Category Management - Construction, Distribution, or Transmission Services

TypeDirect PlacementExperience-1Salary$170,000-$190,000 / yearCategory Management – Construction / Distribution / Transmission Permanent Roles Hybrid role in Oakland or San Ramon California Our client is seeking to fill multiple roles in category management for Construction, Distribution, and Transmission services. In these roles, you will play a critical role in optimizing the sourcing and procurement strategy for one of the nation’s largest gas and electric utilities, ensuring cost efficiency, supplier performance, and risk mitigation. You will lead strategic category planning, supplier negotiations, and contract management to drive value, resilience, and sustainability across the supply chain. By partnering with and influencing key internal stakeholders and leveraging market intelligence, you will develop and execute category strategies that align with business objectives, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices. This high-impact role requires a balance of analytical expertise, relationship management, and strategic vision to enhance operational excellence and support our client's commitment to safe, reliable, and sustainable energy. EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) experience for large-scale projects is preferred. Job Responsibilities Develops and implements category plans and sourcing strategies for low-to-medium complexity categories that optimize cost, mitigate risk, and ensure supply continuity. Leads competitive bidding processes including RFPs, RFIs, and negotiations to secure best-value agreements. Negotiates, drafts, and manages contracts to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, corporate policies, and industry standards. Develops and sustains mutually beneficial strategic relationships with suppliers, conducting regular performance reviews, fostering collaboration and ensuring alignment with the company’s safety, reliability, and sustainability goals. Partners with and influences cross-functional stakeholders and teams in developing sourcing and negotiation strategies for low-to-medium complexity spend categories Maintains awareness of industry and market trends, supplier landscapes, and regulatory changes to drive informed decision-making and strategic sourcing initiatives. Conducts and documents market research and supplier risk analysis to verify the financial health of existing and potential suppliers. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management or job-related discipline or equivalent experience. 8+ years of work experience in strategic sourcing, preferably in Construction, Distribution, or Transmission servicesExperience in developing complex contracting strategies EPC/CMAR/PDB/DB/GMP. EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) for large-scale projects is preferred.Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office products – e.g., Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access – as needed to perform at the job level. Proven ability to lead high-value negotiations, develop contract structures, and drive favorable outcomes. Strong analytical skills with experience leveraging spend analytics, cost modeling, and digital procurement tools to optimize category strategies. Competency in building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives. Ability to develop strategic supplier partnerships, manage performance scorecards, and foster supplier-driven innovation. Ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders, operations leaders, and legal teams to align procurement strategies with business priorities. Knowledge of database and information systems – e.g., ARIBA, SAP, etc. – as needed Desired Qualifications HIGHLY DESIRED - Experience in the Utility, Energy, or Infrastructure Sectors Ability to lead cross-functional teams and to drive projects of low-to-medium complexity Competency in building and leading strong-identity teams that apply their diverse skills and perspectives to achieve common goals Ability to apply project management theories, concepts, methods, best practices, and techniques as needed to perform at the job level Master’s Degree in Business Administration or job-related discipline or equivalent experience LSS-Lean Six Sigma Certification PMP-Project Management Professional certification ISM-Institute for Supply Management CPSM-Certified Professional in Supply Management certification, or similar certification(s)