Category Manager

Job Summary :

Responsible for delivering and implementing a data driven sourcing strategy, negotiating terms, and assuring lowest Total Cost of Ownership. This role requires a deep understanding of market trends, supplier capabilities, and pricing strategies within respective product categories. Collaborates in a matrix structure, including Estimating, Engineering, Project Management and Procurement, leading project bids from inception to completion. Provide mentoring to broader Procurement Group.

Essential Duties:

• Conduct comprehensive market research to identify opportunities for process enhancements and cost reductions, evaluate potential disruptions or supply availability issues, and prepare analytical reports to support the development of informed action plans.
• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the project management lifecycle within the MEP or Construction industry, complemented by strong technical aptitude relevant to the specific category under development.
• Develop and implement comprehensive source strategies for both new and existing projects, programs, and initiatives. This includes materials and service providers and is carried out in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
• Address considerations such as cost, quality, reliability, risk, compliance with safety, health, governmental, and organizational directives, as well as market dynamics, innovation, policy requirements, and relationship management needs.
• Initiate, draft, negotiate, and evaluate agreements by overseeing master and strategic contracts, pricing, and engagement terms, ensuring compliance with budgetary constraints and designated authority.
• Subject Matter Expertise and Analysis – Evaluate cost and supply determinants across targeted categories, including:
  • Upstream inputs such as raw materials, byproducts, and labor resources.
  • Commodity market trends, overall market conditions, and potential disruptions.
  • Technological developments.
  • The competitive environment.
• Demonstrate leadership by providing coaching, guidance, and project or process support to Tactical Procurement to promote consistency and strategic practices.
• Contribute to the formulation of effective and efficient procurement policies and procedures.
• Build and Maintain Supplier Relationships:
  • Develop and maintain an optimized list of providers or suppliers; present this list to relevant managers or groups as required and provide support during the selection process.
  • Foster effective supplier relationships to maximize value, ensure ongoing compliance with service level agreements (SLAs), and uphold quality standards.
  • Collaborate with internal stakeholders to verify that service levels meet established quality expectations and conduct regular evaluations of vendor performance through surveys.
  • Design, implement, and manage action plans aimed at risk mitigation and driving continuous improvement.
• Collaborate to facilitate efficient delivery and maintain seamless operations across both short and long-term objectives as required.
• Undertake special projects and conduct analyses utilizing advanced data analysis skills with tools such as Excel, Power BI, and other data evaluation platforms.
• Prepare and deliver reports detailing activities and performance by category.
• Perform other duties as required.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business Administration or a related field is preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in procurement or a closely related function, such as inside sales, outside sales, project management, estimating, or a similar role within the MEP or construction industry
• Expertise in procurement, supported by comprehensive sourcing, and supply chain knowledge.
• Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication abilities.
• Excellent time management and task prioritization.
• Exhibits initiative, maintains a positive attitude, and consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic.
• Seasoned negotiator with an impressive record of securing favorable terms.
• Exceptional organizational skills with ability to multi-task.
• Knowledge of market trends and industry best practices
• Ability to teach, mentor and lead other partners.
• Profeciency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly with Excel and possess familiarity with purchasing ERP systems.
• Ability to travel as needed.