Category Manager

Position Summary

Drives category strategy working with the business for multiple complex, high business impact categories. Responsible for the development and effective execution of sourcing strategy for critical categories. Plans for and leads competitive sourcing events and other activities in support of category strategies. Develops effective negotiation strategies and conducts negotiations with their category suppliers to achieve category and business objectives. Manages risk mitigation efforts and oversees on-going monitoring activities. Forms and executes contracts with critical suppliers.

Essential Responsibilities

Leads the development and implementation of category strategy to optimize cost and improve operations. Applies best practice approaches to multiple critical categories. In conjunction with logistics personnel, implements optimal inventory strategies. Conducts analyses of supply, demand, market, commodity, supplier, contract and "should cost" modeling to determine category strategies Monitors industry information and trends, and supplier risk profiles, to keep category strategy current while supporting business requirements. Develops complex sourcing events and qualifies, evaluates and selects suppliers for targeted categories of spend.

Leads multiple tier I supplier relationship management efforts focused on improving total cost of ownership, quality, delivery and continuous improvement. Develops plans with suppliers that support business goals and strategies, and drive continuous improvement and collaboration to bring value to both the company and the supplier. Develops performance-based scorecards and monitors, documents and evaluates supplier performance Leads the resolution of disputes with suppliers.

Leads negotiations to establish contracts that support category strategies while meeting business area requirements. Reviews, analyzes, verifies and negotiates contract changes or additional work orders. Manage contractor claims to resolution and successfully minimize overall impact to cost and schedule. Ensures suppliers comply with contract terms and meet all commitments.

Applies understanding of underlying principles of contract law to administer all category contract agreements. In collaboration with business area management, manages and defines the risk elements of the contract and assembles all necessary documentation for obtaining insurance.. Limits Xcel Energy liability by ensuring all required documents and notices have been obtained and are satisfactory.

Creates and manages a project plan for the implementation of category strategy. Interacts with business leadership to integrate the sourcing and business project plans. Manages the completion of supplier, business and supply chain continuous improvement efforts.

Creates and manages a project plan for the implementation of category strategy. Interacts with business leadership to integrate the sourcing and business project plans. Manages the completion of supplier, business and supply chain continuous improvement efforts.

1. Portfolio-Level Ownership (not project-based)

• Central coordination across multiple programs
• Ability to manage overlapping sourcing waves and prioritize enterprise impact

2. Strategic + Execution Capability

• Support complex negotiations and partner strategies (AI, cloud, platform ecosystems)
• Enable rapid contract turnaround for emerging AI initiatives

3. Technology & Services Expertise

• Experience in:
  • AI / emerging technology sourcing
  • Cloud & platform agreements
  • Staff augmentation and consulting services

4. Proactive Demand Forecasting

• Work with portfolio leadership to anticipate:
  • Upcoming vendor engagements
  • Scaling needs aligned to AI Big Bet phases

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Project Management, Business, Finance or related field or equivalent experience required. 5 years sourcing, purchasing or logistics experience. Two years plus contract formation knowledge and experience, negotiation and project management skills preferred. Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) certification 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. Frequently required to attend meetings

Explain what the scope of the work/project is? Project Overview, deliverables (what is this person
responsible for).
• Category Manager Level 3 supporting the Professional Services category within Supply Chain.
• Responsible for managing sourcing events, supplier relationships, contract negotiations, stakeholder
engagement, and category strategy execution.
• Will support business areas across Xcel and drive procurement initiatives and projects.

What are the top 3-5 skills and qualifications (technology/application/software, etc.) required?
• Category Management experience.
• Strategic Sourcing experience.
• Contract negotiation and supplier management.
• Professional Services procurement experience.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
2. What non-technical skills are necessary (i.e., such as communication, problem solving, team player)?
• Strong communication skills.
• Stakeholder relationship management.
• Ability to influence and collaborate.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities.
3. Ideal candidate background and how many years required?
• 8+ years of Category Management, Strategic Sourcing, or Procurement experience.
• Experience supporting Professional Services categories preferred.
• Supply Chain background strongly preferred.
4. Are there any specific companies you like to see on a candidate's resume?
• No specific companies required.
• Similar procurement/category management environments preferred.