Category Manager - Network Construction

Lumen is the trusted network for the AI‑powered world, connecting people, data, and applications through our expansive fiber network and connected ecosystem. We enable secure, high‑performance connectivity across cloud, edge, and AI workloads for enterprises, governments, and communities.

At Lumen, you’ll work on infrastructure customers rely on today and build for what’s next, where performance, security, and resilience matter.

This is a high accountability environment where bold ideas drive real innovation for our customers, partners, and industry. The work is challenging, expectations are clear, and trust is built into how we operate. If you’re ready to take ownership, deliver meaningful impact, and help shape the future of AI‑ready connectivity, join us today.

The Category Manager oversees the strategy, sourcing, negotiation, and contracting of highly complex services and products associated with the engineering, construction, splicing, maintenance and repair of the Lumen fiber network. The Category Manager is responsible for developing and implementing procurement strategies that align with the business objectives and optimize the value and performance of the suppliers. This position monitors market trends, analyzes spend data, defines category and negotiation strategies, identifies risks and opportunities, promotes diversity and sustainability, and manages critical supplier relationships and performance.

Fully remote position open to candidates based anywhere in the U.S.

Category Analysis & Monitoring

• Conduct internal & external analysis of category (e.g., spend at sub‑category, supplier & BU level; market conditions with supply/demand, should‑cost modeling) – coordinate with internal Reporting & Analytics to leverage off‑the‑shelf analytics.
• Track changes in supplier landscape, market dynamics, & innovation opportunities within category.
• Ensure category spend across all business segments is represented.
• Prepare content for and lead strategy discussions at the VP level and above.

Category Strategy & Planning

• Incorporate findings from analyses into annual category strategy plan, in addition to business unit goals & budget targets.
• Identify and pursue levers to drive savings via RFPs, negotiations, demand management, value engineering, etc.

Contracting

• Manage high‑complexity contracts and assist with “handing off” tactical contracts to Contracting Excellence team.
• Utilize pre‑approved supplier contracts based on spend threshold / risk with standardized legal terms.

RFX Strategy & Implementation

• Develop RFX strategy within category to drive savings.
• Implement complex RFX events and manage full proposal process to include vendor negotiations.
• Work with RFX team on less complex requirements to handle tactical execution as necessary.

Stakeholder Relationship Management

• Use ‘seat at the table’ with the business to align on strategic agenda & understand upcoming needs.
• Establish defined calendar for key meetings to track progress / drive issue resolution in category (e.g., part of staff meetings, conduct monthly / quarterly planning sessions, Engage cross‑functional team on budget targets).

Supplier Relationship Management

• Own relationships as primary point of contact for suppliers inside your category, including orchestrating interactions & preparing with business stakeholders on supplier communications beforehand (e.g., annual target setting, QBRs on performance & SLAs, joint initiative pursuits). Manage/monitor supplier performance on a regular basis; provides constructive feedback to the supplier for continuous improvement.
• Identify strategic suppliers & tier into segments based on spend, business criticality, and market dynamics that need to be tracked closely by procurement.
• Identify situations where Lumen has limited suppliers in a key category or has multiple suppliers that are impacted by the same risk factors and identify alternatives.

• Bachelor's degree and or relevant experience
• Minimum 5 plus years of related experience.
• Demonstrated exceptional interpersonal and communications skills useful for managing senior level internal…