This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship, e.g., H-1B, TN, etc. Please do not apply if you will need immigration sponsorship for a work visa now or in the future, including sponsorship for H-1B, TN, etc., now or in the future. We are unable to hire individuals with CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT for this position as the position is not eligible for participation in the H-1B lottery program and is not eligible for current or future immigration sponsorship for a work visa.

Location: This is a hybrid (virtual/onsite) position with required onsite days on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and may be assigned to any Consumers Energy Service Center located throughout Michigan's lower Peninsula. The selected candidate must be within a commutable distance or willing to relocate (relocation package is available for those that qualify).

Multiple positions may be filled through this posting. One position is assigned to the Electric Portfolio with Michelle Savicki serving as the hiring manager. A second position is assigned to the Gas Portfolio with Bruce Vida Jr. serving as the hiring manager.

GENERAL SUMMARY OF JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
The Category Manager is responsible for defining, developing, and executing the sourcing program for key spend categories to achieve cost savings and support objectives of strategic importance to business unit customers, supply chain, and the enterprise. The incumbent collaborates with internal customers, suppliers, and supply chain teams to deliver value-added outcomes, procuring the best evaluated total cost of ownership while assuring quality and schedule compliance.

A Category Manager is a professional responsible for managing a specific group or category of products within a company.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Manage $100M+ in annual managed spend across respective categories. Act as the expert for assigned categories and monitor the market drivers, supplier base, emerging technologies, regulatory factors, category spend by supplier, inventory, supplier, and fill rate performance.*
• Perform market and financial analysis to understand key market forces and to determine and mitigate the business risk associated with a supplier or contract. Evaluate and leverage rigorous analysis of market and spend data to prioritize and target strategic sourcing initiatives within assigned categories.*
• Analyze spend and market data to develop thorough and effective long-term category strategies; develop exit strategies for non-performing suppliers; and co-own supplier relationships with key vendors. Determine the most strategic supply chain model to acquire the necessary products and services at the maximum level of savings.*
• Foster competition to deliver improved performance at a reduced cost. Follow the prescribed methodology and teach the organization, describing the underlying reasons for each step during competitive bidding event execution.*
• Collaborate with the Manager of Portfolio and Sourcing Manager to develop negotiation strategies and company positions on complex contracts; work with Legal to identify and incorporate appropriate levels of commercial protection; and conduct negotiations to ensure successful execution of strategies for optimal business outcomes. Distinguish between positions and interests to facilitate win-win results.**
• Identify new and diverse sources of supply and potential new products/technologies, and exhibit cradle-to-grave ownership for each assigned category.** Gain understanding of the industry, trends, and competitive landscape for assigned categories.
• Initiate "leading practices" within strategic procurement to achieve process excellence; stay abreast of industry innovations; and continuously improve the function and processes.**
• Establish and maintain professional relationships with suppliers/partners. Act as the primary liaison to suppliers within assigned categories. Develop and manage tools and key performance measures for chosen suppliers, and negotiate on multiple variables to award longer-term strategic contracts that result in significant cost reduction and improved service levels.**
• Responsible for overall performance management and profitability of specific categories across quality, delivery, and cost. Assume responsibility for budget development and revenue for the category.
• Collaborate with the Supply Chain team (Planning, Supplier Quality Portfolio, and Purchasing) to oversee pricing, delivery, and quality trends that will inform long-term and short-term strategies.
• Other duties as assigned or may be necessary.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES
• Category plan development and management of large-dollar risk purchases
• Continuous improvement and productivity
• Contract development, management, and administration (may include Construction Specifications Institute)
• Knowledge of typical enterprise-wide functions and related products, equipment, and services
• Negotiations and competitive process
• Planning and forecasting
• Relationship management
• Spend and market analysis
• Supplier development and performance

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or Accounting/Finance field with two (2) or more years of experience in utility supply chain or project management
• (OR) Associate's degree with four (4) or more years of experience in utility supply chain or project management
• (OR) High school diploma/GED with six (6) or more years of experience in utility supply chain or project management