Category Manager

Position Summary Working with Category Managers (CMs), effectively develop and coordinate the execution of category sourcing strategies that align with business stakeholder priorities. Utilize clear understanding of the supply market, sourcing best practice approaches, and negotiation strategies to achieve category objectives, while providing direction and leveraging Supply Chain resources. Manage risk mitigation efforts and on-going supplier performance monitoring activities to ensure category strategy adherence. Form and execute non-critical contracts. Collaborate with business stakeholders to align business demands with category strategy. Ensure compliance with supplier safety, risk assessments, and other supplier programs. Essential Responsibilities Support CMs while learning to develop category strategy to capture value and improve operations. Collaborate with business stakeholders to align business demands with category/contract strategy, and execution. Perform analysis of contracts, supply & demand, market and commodity trends (including total cost of ownership and should-cost modeling), and recommend category strategies. Monitor industry information, trends, and supplier risk profiles to ensure category strategy remains in line with best practices while supporting business requirements. Support development and execution of sourcing events, including coordinating the evaluation of proposals and selection of suppliers for targeted categories of spend. Lead tier II and support CMs in tier 1 supplier performance and relationship management efforts focused on improving total cost of ownership, quality, delivery, and continuous improvement. Develop plans with suppliers that support business goals and strategies, while driving continuous improvement and collaboration to strengthen partnerships and bring value to the company and the supplier. Support development of supplier scorecards and monitors performance. Work with Category Managers and business stakeholders to ensure metrics are meaningful and measurable. Support the resolution of disputes with suppliers. Develop effective skills for managing complex supplier relationships and continuous improvement efforts. Support CMs in developing and conducting strategic contract negotiations and may lead negotiations in some instances. Ensure all contract processes are followed, documents are complete, and appropriate records are retained. Monitor compliance across buying channels, supplier, and contract purchasing execution. Coordinate the resolution of disputes and contract adjustments with suppliers and internal stakeholders. Communicate contract summary and implementation plans. Support development of risk management strategies and in conjunction with Legal and Security, apply understanding of underlying principles of contract law to administer all category contract agreements. In collaboration with business area management, manage and define risk elements of contracts. Limit risk by ensuring all required documents and notices have been obtained and are satisfactory. Support category and project plan development for the implementation of Supply Chain strategy. Interact and maintain relationships with partners to integrate sourcing and business project plans. Support change management efforts. Minimum Requirements Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, business, or related technical/analytical field. Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. Requires three years of supply chain experience. Proficient in contract formation, negotiation, and execution. Willing to pursue Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) or equivalent. Previous experience in plant operations, utility field operations, finance or business administration is a plus. Required to attend meetings across the region. Up to 10% travel is required. Preferred Requirements Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and experience with purchasing and sourcing systems strongly preferred. As a leading combination electricity and natural gas energy company, Xcel Energy offers a comprehensive portfolio of energy-related products and services to 3.4 million electricity and 1.9 million natural gas customers across eight Western and Midwestern states. At Xcel Energy, we strive to be the preferred and trusted provider of the energy our customers need. If you’re ready to be a part of something big, we invite you to join our team. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. Individuals with a disability who need an accommodation to apply please contact us at View email address on click.appcast.io. Non-Bargaining The anticipated starting base pay for this position is: $95,000.00 to $120,500.00 per year Benefits This position is eligible for the following benefits: Annual Incentive Program Medical/Pharmacy Plan Dental Vision Life Insurance Dependent Care Reimbursement Account Health Care Reimbursement Account Health Savings Account (HSA) (if enrolled in eligible health plan) Limited-Purpose FSA (if enrolled in eligible health plan and HSA) Transportation Reimbursement Account Short-term disability (STD) Long-term disability (LTD) Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Fitness Center Reimbursement (if enrolled in eligible health plan) Tuition reimbursement Transit programs Employee recognition program Pension 401(k) plan Paid time off (PTO) Holidays Volunteer Paid Time Off (VPTO) Parental Leave Benefit plans are subject to change and Xcel Energy has the right to end, suspend, or amend any of its plans, at any time, in whole or in part. In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information including but not limited to dates of school attendance and graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information. Deadline to Apply: 08/25/26 EEO is the Law | EEO is the Law Supplement | Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination | Equal Opportunity Policy (PDF) | Employee Rights (PDF) All Xcel Energy employees and contractors share responsibility for protecting the company's information and systems by adhering to cybersecurity policies, standards, and best practices, recognizing that cybersecurity is everyone's responsibility. ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT Xcel Energy endeavors to make accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Xcel Energy Talent Acquisition at View email address on click.appcast.io. 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