Category Manager, Drilling

Position Description

The Category Manager will own sourcing, supplier relationships, commercial negotiations, ensuring a seamless flow of materials and services that meet the high standards of cost, quality, safety, and sustainability. This role will be responsible for supporting all phases of geothermal drilling operations. This role requires deep expertise in supply chain best practices, a proven track record of working with complex drilling projects, and the ability to lead cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment. The Category Manager will report to the Senior Category Manager.

Responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing and Category Management

• Set the vision, craft and execute category management strategies for geothermal drilling materials, equipment, and services (e.g., casing, wellhead systems, drilling fluids, directional drilling tools, etc.).

• Perform market analysis and leverage supply chain knowledge to understand and articulate market trends that may impact internal stakeholders and category strategies.

• Collaborate with key stakeholders and senior leadership to forecast demand, define scope, identify risks, and analyze supplier capabilities.

• Manage bid solicitation, evaluation, negotiation, contract execution, implementation, and post award management.

• Develop and implement process improvement opportunities regarding policy, process optimization, forecasting, and supplier relationship management.

Supplier Selection and Relationship Management

• Build a best-in-class supplier ecosystem with a focus on technical expertise, quality, delivery performance, and cost competitiveness.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and service providers to ensure on-time delivery and support high-quality drilling operations.

• Monitor supplier performance through QBRs, KPIs and manage corrective actions, continuous improvement initiatives, and supplier development programs.

Contract Development & Negotiation

• Manage contract discussions with suppliers, ensuring clear statements of work, service-level agreements, and compliance with regulatory requirements.

• Negotiate terms and pricing to achieve best-value agreements while fostering long-term, collaborative supplier partnerships.

• Provide effective overview of supplier performance to contract. Manage supplier issues and disputes to effective resolution

Risk Management and Compliance

• Proactively identify and mitigate risks in the supply chain, including disruptions in supply, quality control issues, logistical bottlenecks, and regulatory changes.

• Ensure all procurement and sourcing activities meet company policies, industry standards, and relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations.

Cross Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with drilling engineers, field operations, finance, legal and other stakeholders to align supply chain strategies with project timelines and budgets.

• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior supply chain team members, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management or related field

• Minimum 4+ years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing/category management in energy (geothermal, exploration oil and gas).

• Strong understanding of drilling equipment, well construction materials, and related services specific to geothermal or conventional horizontal drilling.

• Proven track record in negotiating high-value contracts and managing complex supplier relationships.

• Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and advanced Excel/analytical skills for data management and reporting.

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred

• History of influencing senior leaders, leading cross-functional teams and nurturing talent through mentoring and development programs.

• Self-starter with a track record of developing, implementing, and managing strategic supply chain initiatives

• Ability to influence management through the use of high quality, well-structured communications, both written and verbal to ensure linkage with business strategies and drive understanding of the resulting impact.

• Strong analytical, critical thinking, negotiation and problem solving skills

Location

Fervo Energy is headquartered in Houston, TX. This position will be eligible for some hybrid work flexibility, but regular in-office presence at the Houston location will be required. Although office based, some travel to Fervo operational sites may be required.