Category Manager (Denver)

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced procurement and sourcing professional to support battery storage initiatives within the energy sector. This role is split across two critical focus areas: leading and executing strategic sourcing events—including RFPs, RFIs, and RFQs—from planning through contract award, and managing and negotiating a broad range of agreements such as master service agreements and project-specific contracts. The ideal candidate brings deep familiarity with structured sourcing methodologies, a strong command of contract negotiation, and the ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. This is a hybrid position based in Denver, CO, with onsite presence expected Tuesday through Thursday.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage end-to-end strategic sourcing events including RFPs, RFIs, and RFQs across equipment and services categories
• Apply structured sourcing methodologies (e.g., seven-step sourcing process) to plan, execute, and evaluate sourcing events through contract award
• Negotiate and manage a portfolio of agreements including master service agreements and project-specific contracts across multiple workstreams
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop and align on category strategies, commercial terms, and sourcing approaches
• Review and redline contract terms to ensure alignment with organizational objectives and risk tolerance
• Manage vendor relationships and support supplier evaluation processes throughout the sourcing lifecycle
• Balance simultaneous priorities across active contracts and sourcing events at various stages of completion
• Engage stakeholders at all levels, including leadership, to communicate sourcing strategies, timelines, and outcomes
• Monitor and incorporate awareness of supply chain considerations such as tariffs, lead times, and geopolitical factors into sourcing decisions

Skills

• Strong contract negotiation and contract lifecycle management capabilities
• Hands-on experience leading RFP, RFI, and RFQ processes end-to-end
• Proficiency with structured sourcing frameworks such as the seven-step sourcing process
• Category management expertise including pricing analysis, lead time evaluation, and commercial terms assessment
• Procurement experience spanning both equipment and services categories
• Excellent attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple concurrent priorities
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage stakeholders at all organizational levels
• Self-starter mentality with a proactive and curious approach to problem-solving
• Understanding of supply chain complexities including tariffs, geopolitical considerations, and foreign ownership implications

Experience

• Meaningful experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, or category management required
• Background in the utility or energy sector strongly preferred, particularly related to battery storage or similar technologies
• Candidates from other industries with demonstrated strength in negotiation and end-to-end sourcing will also be considered
• Experience with global OEMs, particularly in power equipment or battery and storage technologies, is a strong plus
• Prior exposure to complex supplier agreements and multi-party contract structures preferred

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required