Category Lead
Job Title: Category Lead Location : San Ramon or Oakland, CA - Hybrid Pay: Bay Area Minimum: $126,000, Midpoint: $163,000, Bay Area Maximum: $200,000 Relocation Provided The ideal candidate will have: Experience sourcing or leading a category strategy for large consulting services agreements with top-tier consulting firms such as PwC, EY, KPMG, McKinsey, BCG, Bain, or AT Kearney. Strong expertise in category management, with a deep understanding of pricing models, supply bases, and consulting subcategories nuances. Full-cycle sourcing experience with demonstrated longevity and depth in specific categories, from strategy development through implementation to vendor management. Please do not submit candidates who are primarily: Contract specialists Procurement managers with a focus only on contract administration Project managers who have worked on short-term, project-based efforts This position is hybrid, working from your remote office and your assigned work location based on business need. Preferred work location is Oakland, CA, but other locations may be considered. The assigned work location will be within the client Service Territory. Final work location will be determined between the hiring leader and successful candidate. Description Department Overview The Procurement organization is the functional lead for the procurement of materials and services at Company. Collaborates with internal clients and suppliers managing more than client billion of annual company spend to develop mutually beneficial total value solutions for goods and services. Provides services such as procurement of goods and services, strategic sourcing and cost savings, category management, supplier relationship management, supplier diversity planning, execution and outreach, compliance management, ongoing procurement field support, and management of the source to pay cycle. Position Summary Optimize the sourcing and procurement strategy for one of the nation's largest gas and electric utilities, ensuring cost efficiency, supplier performance, and risk mitigation. Lead strategic category planning, supplier negotiations, and contract management to drive value, resilience, and sustainability across the supply chain. Partner with and influence key internal stakeholders and leverage market intelligence to develop and execute category strategies aligning with business objectives, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices. Balance analytical expertise, relationship management, and strategic vision to enhance operational excellence and support the client's commitment to safe, reliable, and sustainable energy. Job Responsibilities Act as subject matter expert for particular categories or services. Develop and implement category plans and sourcing strategies for medium complexity categories that optimize cost, mitigate risk, and ensure supply continuity. Lead competitive bidding processes including RFPs, RFIs, and negotiations to secure best-value agreements. Negotiate, draft, and manage contracts to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, corporate policies, and industry standards. Develop and sustain mutually beneficial strategic relationships with category suppliers, conducting regular performance reviews, fostering collaboration on innovation and continuous improvement, and ensuring alignment with the company's safety, reliability, and sustainability goals. Partner with and influence cross-functional stakeholders and teams in developing sourcing and negotiation strategies for medium complexity spend categories. Maintain awareness of industry and market trends, supplier landscapes, and regulatory changes to drive informed decision-making and strategic sourcing initiatives. Conduct and document market research and supplier risk analysis to verify the financial health of existing and potential suppliers. Qualifications Minimum: Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a job-related discipline or equivalent experience. 6 years of experience in sourcing. Desired: 8 years of work experience in procurement, sourcing, or supply chain management, preferably in the utility, energy, or infrastructure sectors. Experience sourcing in Consulting / Professional Services, Construction / Related Services, or Materials. Proven ability to lead high-value negotiations, develop contract structures, and drive favorable outcomes. Strong analytical skills with experience leveraging spend analytics, cost modeling, and digital procurement tools to optimize category strategies. Competency in building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives. Competency in developing strategic supplier partnerships, managing performance scorecards, and fostering supplier-driven innovation. Competency in engaging and influencing senior stakeholders, operations leaders, and legal teams, to align procurement strategies with business priorities. Competency in building and leading strong-identity teams that apply their diverse skills and perspectives to achieve common goals. Competency in applying project management theories, concepts, methods, best practices, and techniques as needed to perform at the job level. Knowledge of database and information systems - e.g., ARIBA, SAP, etc. - as needed to perform at the job level. Competency in leading cross-functional teams and to drive projects of medium complexity. Strong written and verbal skills. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office. Master's Degree in Business Administration or job-related discipline or equivalent experience. LSS-Lean Six Sigma Certification. PMP-Project Management Professional certification. ISM-Institute for Supply Management CPSM-Certified Professional in Supply Management certification, or similar certification(s).
