Category Manager – Construction Materials

Duties And Responsibilities

• Develop and execute multi-year category strategies aligned with OES business needs, spend profiles, and growth plans.
• Analyze spend, supplier landscapes, and market trends to identify opportunities for consolidation, standardization, and strategic partnerships.
• Lead supplier identification, evaluation, onboarding, and performance management for assigned categories.
• Own and execute strategic sourcing events (RFx), including bid development, evaluation, total cost analysis, and commercial negotiations in partnership with Risk and Legal.
• Establish and manage preferred supplier programs, framework agreements, MSAs, and category pricing catalogs.
• Partner with Operations, Procurement, and branch teams to drive program adoption, purchasing compliance, and vendor performance.
• Monitor and report on category performance, including margins, cost savings, cost avoidance, service levels, and supplier compliance.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives, including system enhancements (e.g., Coupa, ERP) and category playbook development.

Required Skills And Abilities

• Strong understanding of construction and building materials.
• Ability to read drawings and specifications to understand technical requirements.
• Exceptional negotiation, sourcing, and vendor-management skills.
• Ability to conduct complex financial and market analysis.
• Excellent communication skills with ability to influence at multiple levels.
• Ability to balance strategic planning with tactical execution.
• Excellent listening and communication skills.
• Positive interpersonal skills with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work in both a team environment and independently.
• Consistently provides responsive, quality service to meet and exceed customer expectations.
• Able to lift up to 50 pounds at times.