Sr. Category Manager

Are you looking for an exciting job where you can put your skills and talents to work at a company you can feel proud to be a part of? Do you want a workplace that will challenge you and offer you opportunities to learn and grow? A position at Xcel Energy could be just what you’re looking for. Position Summary Develop and execute sourcing category, supplier, and risk management strategies that align with business stakeholder priorities for key categories. Lead cross functional teams from the business and Supply Chain to drive successful project and category outcomes/results. Plan and lead competitive sourcing events using an enterprise-wide approach, incorporating external factors intelligence in support of category strategies. Develop effective negotiation strategies, plan, and conduct negotiations of commercial terms with suppliers to achieve category objectives. Lead ongoing supplier performance, relationship, and development activities to ensure category strategy adherence. Develop and execute contracts with key suppliers. Essential Responsibilities Develop and implement enterprise-wide category strategies to optimize cost and improve operations in line with sourcing best practices. Collaborate with business stakeholders to align business demands, category/contract strategy, and execution. Perform spend and cost analysis (e.g. total cost of ownership and should cost models) and develop category strategies to achieve maximum value capture. Complete supplier research and risk profiles while monitoring industry information, external factors, and trends to ensure category strategies are aligned with current best practices. In conjunction with logistics personnel, implement optimal inventory strategies. Lead multiple strategic supplier performance, relationship and development management efforts focused on improving total cost of ownership, quality, delivery, and continuous improvement. Develop plans with suppliers that support business goals and strategies, while driving continuous improvement and collaboration to strengthen partnerships that bring value to the company and the supplier. Develop performance-based supplier scorecards. Monitor, document, and evaluate supplier performance. Lead the resolution of disputes with suppliers. Lead negotiations of commercial terms to establish contracts that support category strategies while meeting business requirements, including limits of liability and general terms & conditions. Review, analyze, verify, and negotiate contract changes or additional work orders. Monitor compliance across buying channel, supplier, and contract purchasing execution. Manage contractor claims to resolution and successfully minimize overall impact to cost and schedule. Ensure suppliers comply with contract terms and meet all commitments. Develop and communicate contract summary and implementation plans. Develop risk management strategies and in conjunction with Legal and Security teams, apply understanding of underlying principles of contract law to administer all category contract agreements. In collaboration with business area management, manage and define the risk elements of the contract. Lead cross functional teams from the business and Supply Chain to drive successful project and category outcomes/results. Create and manage project plans to implement category strategies. Interacts with business leadership to integrate sourcing and business project plans. Manage Supply Chain, business, and supplier continuous improvement efforts. Lead change management efforts. Minimum Requirements Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, business, or related technical/analytical field. Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. MBA as well as Certified Professional in Supply Chain Management (CPSM) or other supply chain certification preferred. Requires five years of supply chain experience with focus in sourcing. Three years of contract formation knowledge and experience. Negotiation and project management skills preferred. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and significant experience with purchasing and sourcing systems is required. Demonstrated customer service skills. Strong interpersonal and relationship skills are required. Required to attend meetings in various locations, up to 20% travel; driver's license required. Current hybrid work model (Monday & Friday - option to work from home, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday - work in-office). Preferred Requirements Experience leading and managing the IT Telecom and IT Communications category. This covers the PLTE, Wireless, 4Avail, Lumen, Dawcom, and Avaya programs. Benefits Non‑Bargaining. The anticipated starting base pay for this position is: $97,600.00 to $138,600.00 per year. This position is eligible for the following benefits: Annual Incentive Program, Medical/Pharmacy Plan, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Dependent Care Reimbursement Account, Health Care Reimbursement Account, Health Savings Account (HSA) (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Limited‑Purpose FSA (if enrolled in eligible health plan and HSA), Transportation Reimbursement Account, Short‑term disability (STD), Long‑term disability (LTD), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Fitness Center Reimbursement (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Tuition reimbursement, Transit programs, Employee recognition program, Pension, 401(k) plan, Paid time off (PTO), Holidays, Volunteer Paid Time Off (VPTO), Parental Leave. Equal Opportunity All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. Individuals with a disability who need an accommodation to apply please contact View email address on click.appcast.io. Benefit plans are subject to change and Xcel Energy has the right to end, suspend, or amend any of its plans, at any time, in whole or in part. In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age‑identifying information including but not limited to dates of school attendance and graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information. All Xcel Energy employees and contractors share responsibility for protecting the company's information and systems by adhering to cybersecurity policies, standards, and best practices, recognizing that cybersecurity is everyone's responsibility. Accessibility Statement Xcel Energy endeavors to make accessible to any and all users. 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