Procurement Category Manager

Essential Job Responsibilities

Procurement Category Managers reach across business units, regions, and teams to develop, plan, and continuously improve on the goods and services that Carrix/SSA procures/utilizes. Category Managers are responsible for defining the category strategy, sourcing, contracts, deal implementation and communication, driving standardization, managing network‑wide supplier performance, and developing a roadmap that meets both company goals and end‑user needs.

This role is responsible for managing energy‑related categories across fuel, lubricants, and power, as well as the associated equipment and technology that enable energy use. This includes oversight of suppliers for EV charging infrastructure, construction and energy equipment, and related software and systems.

• Category Strategy Development:
  Develop and implement comprehensive category strategies that align with the organization’s goals and objectives. Identify cost optimization opportunities, analyze market trends, and define sourcing strategies.
• Strategic Sourcing:
  Oversee the strategic sourcing process for designated categories, including conducting market research, identifying potential suppliers, and negotiating contracts. Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to gather requirements and ensure alignment with business needs.
• Supplier Relationship Management:
  Build and fortify relationships with key suppliers. Monitor supplier performance, conduct regular supplier evaluations, and implement supplier development initiatives to ensure quality, cost, and delivery targets are met.
• Supply Chain Continuity:
  Proactively identify and mitigate risks related to critical items, working closely with suppliers to establish contingency plans and ensure uninterrupted supply. Monitor market conditions, assess supplier capabilities, and develop strategies to address potential supply chain disruptions.
• Cost Optimization:
  Drive cost reduction initiatives through effective negotiation, value engineering, and total cost of ownership analysis. Identify opportunities for strategic partnerships, supplier consolidation, and process improvements to achieve cost savings without compromising quality and service levels.
• Contract Management:
  Develop and manage contracts with suppliers, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Negotiate favorable terms and conditions, review contract performance, and drive contract renewals or amendments as necessary.
• Stakeholder
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including engineering, operations, and quality teams, to understand technical specifications, requirements, and quality standards for critical items. Foster effective communication and collaboration to ensure alignment and support for category management initiatives.

• 8+ years of experience owning program strategy, end‑to‑end delivery, and communicating results to senior leadership.
• 5+ years of work experience in procurement or supply chain management.
• Bachelor’s degree; master’s degree preferred in supply chain, business, engineering, finance, or related technical or quantitative field.
• High emotional intelligence and an ability to collaborate with and engage stakeholders.
• Experience using data and metrics to determine and drive improvements.
• Experience leading large and complex negotiations.
• Experience working cross‑functionally with tech and non‑tech teams (e.g., operations, maintenance).
• Experience in complex problem solving and working in a tight schedule environment.
• Strong communication (both written and oral) and interpersonal skills.
• Familiarity with continuous improvement techniques such as Lean, Six Sigma, or equivalent.
• Technical procurement skills, including:
• Category management (strategy, sourcing, supplier management)
• Operational effectiveness (purchase‑to‑pay, controls, inventory, logistics)
• Negotiation skills
• Contracting
• Risk management

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer

Eligible employees (and their families) may qualify for medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as basic life and accidental death insurance, paid disability insurance, and paid parental leave if eligible. Employees will receive paid sick and vacation time, company holidays if eligible, bereavement leave, and paid jury duty. Eligible employees can enroll in the company’s 401(k) plan and a retirement plan.

Employees may also receive discretionary and/or metric‑based bonuses dependent on their position.