Category Manager

We are seeking a dynamic and strategic professional to lead and optimize category management across multiple complex, high-impact portfolios. This role is central to driving sourcing strategy, supplier relationship management, and contract execution for critical categories, including AI, cloud platforms, and emerging technologies. The ideal candidate will bring a blend of analytical rigor, negotiation expertise, and cross-functional collaboration skills to deliver measurable value across the enterprise. With a focus on total cost of ownership, risk mitigation, and continuous improvement, this individual will serve as a key partner to business leadership, ensuring that sourcing strategies align with and accelerate organizational goals. This is a portfolio-level role requiring the ability to manage overlapping sourcing initiatives, anticipate demand, and drive rapid contract execution in support of fast-moving technology investments.

Responsibilities:

- Lead the development and implementation of category strategies across multiple complex, high-impact categories to optimize cost and improve operational performance
- Conduct comprehensive analyses including supply, demand, market, commodity, supplier, contract, and should-cost modeling to inform and refine category strategies
- Monitor industry trends, commodity markets, and supplier risk profiles to ensure category strategies remain current and aligned with business requirements
- Develop and manage complex sourcing events, including qualification, evaluation, and selection of suppliers for targeted spend categories
- Lead Tier I supplier relationship management efforts focused on improving total cost of ownership, quality, delivery, and continuous improvement
- Develop supplier performance scorecards and monitor, document, and evaluate supplier performance on an ongoing basis
- Lead resolution of supplier disputes and manage contractor claims to minimize impact on cost and schedule
- Develop and execute negotiation strategies for critical supplier contracts, including reviews, analysis, and negotiation of contract changes and additional work orders
- Apply knowledge of contract law principles to administer category contract agreements and manage risk elements in collaboration with business area management
- Ensure supplier compliance with contract terms and all commitments, and limit organizational liability by securing all required documentation and notices
- Create and manage project plans for the implementation of category strategies, integrating sourcing and business project plans with leadership input
- Serve as a central coordinator across multiple programs, managing overlapping sourcing waves and prioritizing initiatives based on enterprise impact
- Support complex negotiations and partner strategies involving AI, cloud, and platform ecosystems, enabling rapid contract turnaround for emerging technology initiatives
- Collaborate with portfolio leadership to proactively forecast demand, anticipate upcoming vendor engagements, and align scaling needs to AI and technology investment phases
- Implement optimal inventory strategies in conjunction with logistics personnel

Skills:

- Strong strategic sourcing and category management capabilities across complex, high-value spend categories
- Expertise in contract formation, negotiation, and administration, including knowledge of underlying contract law principles
- Experience sourcing AI, emerging technologies, cloud platforms, staff augmentation, and consulting services
- Ability to conduct should-cost modeling, market analysis, and supplier risk assessments
- Demonstrated supplier relationship management skills with a focus on continuous improvement and collaboration
- Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent initiatives and competing priorities
- Proactive demand forecasting and portfolio-level planning capabilities
- Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills with the ability to engage and influence business leadership
- Strong customer service orientation and communication skills
- Ability to assemble and manage contract documentation, insurance requirements, and compliance activities

Experience:

- Minimum of 5 years of experience in sourcing, purchasing, or logistics
- Minimum of 2 years of experience in contract formation, negotiation, and project management preferred
- Demonstrated experience managing Tier I supplier relationships and leading enterprise-level sourcing initiatives
- Experience with purchasing and sourcing systems and tools

Qualifications:

- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Project Management, Business, Finance, or a related field, or equivalent experience required
- Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) certification preferred

This is a rare opportunity to sit at the intersection of strategic sourcing and cutting-edge technology investment, playing a pivotal role in shaping how the organization engages with its most critical suppliers and emerging technology partners. With portfolio-level ownership, high visibility to business leadership, and direct influence over enterprise-wide AI and cloud initiatives, this position offers an exceptional platform for a driven sourcing professional to make a lasting impact while advancing their career in a fast-evolving, high-stakes environment.

The closing date for applications for this job posting is 7/15/2026.

Should you require any accommodations in responding to this job posting or at any stage during the application process, kindly e-mail : xcelenergyprogramoffice@magnitglobal.com