorecards, addressing and improving performance and conducting Quarterly Business Reviews with key supplier/Partner
• Collaborate with internal technical teams and suppliers to optimize specifications and solutions
• Support project management during both early-stage project development and late-stage execution
• Develop specific review guidelines for each key vendor in the category. They shall include cadence of reviews, locations, spend, forecasting, facility visits, quality visits, and managing tradeshow meetings
• Lead and support contract negotiations, including scope, pricing, terms and conditions, delivery schedules and change management. Lead negotiations of Master Vendor Agreements (MVAs) and project-specific commercial terms while coordinating with legal, finance, permitting, and insurance teams
• Apply strong contracting and commercial skills, including scope development, contract editing and monitoring commercial changes from award through delivery
• Lead and manage sourcing activities including Requests for Proposal (RFP) reviews, primary bid requests, supplier quoting and evaluation of bids, proposals, and supplier capabilities
• Coordinate closely with estimating, engineering, legal and construction teams on all supply matters
• Ensure procurement agreements meet objectives related to safety, cost, schedule, quality and delivery performance
• Provide procurement market insights and subject-matter expertise (SME) to estimating, project management, and internal teams to support budgeting, pricing validation, and strategic decisions
• Support project procurement from estimate to execution, validating budgets against supplier pricing and ensuring sourcing strategies align with project needs
• Responsible for tracking and logging all incoming vendor notices regarding project impacts, including tariff changes, force majeure events, and supply chain disruptions
• Analyze procurement data and supplier performance metrics to support company KPIs and continuously improve category management processes
• Supervise and mentor Buyers, as applicable, to ensure alignment with negotiated contracts, material strategies, and supplier commitments
• Lead, coach, and train Buyers and procurement personnel while fostering knowledge sharing and process improvement
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Education and Work Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain, Construction Management, Engineering, Business or related field OR equivalent combination of education and experience
• Seven+ years' experience in strategic sourcing, commodity management, and/or contract negotiation
• Experience and knowledge in the commodity required
• Experience within construction industries preferred
• Supply Chain Certification (CSCP, CSCM, CPP, etc.) or demonstrated equivalent experience preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Ability to influence, lead and manage others
• Strong knowledge of construction process and materials
• Strong analytical and advanced problem-solving skills
• Ability to read and interpret engineering and technical documents
• Strong attention to detail, with a commitment to accuracy
• Excellent collaboration and written, verbal and electronic communication skills, with the ability to clearly and concisely explain complex concepts
• Ability to build consensus and drive mutually beneficial outcomes with suppliers and internal teams
• Ability to interact professionally with all levels within the organization and with clients and suppliers
• Ability to travel up to 35%

Working Environment:

• When visiting jobsites the work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions
• This work environment may involve moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors and/or loud noises.

What's in it for You

Financial Wellbeing

• Compensation $110,000 - $160,000 / year, commensurate with experience
• Competitive pay with ongoing performance review and merit increase
• 401(k) with company match & Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
• Flexible spending account (Healthcare & Dependent care)

Health & Wellness

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance (plan choice) - coverage for spouse, domestic partner, and children
• Diabetes Management, Telehealth Coverage, Prescription Drug Plan, Pet Insurance, Weight Management Drug Discount
• Discounted National Gym Membership Network

Family & Lifestyle

• Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, Bereavement Leave
• Military Leave, including Differential Pay and Benefits Continuation
• Employee Assistance Program

Planning for the Unexpected

• Short and long-term disability, life insurance, and accidental death & dismemberment
• Voluntary life insurance, accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity coverage
• Emergency Travel Assistance Program
• Group legal plan

#LI-KW1 #LI-Remote

Service Line

WZK-Wanzek Construction, Inc.