Primary Function:

The Senior Manager, Category Management leads sourcing strategy for the major electrical apparatus behind Dashiell's substation and transmission projects, including power transformers, circuit breakers, switchgear, disconnect switches, reactors, and capacitor banks. This role owns supplier selection, negotiation, contracting, cost, and long-term supplier relationships for the assigned categories, and works closely with the Supplier On-Time Delivery team to keep sourcing decisions grounded in real delivery performance. The position will be based in our Houston, Texas office located at 12301 Kurland Drive STE 400, Houston, TX 77034 and will report to Dashiell's Vice President of Supply Chain.

Duties & Responsibilities

Employee may be called upon to perform any or all of the following functions:

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for major apparatus categories, balancing cost, quality, delivery, and supply risk.
• Lead RFI/RFP/RFQ processes from supplier identification through award recommendation.
• Maintain the Approved Supplier List and Vendor Pricing Guide with current qualifications and negotiated pricing.
• Lead commercial negotiations and manage supply agreements, master agreements, and long-term contracts.
• Own relationships with key apparatus suppliers, including executive engagement and quarterly business reviews.
• Use supplier delivery-performance data to guide award decisions, supplier development, and re-sourcing.
• Develop and maintain a supplier capability matrix mapping each supplier's products, capacity, lead times, qualifications, and performance to guide sourcing and award decisions.
• Build dual-source strategies for critical, single-sourced apparatus, and develop new supplier relationships to expand the supply base.
• Develop supplier qualification requirements and lead vetting of new suppliers against quality, capacity, financial, and compliance criteria before they are added to the Approved Supplier List.
• Partner with engineering, project management, and the Supplier On-Time Delivery team to align sourcing with project needs.
• Lead, mentor, and develop direct reports (buyers and sourcing specialists), setting standards and building capability.
• Deliver measurable cost savings, cost avoidance, and total-cost-of-ownership improvements.
• Develop and maintain a should-cost range matrix for key categories, modeling expected cost ranges from material, labor, and market drivers to benchmark supplier quotes and strengthen negotiations.
• Track cost savings and sourcing KPIs and report them to supply chain leadership.
• Perform special projects and complete other duties as assigned or requested.

How You Will Make an Impact

• Build a more resilient, competitive supply base for Dashiell's critical electrical apparatus.
• Deliver measurable cost savings through strong category strategy and negotiation.
• Lower supply chain risk by developing dual-source options for single-sourced apparatus.
• Help project teams plan with confidence by tying sourcing decisions to real supplier performance.
• Grow a stronger procurement team through consistent mentorship and standards.

Minimum Qualifications / Experience

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field required; equivalent professional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

• Minimum 10 years of experience in category management, strategic sourcing, or procurement.

• Experience sourcing capital equipment or long-lead materials.

• Proven track record of delivering cost savings and managing supplier performance.

• Hands-on experience with an ERP system (e.g., NetSuite, SAP, or Oracle).

Preferred

• Experience in EPC, construction, or electric utility sourcing.

• Familiarity with electrical apparatus and their supplier markets.

• CPSM, C.P.M., or CSCP certification.

• People-leadership experience.

Physical Requirements:

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit for extended periods during computer-based work.
• Ability to stand and walk intermittently throughout the workday.
• Occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds.
• Occasional travel to other offices or meeting locations.

Environmental Conditions

• Primarily climate-controlled office environment.
• Occasional exposure to field or industrial environments during site visits.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions as defined by Company policy.

Dashiell offers a competitive compensation and benefits package. Benefits include company-paid life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, long-term disability insurance, and an employee assistance program. Additional benefit offerings include medical coverage through a traditional PPO or one of two high-deductible health plans (with FSA or HSA options), dental and vision coverage, supplemental life insurance, short-term disability, critical illness insurance, group accident insurance, hospital indemnity insurance, and a 401(k) plan with immediate vesting, among others.

Candidates must be at least 18 years of age and legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis without current or future visa sponsorship. Third-party recruiters and agencies, please do not contact us regarding this position.