Procurement Category Manager III

Title: Procurement Category Manager III
Duration: 8 Months
Location: Remote

Position Summary

This position assists in the sourcing, contracting, and supplier management activities for assigned categories at Lumen Technologies. This role specifically will work with the Network Construction team on Outside Plant Support Services, including locates, flagging and task based support. This role supports the development and execution of procurement strategies in alignment with business objectives, while helping to optimize supplier performance and value. The position contributes to market analysis, spend tracking, and supplier performance monitoring, and collaborates with internal teams to ensure effective procurement operations.

Key Responsibilities

Category Support and Analysis

• Assist in collecting and analyzing internal spend data and external market trends at the sub-category and supplier level.
• Support reporting efforts in collaboration with the Reporting & Analytics team.
• Help maintain visibility of category spend across business segments.

Construction Support

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to support procurement activities related to fiber construction projects.
• Assist in sourcing and onboarding for construction materials, labor, and services specific to fiber deployment.
• Track supplier performance and delivery timelines to ensure alignment with construction schedules.
• Support the coordination of RFX events and contract execution for fiber-related categories, including permitting, trenching, and installation services.

Strategy Implementation

• Contribute to the development of category strategy plans by compiling relevant data and insights.
• Support savings initiatives through RFX coordination, supplier negotiations, and demand management efforts.

Contract Administration

• Assist in managing contracts and coordinating with the Contracting Excellence team for tactical contract execution.
• Utilize standard contract templates and ensure compliance with approved legal terms.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Participate in meetings with internal stakeholders to understand procurement needs and align on priorities.
• Maintain a calendar of recurring meetings to support planning and issue resolution.

Supplier Interaction

• Serve as a secondary point of contact for suppliers within assigned categories.
• Assist in monitoring supplier performance and preparing materials for supplier reviews and communications.
• Help identify supplier risks and support the evaluation of alternative sourcing options

Requirements

• Bachelor s degree or equivalent relevant experience.
• Minimum of 2 4 years of experience in procurement, sourcing, or supply chain operations.
• Proficiency in Client Office, with intermediate skills in Excel.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Detail-oriented with strong analytical and organizational skills.

Preferred

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for working with internal teams and suppliers.
• Experience supporting contract reviews and supplier performance discussions.
• Familiarity with procurement systems such as SAP and Ariba.