Southern Company

SCM Category Manager

Southern Company • $90K — $120K *
Birmingham, AL 35242In-Person
Business Services
Less than 5 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in relevant field preferred
  • Experience in contracts is necessary
  • CPM or CPSM certification is a plus
  • CPCM or CCCM certification is a plus
  • 3-5 years of experience in Supply Chain Management
  • Proven success in category strategy development
  • Strong negotiation and supplier relationship management skills

Responsibilities

  • Develops and executes category plans to drive efficiencies and cost savings
  • Manages activities and processes for assigned categories like solar and wind
  • Typically oversees $100M - $300M in annual spend
  • Leads all stages of strategic procurement negotiations
  • Facilitates supplier performance measurement and improvement
  • Performs data analysis to support category plan development
  • Communicates supplier performance metrics to stakeholders

Benefits

  • Competitive Pay
  • Comprehensive medical and dental coverage
  • Defined Pension/Cash Balance Benefit Plan
  • 401(k) plan with generous company match
  • Performance-sharing plan
  • Tuition Reimbursement
Full Job Description
Job Description

SCM Category Manager

This position will be located in Atlanta, GA or Birmingham, AL.

POSITION SUMMARY

This position works within the Supply Chain Management organization to support the Generation Business Unit to maximize the value that is delivered using a category management framework. The role collaborates with senior internal stakeholders, supply chain teams, and suppliers to use continuous improvement techniques to improve internal Business Unit and supply chain outcomes. The role ensures Supply Chain Management is perceived as a positive, significant, value-adding partner to the business by providing solutions to business and operational supply chain challenges, improving processes to reduce total costs of ownership, and maintaining a strategic approach to procurement and supply management.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Education:
  • Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, Business, Technology, Finance, or other relevant technical discipline preferred
  • Education or experience in contracts
  • Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) or Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) is a plus
  • Professional Contract Manager (CPCM) or Certified Commercial Contract Manager (CCCM) is a plus

Experience:
  • At least 3-5 years of progressive Supply Chain Management experience in category management, strategic sourcing, procurement, supplier relationship management, or related disciplines.
  • Demonstrated success developing and implementing category strategies that deliver measurable business value through cost optimization, risk mitigation, operational efficiencies, supplier performance improvements, innovation, and process standardization.
  • Experience leading enterprise-wide or program-based category initiatives that drive system-wide impact across large, complex organizations, preferably within utility, power generation, industrial manufacturing, energy, or other asset-intensive environments.
  • Proven ability to develop category strategies that align with business objectives and support long-term operational, reliability, and financial goals.
  • Experience building strategic partnerships and influencing stakeholders across multiple business functions and leadership levels.
  • Competitive bidding, strategic sourcing, and contract negotiation experience required.
  • Experience managing complex categories with significant annual spend responsibility preferred.
  • Previous category management experience required.
  • Project management experience is a plus.
  • Experience working within renewable energy categories (solar, wind, battery storage, hydro, etc.) is a plus.

Knowledge & Skills:
  • Knowledge of supply markets and purchasing principles
  • Professional written and verbal communication skills
  • Knowledge of contract terminology
  • Facilitation skills
  • Proven negotiation skills
  • Excellent project management
  • Strong skill in use of Microsoft Office
  • Comprehensive knowledge of SCM
  • Financial acumen and demonstrated aptitude in analytics


KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Develops and executes category plans that identify opportunities for operational efficiencies, drive cost savings, manage risk, improve safety, drive innovation, and ensure the continuous development of categories managed.
  • Supervises, plans, manages, and assumes complete responsibility for all activities and processes associated with the categories assigned, potential categories include solar, wind, battery storage, hydro or other assigned categories. Developing category profiles; conducting market research to identify new suppliers, to predict stresses on the supply base, and to manage pricing (e.g., index pricing and volume discounts).
  • Typically manages between $100M - $300M in annual spend
  • Leads negotiations, oversees all stages of strategic procurement.
  • Helps facilitate supplier performance measurement and collaborates with key suppliers to identify potential areas for improvement.
  • Manages and identifies supplier alliance opportunities. Supports internal utility Business Unit's supplier management efforts.
  • Performs thorough analysis to support the development of category plans, including but not limited to meeting with internal customers to understand their needs, requirements, and plans; determining the impact of joint efforts on supplier KPIs; analyzing historical spend; forecasting future spend based on demand planning; building cost models; calculating total cost of ownership (TCO); creating supplier value.
  • Works with Business Unit clients to develop and manage tools necessary to track supplier performance (ex: scorecards).
  • Communicates supplier performance metrics to relevant stakeholders on a regular basis.
  • Interfaces with all levels of Supply Chain Management and Business Unit clients, including senior management.
  • Leads and participates in cross-functional teams, including representatives from Business Unit clients, Supplier Diversity, Risk Management, and/or Legal.
  • Creates and implements development plans for suppliers who do not meet performance standards and resolves conflict between suppliers and the company.
  • Contributes as a member to the One SCM Category Management team by leveraging strengths to support fellow team members, sharing lessons learned, and engaging others to help in addressing knowledge or experience gaps


BEHAVIORAL ATTRIBUTES
  • Demonstrate Southern Company Values - Safety First, Unquestionable Trust, Superior Performance, and Total Commitment
  • Safety focus and a strong personal safety record
  • Dedication to an accident-free work environment with strict adherence to all safety and compliance requirements
  • Must lead by example and ensure equity and fairness in interactions with others
  • Must conduct self in a manner that builds trust and confidence with coworkers, contractors, supervisors, and management
  • Ability to work within a team setting, including the ability to build and motivate a team toward a shared goal
  • Demonstrated initiative and creativity coupled with a strong customer service focus will be expected

BENEFITS
  • Competitive Pay
  • Excellent benefits packages which includes:
    • Medical and dental coverage
    • Defined Pension/Cash Balance Benefit Plan
    • Performance-sharing plan
    • 401(k) plan with a generous company match
    • Bonus opportunities
    • Tuition Reimbursement


About the Team

Southern Company Services

About Southern Company

With 4.4 million customers and more than 42,000 megawatts of generating capacity, Atlanta-based Southern Company is the premier energy company serving the Southeast. A leading U.S. producer of electricity, Southern Company owns electric utilities in four states and a growing competitive generation company, as well as fiber optics and wireless communications. Southern Company brands are known for excellent customer service, high reliability and retail electric prices that are significantly below the national average. Southern Company has been listed the top ranking U.S. electric service provider in customer satisfaction for nine consecutive years by the American Customer Satisfaction Index.

Southern Company Careers

Join the dynamic team at Southern Company, a leader in energy innovation and a champion of sustainable practices. As one of the most respected companies in the energy sector, Southern Company offers unparalleled job opportunities that promise not only professional growth but also a commitment to diversity and leadership development.

Work You’ll Do

At Southern Company, we are not just about power generation; we are about empowering our team to innovate and lead the industry. By joining our team, you will collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the field, using your skills to solve complex problems and drive meaningful change.

Explore a World of Opportunities

Whether you are looking for a full-time position, an internship, or a leadership role, Southern Company has a place for you. Our wide range of employment options ensures that every team member can find a path that best suits their career ambitions and skills.

Innovate and Lead

Southern Company is at the forefront of technological innovation in the energy sector. Our team members are encouraged to lead projects and initiatives that push the boundaries of what is possible in energy production and management.

Grow and Develop

We believe in nurturing the potential of our employees through targeted diversity training, leadership workshops, and continuous professional development. Career growth at Southern Company is not just a possibility—it is an expectation.

Be Part of Our Culture

Southern Company’s culture is built on a foundation of respect, integrity, and inclusion. We celebrate diversity and believe that it drives innovation. Our team is our family, and we support each other in achieving personal and professional goals.

Benefits That Go Beyond

Choosing a career at Southern Company means enjoying a range of benefits designed to enrich your life and support your lifestyle. From health and wellness programs to retirement plans, we ensure our team members are taken care of.

Join Our Team

Ready to power up your career? Explore the job opportunities at Southern Company today. We are actively hiring and looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven individuals. Enhance your skills, join a community of innovators, and work towards a sustainable future.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest at Southern Company by following our careers blog. Gain insider perspectives, industry-leading insights, and practical tips to advance your career.

Networking and Career Advancement

At Southern Company, networking and internal mobility are key components of career advancement. Connect with leaders, engage in cross-departmental projects, and take your professional journey to new heights.

Prepare for Your Interview

Make your mark from the first interview. Visit our career site for tips on crafting your resume, preparing for interviews, and making a lasting impression.

Join Southern Company—where careers glow brighter!

SEARCH SOUTHERN COMPANY JOBS Stay ahead of the curve in your career with Southern Company, where innovation meets tradition and every employee is empowered to excel.
Learn more about Southern Company
Size
27,000 employees
Market Cap
$77.6 billion
Industry
Energy & Utilities
Net Income
$3.1 billion
Founded
1912
5 Year Trend
+3%
Revenue
$20.3 billion
* Ladders Estimates

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