Category Manager

Category Manager
San Antonio, TX or Houston, TX
6 months contract to hire

WHY THIS IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY
The Category Manager will establish and execute third party category management strategies to achieve best value in support of enterprise needs. This role partners closely with business leaders, engineering, estimating, proposals, and operational teams to drive sourcing strategies across engineered equipment, bulk materials, OEMs, fabricators, and strategic suppliers. The role sits within the Procurement Strategy function and supports sourcing initiatives across the enterprise, including large capital and EPC projects.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Lead and coordinate strategic sourcing events and serve as a subject matter expert to Supply Chain Specialists throughout the lifecycle of assigned categories
• Develop and execute category strategies using internal utilization analysis, external benchmarking, cost models, and enterprise spend data
• Establish category goals, metrics, and performance criteria to track savings, risk mitigation, and value delivery
• Align pricing strategies with estimating, proposal, and sourcing teams, including development of commercial pricing models, indexing strategies, and risk mitigation approaches
• Analyze spend and utilization data; build reports and dashboards to monitor category performance and demand forecasts
• Monitor market and industry trends to identify cost optimization, risk reduction, and supplier performance improvement opportunities
• Ensure sourcing strategies align with business needs, regulatory requirements, and enterprise objectives
• Develop and manage relationships with business leaders, functional stakeholders, and strategic suppliers; lead escalation resolution when issues impact category execution
• Define and implement supplier performance measures aligned to category strategy expectations
• Develop internal and external sourcing guidelines and guardrails; monitor compliance with category strategies and contractual terms
• Streamline sourcing processes based on category risk profiles
• Support the development and execution of Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) programs
• Influence key initiatives at decision points, including preparing and delivering communications and presentations to senior and executive leadership
• Drive process improvements, training, change management, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Maintain and expand working knowledge of procurement systems and tools, including Oracle, PPMS, and third party supplier platforms

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in procurement, supply chain management, engineering, or a related field
• Minimum 5–7 years of category management or strategic sourcing experience within EPC, industrial construction, or engineering environments
• Proven experience supporting large capital projects and sourcing engineered equipment, bulk materials, OEMs, or fabricated materials
• Demonstrated ownership of category strategy development and execution, including spend analysis, cost modeling, and supplier performance management
• Direct experience leading or supporting contract negotiations, contract administration, and commercial terms with suppliers
• Hands on experience using ERP or procurement systems for spend analysis and supplier management (Oracle preferred)
• Strong stakeholder management skills, including collaboration with engineering, estimating, proposals, and senior leadership

PREFERRED

• Experience across multiple industrial market sectors
• Prior experience interfacing with external clients and engineering entities
• Experience supporting multi year sourcing programs or large, complex projects
• Advanced analytical skills, including commodity cost modeling, pricing analysis, and ROI evaluation
• Prior experience interfacing with client and engineering entities preferred

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Employee will be required to communicate in person, via telephone, email, use of arm/hand steadiness, manual dexterity, finger dexterity, multi limb coordination, oral expression, and comprehension. May be required to lift, carry and move objects safely.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work will be in a conservative corporate office environment operating and functioning at a fast pace. Working out of cubicles near other various colleagues who are also in cubes. Some may refer to these workspaces as cube farms. Our corporate campus includes an on-site cafe with various daily breakfast, lunch and snack-time selections, a sizeable fitness center equipped with various state of the artwork out equipment & weights, outdoor walking/jogging-path, herb garden, basketball half-court, sand-volleyball court, soccer field, as well as a clinic with a certified nurse practitioner. Office noise will be low and generally consist of cube neighbors' phone-calls, conversations and/or laughter. You can expect people to treat you with friendliness and respect throughout the campus.

The above description covers the fundamental responsibilities of the Category Manager position. It shall not be construed as a complete listing of all miscellaneous, incidental, or similar duties which may be required from day-to-day.


ESPO Corporation
www.espocorp.com
630-789-2525
View all open jobs at www.espocorp.com/jobs

Leaders in Technical Recruiting & Staffing since 1965

ESPO has a comprehensive benefits package which includes PTO, Group Health and Dental Insurance, and 401k after you have satisfied the necessary waiting periods.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and value the benefits of diversity in our workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity and expression, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, or any other attribute or protected characteristic by law. If you need assistance applying, please get in touch with us directly.