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 YouFinancial 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
