Sr. Category Manager

Senior Category Manager – Construction Procurement

Houston, TX

Direct hire

$120,000–$135,000 DOE + bonus opportunity

Monday–Friday | Full-time | 100% Onsite | Approximately 10–15% travel

This position is eligible for medical, dental, vision, and 401(k)

Our client is a large, nationally recognized organization with a growing strategic procurement team that supports capital projects and facility development across multiple locations. This team partners closely with executive leadership to drive sourcing strategies, supplier performance, and cost optimization for multimillion-dollar construction and facilities initiatives.

Our client is seeking an experienced Senior Category Manager to oversee construction-related procurement and sourcing initiatives supporting capital improvement and facility expansion projects. This role will develop category strategies, lead complex contract negotiations, manage supplier relationships, and collaborate with executive leadership to deliver value across large-scale construction and infrastructure investments.

The ideal candidate has extensive experience managing high-value procurement portfolios, influencing senior stakeholders, and negotiating complex supplier agreements. Construction category experience is preferred but professionals from industrial manufacturing, oil & gas, utilities, or other capital project environments are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute strategic sourcing plans for construction materials, equipment, and services.
• Lead competitive bidding events, supplier evaluations, and contract negotiations for multimillion-dollar projects.
• Build long-term partnerships with contractors, suppliers, and service providers to improve quality, cost, and performance.
• Collaborate with executive leadership and cross-functional teams to align procurement strategies with business objectives.
• Analyze spending, supplier performance, and market trends to identify savings opportunities and mitigate risk.
• Drive supplier performance management, contract compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Present sourcing recommendations, financial analyses, and business cases to senior leadership.
• Support capital projects by ensuring procurement strategies meet budget, timeline, and operational objectives.
• Evaluate total cost of ownership and recommend innovative sourcing solutions that maximize long-term value.

Qualifications:

• 10+ years of experience in category management, procurement, strategic sourcing, supplier management, or merchandising.
• Experience managing large procurement portfolios and negotiating high-value contracts.
• Strong executive communication and relationship-building skills with experience working alongside VP and C-suite leaders.
• Proven analytical, financial, and negotiation skills.
• Experience supporting large capital projects or enterprise-level organizations.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Procurement, Finance, or a related field preferred (equivalent experience will be considered).
• Experience with procurement software such as Coupa is a plus.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel approximately 10–15%.