Category Manager III

Our client, a leading energy and utility provider, is seeking a senior-level Category Manager to manage strategic sourcing and contracting initiatives across a portfolio of categories.

About the role

This contract position runs through August 15, 2028, with potential conversion to full-time employment based on performance and future headcount. The role is based in San Diego, CA, and requires onsite presence four days per week, with potential flexibility for the right candidate. Regular business hours are 8:00 AM–4:00 PM.

Responsibilities

• Manage portfolio spend and develop short- and long-term sourcing and cost-reduction strategies.
• Draft, negotiate, assemble, and execute contracts, RFPs, and strategic purchasing agreements.
• Conduct market analyses covering supplier capabilities, competitive landscapes, market trends, pricing, availability, and risk.
• Lead supplier evaluations, negotiations, sourcing projects, and change-management initiatives.
• Partner with business stakeholders, Legal, Risk, senior management, and procurement leadership to establish category requirements and goals.
• Manage multiple concurrent category projects, including project plans, portfolio modifications, performance tracking, and reporting.
• Develop and improve sourcing and procurement processes to support total cost of ownership savings and enhanced service levels.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Procurement, or a related field.
• 5+ years of strategic sourcing, category management, procurement, or supply chain experience.
• Senior-level experience drafting, negotiating, assembling, and executing contracts and RFPs.
• Demonstrated knowledge of strategic sourcing methodologies and supplier-management practices.
• Experience partnering with business stakeholders, Legal, Risk, and senior management.
• Strong negotiation, project-management, written communication, and presentation skills.
• Experience using SAP Ariba or the ability to quickly learn the platform.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree or other relevant advanced degree.
• Certified Purchasing Manager or comparable procurement certification.
• Experience leading sourcing initiatives that achieved quantifiable savings.
• Experience with eProcurement and eSourcing systems.
• Category experience within Travel, IT, Facilities, or Marketing.
• Utility, energy, insurance, or another highly regulated industry background.
• Experience managing cross-functional sourcing teams and complex category portfolios.

Skills

• Customer-focused and comfortable communicating with stakeholders at all organizational levels.
• Detail-oriented with strong contract review, organization, and follow-through skills.
• Strategic and analytical, with the ability to assess risk, market conditions, and total cost of ownership.
• Collaborative and skilled at influencing cross-functional teams and supplier relationships.
• Results-oriented with the ability to manage multiple concurrent priorities.

Schedule

• Monday–Friday, approximately 8:00 AM–4:00 PM.
• Hybrid: Expected onsite four days per week, with potential flexibility for the right candidate.

Pay

The approximate pay range for this position is between $53.00 and $75.00 per hour. Final compensation may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, background, knowledge, skills, and location.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance Plans.
• Employee-Owned Profit Sharing (ESOP).
• 401(k) offered.