Procurement Category Manager; Construction--Remote

Century Link/Lumen

Procurement Category Manager (Construction)

Location:

Remote

Duration: 6 months

This Procurement Category Manager will support sourcing, contracting, and supplier management for assigned categories at Lumen, partnering closely with internal stakeholders to execute procurement strategies that drive cost, quality, and service outcomes. The role will focus on supporting Network Construction work (Outside Plant support services such as locates, flagging, and task-based support) through supplier onboarding, coordination of RFX activity, and contract execution.

You’ll analyze spend and market trends, help maintain category reporting, and assist with supplier performance monitoring to ensure timelines and delivery align to business needs. This is a fast-paced, highly cross-functional role requiring strong organization, analysis, and communication.

• 2–4 years of experience in procurement, sourcing, or supply chain operations for Construction Projects
• Excel
• Procurement systems such as SAP and Ariba
• Contract reviews and supplier performance discussions.

This position assists in the sourcing, contracting, and supplier management activities for assigned categories at Lumen Technologies. This role specifically will work with the Network Construction team on Outside Plant Support Services, including locates, flagging and task based support. This role supports the development and execution of procurement strategies in alignment with business objectives, while helping to optimize supplier performance and value.

The position contributes to market analysis, spend tracking, and supplier performance monitoring, and collaborates with internal teams to ensure effective procurement operations. Specifically seeking candidates with a strong combination of procurement experience and construction-related category management experience. Construction or related category expertise is preferred over candidates whose background is primarily focused on other categories, such as software procurement. This role supports a highly visible program with regular executive interaction, so candidates must demonstrate excellent communication, stakeholder management, and presentation skills.

• Assist in collecting and analyzing internal spend data and external market trends at the sub-category and supplier level.
• Support reporting efforts in collaboration with the Reporting & Analytics team.
• Help maintain visibility of category spend across business segments.

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to support procurement activities related to fiber construction projects.
• Assist in sourcing and onboarding for construction materials, labor, and services specific to fiber deployment.
• Track supplier performance and delivery timelines to ensure alignment with construction schedules.
• Support the coordination of RFX events and contract execution for fiber-related categories, including permitting, trenching, and installation services.

• Contribute to the development of category strategy plans by compiling relevant data and insights.
• Support savings initiatives through RFX coordination, supplier negotiations, and demand management efforts.

• Assist in managing contracts and coordinating with the Contracting Excellence team for tactical contract execution.
• Utilize standard contract templates and ensure compliance with approved legal terms.

• Participate in meetings with internal stakeholders to understand procurement needs and align on priorities.
• Maintain a calendar of recurring meetings to support planning and issue resolution.

• Serve as…