Category Manager

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties, locations, and responsibilities performed by incumbent(s) in this job. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties in this description, and incumbent(s) may be required to perform work-related tasks other than those specifically listed in this description. This job description is not a "contract" between the employee and the Authority. The job duties and essential functions may be changed at the discretion of the General Manager. Job Details Job Title: Category Manager, Capital Procurement Job Code: P0507 Supervises Directly: No New or Revised: Revised Regular or At-Will: At-Will Date Last Revised: 4/17/2026 Exempt or Non-Exempt: Exempt Compensation Approval Signature: (not specified) Union / Non-Union: Non-Union Department Name: Procurement-Engineering Services Division: Finance, Procurement and Compliance Salary Schedule: Non-Union Salary Range Cost Center Code: 301012 Grade: NU17 Essential Position: No Reports To: Manager, Capital Procurement EEO Code: Professionals Work Format: Hybrid Who We Are & What We Do At DC Water, we provide more than 700,000 District of Columbia residents and 24.6 million annual visitors with essential water, wastewater, and stormwater services. DC Water also provides wholesale wastewater treatment services for 1.8 million people in Montgomery and Prince George's counties in Maryland, and Fairfax and Loudoun counties in Virginia. We aspire to be known for superior service, ingenuity, and stewardship to advance the health and well‑being of our diverse workforce and communities. To achieve this vision, we commit to our shared mission every day—exceeding expectations by providing high quality water services in a safe, environmentally friendly, and efficient manner. Role Description The Category Manager, Capital Procurement manages large and complex category and sourcing projects in various capital projects. This position will use category management and strategic sourcing methodology to bring best value to DC Water by conducting market research, vendor development, developing category and sourcing strategy, creating customized RFx documents, negotiating business deals and contracts, and managing business relationships with key suppliers and end‑user departments. The Category Manager, Capital Procurement, may also provide guidance and direction to lower‑level category and sourcing specialists. Essential Duties & Responsibilities Develops and implements category and sourcing strategies and goals for the assigned categories to achieve department and business goals. Manages the full range of sourcing and contracting activities for the assigned categories or as requested by management. Develops complex RFx and other solicitation documents and independently manages and leads the entire sourcing and contracting process including vendor search, proposal evaluation, deal and contract negotiation and award. Advises customers on category and sourcing procedures, policies, business practices, and contract interpretation. Works with customers to select the appropriate contract type for a specified effort. Participates in the evaluation and formulation of the Procurement policies and procedures. Provides advice and informs on‑the‑job training and coaching to less experienced category and sourcing specialists. Represents the Authority in solving problems and explaining acquisition requirements. Holds discussions with customers, General Counsel, VP and Director of Procurement, Manager, Capital Procurement and other executive and senior management concerning procurement strategy, vendor management, contract pricing, and other contractual matters. Chairs or oversees the pre‑bid and pre‑proposal conferences. Provides direction and guidance regarding pre‑bid and pre‑proposal inquiries. Demonstrates ability to manage multiple simultaneous complex sourcing projects and achieving consistent savings. Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned at the discretion of the immediate supervisor. Supervisory Responsibilities: N/A Key Working Relationships: Interacts daily with vendors, local officials and department heads and other DC Water personnel. Skills & Qualifications Required Experience: Five (5) years of progressive experience in sourcing and contracting, or three (3) years of progressive experience in sourcing and contracting with a master’s degree in business, Technical or a related field. Minimum Education Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree in a Business, Technical, or related field from an accredited college or university with five (5) years of progressive experience; Associate’s Degree in a Business, Technical, or related field from an accredited college or university with seven (7) years of progressive experience; High school diploma or GED with nine (9) years of progressive experience. Required Skills: Strong project‑management experience and ability to project‑manage multiple complex projects; Versed in all types of contracts; Strong expertise in RFx process, proposal evaluation, deal negotiation, and contract negotiation; Strong experience in Capital Programs, Engineering, Construction or Design‑Build; Strong and proven leadership experience and ability to present and interact with executive levels; Strong analytical, planning, interpersonal and organizational skills; Strong knowledge in computer (MS Word, Excel, PPT, Project); Ability to travel as required. Required Licenses & Certifications: N/A Required Languages: English Physical Requirements: General office conditions. Preferred Experience: Prefer private sector and consulting experiences. Preferred Education Requirements: Master’s degree preferred in Business, Technical, or a related field from an accredited college or university. Preferred Skills: Prefer a professional certification from the Institute for Supply Management (ISM), APICS, the National Institute of Government Purchasing (NIGP), or National Contracts Management Association (NCMA), or the ability to obtain certification from any of these organizations within one (1) year of employment. *The work environment characteristics described in the physical requirements section of the required skills & qualifications table are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities. Your Experience at DC Water At DC Water, our people make us an industry leader. Join a group of thinkers, innovators, and problem solvers focused on protecting life’s most precious resource in the nation’s capital. Take pride in your work. We provide an essential service and do work that matters. A career at DC Water is an exciting opportunity to help improve the environment and make a lasting difference for the community. Connect to a strong culture. Everything we do is grounded in our shared values—accountability, trust, teamwork, customer focus, safety, and wellbeing. Be your true self. We are an inclusive organization that embraces diversity, and we recognize and celebrate employees’ individuality and unique contributions. Build your skills and career path. We are committed to developing a future‑ready workforce by helping our employees develop skills for the jobs of tomorrow. We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug‑free workplace and perform pre‑employment substance abuse testing. The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination against “qualified individuals with disabilities”. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please email View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr