Southern Company

SCM Category Manager

Southern Company$90K — $120K *
Energy & Utilities
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, Business, Technology, Finance, or a related field
  • Education or experience in contracts
  • Certifications like CPM or CPSM preferred
  • Experience with competitive bidding/sourcing
  • Knowledge of supply markets and purchasing principles
  • Proven negotiation skills and project management expertise
  • Strong analytical skills with financial acumen.

Responsibilities

  • Develop category plans for operational efficiencies and cost savings
  • Manage supplier identification and pricing strategy for assigned categories
  • Execute category strategies for specific Power Delivery materials and services
  • Lead strategic procurement negotiations and supplier selections
  • Oversee supplier performance measurement and improvement initiatives
  • Conduct thorough analysis to support category plan development
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance supply chain outcomes.

Benefits

  • Competitive Pay
  • Excellent benefits package including medical and dental coverage
  • Defined Pension/Cash Balance Benefit Plan
  • Performance-sharing plan
  • 401(k) plan with company match
  • Bonus opportunities
  • Tuition reimbursement
Full Job Description
Job Description

SCM Category Manager - Power Delivery Services

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

POSITION SUMMARY

This position works within the Supply Chain Management organization to support the Power Delivery Business Unit and maximize the value delivered through a category management framework. The role collaborates with senior internal stakeholders, Power Delivery clients, supply chain teams, and suppliers to use continuous improvement techniques to improve 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 cost of ownership, maintaining a strategic approach to procurement and supply management, and supporting reliable delivery of critical Power Delivery materials and services.

This position will initially support Power Delivery services categories, which may include line construction and maintenance, substation construction and maintenance, vegetation management, utility locates, and other assigned Power Delivery categories.

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:
• Competitive bidding/sourcing experience
• Project management experience is a plus
• Preferred: Demonstrated leadership with strategic partnerships
• Previous category management experience a plus
• Experience working on technology categories (IT professional services, software, hardware) 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 continuous development of assigned Power Delivery categories.
• Supervises, plans, manages, and assumes complete responsibility for activities and processes associated with assigned categories, including category profiles, market research, supplier identification, supply base risk analysis, pricing strategy, index pricing, volume discounts, and supplier capacity planning.
• Develops category strategies for Power Delivery materials and services, including but not limited to transformers, voltage regulators, pole line hardware, protection and sectionalizing equipment, poles and structures, wire and cable, underground and network material, line construction and maintenance, substation construction and maintenance, vegetation management, utility locates, and other assigned categories.
• Typically manages between $100M-$300M in annual spend, depending on portfolio assignment.
• Leads negotiations and oversees all stages of strategic procurement, including RFI/RFP development, commercial evaluation, supplier selection, award recommendation, and contract implementation.
• Helps facilitate supplier performance measurement and collaborates with key suppliers to identify potential areas for improvement, including quality, delivery, safety, responsiveness, storm readiness, and supply continuity.
• Manages and identifies supplier alliance opportunities and supports internal utility Business Unit supplier management efforts.
• Performs thorough analysis to support category plan development, including internal customer discovery, demand planning, historical spend analysis, future spend forecasting, cost model development, total cost of ownership calculations, supplier risk review, and supplier value creation.
• Works with Power Delivery clients and SCM partners to develop and manage tools necessary to track supplier performance, such as scorecards, dashboards, business reviews, and corrective action plans.
• Communicates supplier performance metrics, supply risks, category value, and roadmap progress to relevant stakeholders on a regular basis.
• Interfaces with all levels of Supply Chain Management and Power Delivery Business Unit clients, including senior management.
• Leads and participates in cross-functional teams, including representatives from Power Delivery, Engineering, Operations, Inventory / Material Management, Supplier Inclusion, Risk Management, Legal, Finance, and other stakeholders as required.
• 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 of the One SCM Category Management team by leveraging strengths to support fellow team members, sharing lessons learned, and engaging others to address 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.

BENEFITS
• Competitive Pay
• Excellent benefits package, which may include medical and dental coverage
• Defined Pension / Cash Balance Benefit Plan
• Performance-sharing plan
• 401(k) plan with a company match
• Bonus opportunities
• Tuition reimbursement

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

No relocation assistance will be offered for this position, so if you do not already reside within a reasonable commute distance, you would be responsible for relocating at your own expense.

This position currently works a hybrid schedule with four (4) days in-office and one (1) day remote. This is subject to change at any given time at Company's discretion.

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
Net Income
$3.1 billion
Founded
1912
5 Year Trend
+3%
Revenue
$20.3 billion

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