Category Manager (Solar Racking)

About the role

The Category Manager is responsible for leading and managing the sourcing, supplier management, and procurement strategy for assigned commodities, driving cost-effective solutions and supply continuity. This role develops and executes category strategies informed by market intelligence, financial trends, and long-term demand forecasts.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute multi-year commodity procurement strategy supporting the renewable energy project pipeline
• Identify and engage internal stakeholders across the business to capture category requirements
• Develop, document, and execute category sourcing strategies using best-cost approaches informed by market intelligence, financial trends, and global economic factors
• Monitor market technology trends, policy developments and regulatory changes, and adjust procurement strategies accordingly
• Incorporate market intelligence, analytics, and supplier insights into procurement and contracting strategies
• Define negotiation strategy including supplier profiles, commercial negotiations targets, defining switching costs and building Total Cost of Ownership
• Evaluate and segment suppliers based on capabilities, capacity, quality, safety, material sources, and strategic value to the organization
• Maintain supplier relationships, monitor performance, and resolve issues related to pricing, quality, delivery, and product condition while mitigating supply chain risks
• Lead supplier relationship management for your commodity, including establishing vendor scorecards, addressing and improving performance, and conducting Quarterly Business Reviews with key supplier/Partner
• Collaborate with internal technical teams and suppliers to optimize specifications and solutions
• Support project management during both early-stage project development and late-stage execution
• Develop specific review guidelines for each key vendor in the category, including cadence of reviews, locations, spend, forecasting, facility visits, quality visits, and managing tradeshow meetings
• Lead and support contract negotiations, including scope, pricing, terms and conditions, delivery schedules, and change management
• Lead negotiations of Master Vendor Agreements (MVAs) and project-specific commercial terms while coordinating with legal, finance, permitting, and insurance teams
• Apply strong contracting and commercial skills, including scope development, contract editing, and monitoring commercial changes from award through delivery
• Lead and manage sourcing activities including Requests for Proposal (RFP) reviews, primary bid requests, supplier quoting and evaluation of bids, proposals, and supplier capabilities
• Coordinate closely with estimating, engineering, legal, and construction teams on all supply matters
• Ensure procurement agreements meet objectives related to safety, cost, schedule, quality, and delivery performance
• Provide procurement market insights and subject-matter expertise (SME) to estimating, project management, and internal teams to support budgeting, pricing validation, and strategic decisions
• Support project procurement from estimate to execution, validating budgets against supplier pricing and ensuring sourcing strategies align with project needs
• Track and log all incoming vendor notices regarding project impacts, including tariff changes, force majeure events, and supply chain disruptions
• Analyze procurement data and supplier performance metrics to support company KPIs and continuously improve category management processes
• Supervise and mentor Buyers, as applicable, to ensure alignment with negotiated contracts, material strategies, and supplier commitments
• Lead, coach, and train Buyers and procurement personnel while fostering knowledge sharing and process improvement
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Construction Management, Engineering, Business or related field OR equivalent combination of education and experience
• Seven+ years’ experience in strategic sourcing, commodity management, and/or contract negotiation
• Experience and knowledge in the commodity required
• Experience within construction industries preferred
• Supply Chain Certification (CSCP, CSCM, CPP, etc.) or demonstrated equivalent experience preferred

Benefits

• Competitive pay with ongoing performance review and merit increase
• 401(k) with company match & Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
• Flexible spending account (Healthcare & Dependent care)
• Health & Wellness Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance (plan choice)
• Diabetes Management, Telehealth Coverage, Prescription Drug Plan, Pet Insurance, Weight Management Drug Discount, Discounted National Gym Membership
• Emergency Travel Assistance Program
• Group legal plan

Pay

$110,000 - $160,000 / year, commensurate with experience

Schedule

Remote-based role with ability to travel to our office and field site locations to support events or department activities