Summary

The Category Manager I is a specialized procurement role that is responsible for a specific category of goods or services. The Category Manager is charged with strategic sourcing creating a category plan and providing oversight in the category. Contributes to the strategic management of supply chain initiatives and spend optimization for a specific subcategory or major project having significant impact on organizational and business unit goals and objectives. Category spend typically up to $25M and SRM Supplier spend impact of 1-2 key suppliers. Drives Assists in development and implementation of supply chain strategies, targets and schedules to achieve goals and objectives for cost management, supplier management (including supplier diversity) and process improvement.

Minimum Requirements

• A four year Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering or other job-related discipline from an accredited college or university
• Plus three (3) years materials or services procurement experience with significant exposure to strategic supply chain management issues.
• In lieu of bachelor's degree, professional certification (e.g., CPM, CPSM) plus seven (7) years of significant, closely-related materials/services/supply chain experience
• OR Associate's degree in business or related discipline, professional certification (e.g., CPM, CPSM) plus five (5) years of significant, closely-related materials/services/supply chain experience.
• Experience conducting supplier negotiations.
• Experience in reviewing and redlining contracts.
• Experience in RFx processes such as request for proposal, request for information, request for quote and/or request for bid.

Preferred Special Skills, Knowledge or Qualifications:

• MBA or master's degree in related discipline.
• Professional certification (e.g., CPM, CPSM).
• Proficiency in specific subcategory and supply chain programs, techniques, tools, concepts (including Total Cost of Ownership).
• Working knowledge and understanding of procurement and work management systems.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication, interpersonal and presentation skills.
• Using Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience with inventory management.
• Familiarity with contract redlines, supplier negotiation and RFx processes.

Major Accountabilities

1) Develops and implements supply chain strategies for a specific category or subcategory to achieve targeted supply chain results for cost management, supplier management including supplier diversity, and process improvements. Develops recommendations by leveraging market intelligence, should cost modeling, various negotiation methods and total cost of ownership analysis, all within a continuous improvement framework.

2) Determines strategy and resources for supporting procurement requirements of major projects including planning, integration and execution of the entire project and compliance of agreements. Participates in driving category management methodology to achieve maximum lifecycle value from major spend categories.

3) Plays a key role in developing and executing processes to maximize value. Coordinates supply chain processes to achieve expected results. Interfaces with internal customers, suppliers and supply chain staff (primarily buyers) to execute strategies and achieve expected results.

4) Manages supplier relationships, including setting and tracking performance indicators to anticipate and minimize performance issues. Identifies root cause and develops solutions when significant issues arise.

5) Assists in selection, deployment and management of strategies, tools, processes and people to execute the company's annual portfolio of sourcing projects.

6) Contributes and participates in cross-functional teams to achieve savings targets while balancing other business requirements.

7) Participates in productivity improvement and process improvement efforts. Supports new practices in supply chain management to achieve continuous improvement objectives.

Hybrid: Employees in hybrid roles work both in their home offices (virtually) and alongside their colleagues (in person).

In order for employees to build strong relationships and to promote meaningful in-person interactions, hybrid employees are expected to work about 40% of their time in-person at an APS or other (non-home office) location.

• Employees are expected to reside in Arizona (or New Mexico for Four Corners-based employees).
• Working from a home office requires adequate technology and an appropriate ergonomic set up.
• Role types are subject to change based on business need.