Supplier Engagement/Market Intelligence Manager

Position Summary The Supplier Diversity & Market Intelligence Manager plays a critical role in Port Houston's transition from a transactional procurement model to a strategic, data-driven sourcing organization. This position integrates traditional Supplier Diversity responsibilities with expanded Market Intelligence functions to strengthen sourcing strategy, build robust supplier ecosystems, and ensure inclusive economic participation. The role serves as a key liaison between Port Houston, partner agencies, internal departments, community organizations, and the small business community, while also providing timely market insight to inform sourcing decisions. The Manager leads Small Business Enterprise (SBE) goal-setting activities and supports regulatory compliance, while monitoring industry trends, supply chain shifts, labor market dynamics, and construction activity to proactively identify strategic sourcing opportunities. Through supplier engagement, market research, and relationship development, the Manager enhances the Port's ability to anticipate market risks, improve negotiation outcomes, diversify suppliers, and expand small business participation. Strategic Market Intelligence Monitor industry trends, supply chain fluctuations, commodity pricing, labor market dynamics, and construction forecasts to support proactive procurement planning and early risk detection. Conduct market research and supplier availability analysis to identify emerging suppliers, new entrants and consolidation risk with emphasis on small and diverse businesses. Build cost models and analyses to strengthen negotiation positions and validate supplier pricing. Track supplier financial health and risk indicators to flag potential supply chain disruption before it materializes. Provide strategic insights to internal stakeholders to improve sourcing strategies and long-term supplier planning. Develop intelligence products such as market reports, risk summaries, supplier landscape assessments, and benchmarking analyses. Support development of annual sourcing strategies aligned with upcoming capital projects, operational needs, and market conditions. Supplier Diversity Leadership Serve as key technical advisor on Port Houston's Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Program initiatives, participation strategies, and regulatory requirements. Set SBE goals for formal procurements using industry best practices, market availability data, utilization history, and disparity study data; and support departments in building annual utilization plans. Lead the Method of Procurement (MOP) process by conducting supplier availability analyses, utilization assessments, and eligibility determinations. Analyze SBE availability trends to drive outreach and subcontracting strategy, expanding participation and identifying potential suppliers in low-participation industries. Evaluate, assess and validate bids, proposals and SBE participation plans for compliance; and conduct data-driven post-award reviews. Evaluate bids, proposals, and Requests for Commission Action for SBE program compliance. Maintain detailed documentation supporting recommended SBE goals for each procurement. Develop and deliver SBE training and presentations for internal stakeholders, the contracting community and pre-solicitation meetings. Provide technical assistance to S/MWBE contractors and subcontractors. Represent Business Equity/SBE during evaluation and ranking of competitive procurement processes. Mediate vendor disputes, and support leadership with performance metrics, compliance outcomes and strategic recommendations. Represent Port Houston at industry events, expos, workshops, forums, and stakeholder meetings to advance SBE engagement. Cross-Functional Collaboration & Departmental Development Partner with internally to integrate market insights into category strategies and sourcing plans. Help upskill department staff in market analysis, supplier engagement, and strategic sourcing practices. Foster strong relationships with suppliers, trade organizations, chambers of commerce, and agencies to expand Port Houston's supplier network. Champion Port Houston's core values: respect, excellence, accountability, diligence, and you. Perform special projects and related duties, as required. Education/Experience Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration #J-18808-Ljbffr porthouston