*To access Dayforce at its best, log in from the latest version of Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Edge. *

We are currently seeking a Manager Supply Chain Services - Contracts for our Houston, TX office.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Supply Chain Manager - Contracts & Category Management is responsible for leading the development, execution, and governance of enterprise-wide contracting strategies and category management programs supporting Boardwalk's operations and growth objectives.

This role transforms service-based and indirect spend from decentralized, transactional purchasing into structured, strategic categories with standardized contracts, competitive pricing frameworks, and strong supplier performance management.

The position plays a critical role in driving commercial discipline, reducing cost variability, improving contract compliance, and delivering sustainable value through structured category strategies, advanced analytics, and executive stakeholder alignment.

This role serves as a strategic advisor to senior leadership, ensuring category strategies align with enterprise priorities, financial objectives, and long-term operational needs.

Key Responsibilities

Category Management & Commercial Strategy

Develop, own, and continuously evolve formal category strategies aligned with enterprise objectives and business unit priorities.

• Build and maintain comprehensive category plans incorporating demand forecasts, market dynamics, supplier strategies, and cost optimization opportunities
• Drive demand aggregation, supplier consolidation, and standardization of scopes of work and pricing structures
• Align category strategies with Operations, Engineering, and Finance to ensure support of both operational and financial objectives
• Integrate innovative commercial models and contracting approaches to enhance long-term value

Contracting Strategy Governance

Lead the development and governance of enterprise-wide contracting frameworks.

• Establish and standardize MSAs, SOWs, pricing schedules, and commercial terms across all service categories
• Implement governance models for contract approval, compliance, and lifecycle management
• Drive transition from fragmented contracting to enterprise-wide agreements with preferred suppliers
• Partner with Legal to strengthen contract templates, risk allocation, and commercial protections
• Ensure contracts address key risks including pricing variability, scope ambiguity, indemnity, and performance obligations

Commercial Execution

Lead structured sourcing and negotiation strategies that deliver measurable business value.

• Lead RFQs/RFPs with robust evaluation frameworks and clear award criteria
• Develop negotiation strategies that deliver cost savings, improved terms, and long-term value creation
• Implement transparent pricing models (rate cards, unit rates, performance-based structures)
• Ensure sourcing activities align with category strategies and enterprise contracting frameworks

Supplier Relationship & Performance Management (SRM)

Develop and lead a structured supplier management program.

• Establish supplier segmentation and strategic partnership models for critical categories
• Implement performance management frameworks including KPIs, scorecards, and business reviews
• Drive supplier accountability across safety, quality, delivery, and commercial performance
• Build long-term strategic partnerships with key suppliers to drive innovation and continuous improvement

Market Intelligence & Benchmarking

Provide forward-looking market insights to inform strategy and decision-making.

• Conduct ongoing analysis of market trends, cost drivers, supplier capacity, and emerging risks
• Benchmark pricing, supplier strategies, and commercial models against industry peers
• Establish regular reporting mechanisms to share market intelligence with leadership and stakeholders
• Monitor emerging technologies and innovative service delivery models impacting category performance

Contract Compliance, Analytics & Continuous Improvement

Drive disciplined contract compliance and continuous improvement across categories.

• Implement processes to validate invoiced pricing against contracted terms and eliminate commercial leakage
• Lead contract and category performance lookbacks to identify savings opportunities and improvement actions
• Develop analytics and reporting to track compliance, supplier performance, and financial outcomes
• Partner with Finance and IT to enhance visibility into spend, contract adherence, and savings realization

Financial Integration & Business Impact

Align category strategies with financial planning and enterprise performance.

• Provide category inputs into budgeting and forecasting processes, including cost drivers and savings projections
• Support development of financial models by aligning commercial inputs with operational requirements
• Identify and deliver cost reduction opportunities that directly impact EBITDA and cash flow
• Ensure category strategies support working capital optimization and cost predictability

Supply Chain Risk & Business Continuity

Lead proactive risk management and resilience planning.

• Identify and manage risks related to supplier performance, pricing volatility, and market disruptions
• Develop mitigation strategies including supplier diversification, contract protections, and demand planning
• Provide leadership with insights on external risks including market, regulatory, and geopolitical factors

Cross-Functional Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement

Serve as the primary commercial partner to the business.

• Engage and influence senior leadership to gain alignment and approval for category strategies
• Partner with Operations, Engineering, Project Management, Finance, and Legal to ensure integrated execution
• Drive adoption of standardized contracting and sourcing practices across business units
• Lead change management efforts as category management and contracting capabilities mature

Team Leadership & Capability Development

Build and lead a high-performing category management organization.

• Lead and develop category managers, contracts specialists, and sourcing professionals
• Define roles aligned with category ownership and strategic execution
• Provide coaching to elevate commercial, analytical, and negotiation capabilities
• Foster a community of practice to share best practices and continuously improve performance

Process, Systems & Digital Enablement

Drive modernization of contracting and category management processes.

• Support implementation and optimization of Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) systems
• Partner with IT and data teams to develop analytics, dashboards, and reporting tools
• Improve data quality, spend visibility, and supplier insights to enable better decision-making
• Drive continuous improvement in procurement and contracting workflows

REQUIRED EDUCATION:

• 10+ years of experience in a strategic procurement, sourcing, contract management role
• 2-5 years previous supervisory experience
• Excellent networking, interpersonal and collaborative skills
• Proven organization skills and strong attention to detail
• Strong computer skills including but not limited to, Oracle EBS and MS-Office Suite
• Ability to handle multiple competing tasks efficiently in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent problem solving, mathematical, and analytical skills

PREFERRED EDUCATION:

• Interstate natural gas pipeline experience
• Mechanical, structural or electrical knowledge, as well as understanding of natural gas pipeline system operations.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Boardwalk Pipelines, LP, maintains a drug-free workplace and will require pre-employment drug & substance abuse testing before hiring.