Category Associate

RESPONSIBILITIES

Kforce has a client in Tampa, FL that is seeking a Category Associate.

• Provide sourcing leadership and direction for complex, critical sourcing categories
• Partner with engineering, operations, and project management teams to plan and implement complex competitive sourcing events and other activities to advance category strategies
• Develop effective negotiation strategies and negotiate commercial terms with critical suppliers to achieve objectives
• Lead the development and implementation of critical enterprise-wide category strategies within assigned areas (e.g., substation equipment, electrical materials, construction services, fleet, or IT)
• Conduct market analysis and benchmarking to identify cost drivers, risks, and supplier innovations within assigned categories
• Organize and execute complex sourcing initiatives (RFPs/RFQs), aligned with the category strategy while providing guidance to team members
• Lead contract negotiations and ensure contracts align with business needs
• Review, verify, and negotiate contract changes or extra work orders
• Monitor compliance across suppliers and purchasing channels, resolve contractor claims, and enforce supplier adherence to contract terms
• Negotiate Alliance Agreements for strategic suppliers
• Prepare and communicate contract summaries and implementation plans
• Partner with internal stakeholders to forecast category demand, manage supplier performance, and ensure on-time delivery of critical materials and services
• Work closely with logistics staff to put the most efficient inventory solutions into action
• Drive supplier relationship management to optimize total cost of ownership, quality, and delivery
• Track supplier innovations for sourcing strategies
• Set KPIs, monitor and assess supplier performance, and resolve critical disputes
• Contribute to process improvement initiatives in sourcing governance, data management, responsible sourcing, and ERP system enhancements

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, or related technical/analytical field;
  Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered
• MBA as well as Certified Professional in Supply Chain Management (CPSM) or other supply chain certification strongly preferred
• A combination of 3-5 years of supply chain and industry experience, including category management, supplier relationship management, sourcing, and contract management expertise
• A combination of three to five years of experience directly leading complex contact negotiations and project management
• Strong negotiation, supplier relationship management, and contract development skills
• Excellent analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and significant experience with purchasing and sourcing systems is required
• Frequently required to attend meetings in various locations, up to 20% travel; driver’s license required

• Professional certification (CPM, CPSM, CIPS, or PMP) preferred
• Demonstrated expertise in sourcing complex services, construction, or materials categories
• Knowledge of public utility procurement regulations and contract law
• ERP and eSourcing tool proficiency (SAP Ariba, Oracle, or similar)

The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contract and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.

We offer comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), and life, disability & ADD insurance to eligible employees. Salaried personnel receive paid time off. Hourly employees are not eligible for paid time off unless required by law. Hourly employees on a Service Contract Act project are eligible for paid sick leave.

Pay is not considered compensation until it is earned, vested and determinable. The amount and availability of any compensation remains in Kforce’s sole discretion unless and until…