Category Lead

Base pay range $120,000.00/yr - $160,000.00/yr Direct message the job poster from VARITE INC Sr. Manager - Client Services at Varite Inc VARITE is looking for a qualified Transmission Planning Engineer for one of its clients. WHAT THE CLIENT DOES? The company started out as a hardware/software vendor, but over time added more subscription-based services. WHAT WE DO? Established in the Year 2000, VARITE is an award-winning minority business enterprise providing global consulting & staffing services to Fortune 1000 companies and government agencies. With 850+ global consultants, VARITE is committed to delivering excellence to its customers by leveraging its global experience and expertise in providing comprehensive scientific, engineering, technical, and non-technical staff augmentation and talent acquisition services. HERE'S WHAT YOU’LL DO: Job Title: Category Leader, Expert Location: Oakland, CA Full Time Direct hire Work Mode: Hybrid Description: STRAIGHT FTE/ Client's DIRECT HIRE; ACTUAL TITLE: Category Leader, Expert Department Overview The Procurement organization is the functional lead for the procurement of materials and services. The department collaborates with internal clients and suppliers managing more than $12 billion of annual company spend to develop mutually beneficial total value solutions for goods and services. The department provides the following services to internal clients: 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 As a Category Lead, you will play a critical role in optimizing the sourcing and procurement strategy for one of the nation’s largest gas and electric utilities, ensuring cost efficiency, supplier performance, and risk mitigation. You will lead strategic category planning, supplier negotiations, and contract management to drive value, resilience, and sustainability across the supply chain. Partnering with and influencing key internal stakeholders and leveraging market intelligence, you will develop and execute category strategies that align with business objectives, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices. This high-impact role requires a balance of analytical expertise, relationship management, and strategic vision to enhance operational excellence and support commitment to safe, reliable, and sustainable energy. Job Responsibilities Acts as subject matter expert for particular categories or services. Develops and implements category plans and sourcing strategies for medium complexity categories that optimize cost, mitigate risk, and ensure supply continuity. Leads competitive bidding processes including RFPs, RFIs, and negotiations to secure best-value agreements. Negotiates, drafts, and manages contracts to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, corporate policies, and industry standards. Develops and sustains 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. Partners with and influences cross-functional stakeholders and teams in developing sourcing and negotiation strategies for medium complexity spend categories Maintains awareness of industry and market trends, supplier landscapes, and regulatory changes to drive informed decision-making and strategic sourcing initiatives. Conducts and documents 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 job-related discipline or equivalent experience 6 years of experience in sourcing 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) If this opportunity interests you, please respond by clicking on EasyApply. Know someone who would be perfect for this role? Refer them to us and if they are hired, you could be eligible for our employee referral bonus! Help us grow our team with top talent from your network. VARITE is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status Seniority level Mid-Senior level Employment type Contract Job function Supply Chain Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at VARITE INC by 2x Get notified about new Category Specialist jobs in Oakland, CA. We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI. #J-18808-Ljbffr