Principal Category Manager – IT Services

• Provide sourcing leadership and direction for complex, critical sourcing categories with the greatest impact
• Lead cross functional teams to drive successful project and category outcomes/results
• Develop and effectively execute sourcing strategy
• Collaborate with the business 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
• Manage risk mitigation efforts and oversee on-going supplier performance
• Ensure compliance with supplier safety, risk assessments, and other supplier programs
• Serve as a technical expert for the Category Management organization
• Lead the development and implementation of critical enterprise-wide category strategies
• Perform spend and cost analysis (e.g. total cost of ownership and should cost models) and develop category strategies to achieve maximum value capture
• Complete supplier research and risk profiles
• Monitor industry information, external factors, and trends to ensure category strategy is leading current best practices
• Develop and execute complex sourcing event strategies and guide others on the team
• In conjunction with logistics personnel implement optimal inventory strategies
• Lead tier I supplier relationship management efforts for multiple and the most critical suppliers focusing on improving total cost of ownership quality delivery and continuous improvement
• Maintain awareness of supplier innovations and incorporate them into sourcing strategy
• Establish KPIs and metrics
• Monitor document and evaluate supplier performance
• Lead the resolution of disputes with critical suppliers
• Develop strategy and lead negotiations to establish contracts that support category strategies while meeting business requirements
• Review analyze verify and negotiate contract changes or additional work orders
• Monitor compliance across buying channel supplier and contract purchasing execution
• Manage contractor claims to resolution
• Ensure suppliers comply with contract terms and meet all commitments
• Develop and communicate contract summary and implementation plans
• Develop risk management strategies in conjunction with Legal and Security apply understanding of underlying principles of contract law
• In collaboration with business area management manage and define the risk elements of the contract
• Limit Xcel Energy risk by ensuring all required documents and notices have been obtained and are satisfactory
• Create and manage project plans to implement category strategies
• Manage supply chain business and supplier continuous improvement efforts
• Provide expert guidance oversight and collaboration with the supply chain team to build category and sourcing strategies
• Generate and implement new ideas/ processes
• Mentor and provide work oversight

• 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 eight years of supply chain and industry experience, including category management, supplier relationship management, sourcing, and contract management expertise
• A combination of five years of experience directly leading complex contact negotiations and project management
• 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.

Demonstrates expertise in sourcing leadership, category management, and supplier relationship management, with a strong focus on negotiation strategies and risk management. Proficient in developing and executing sourcing strategies that align with business objectives and drive continuous improvement.

• Sourcing Leadership
• Category Management
• Supplier Relationship Management
• Contract Management
• Negotiation Strategies

• Spend Analysis
• Cost Analysis
• Risk Management
• Project Management
• Supplier Performance Monitoring
• KPI Development
• Contract Negotiation
• Inventory Strategies
• Continuous Improvement
• Supplier Research

• Collaboration
• Mentoring
• Communication
• Leadership
• Problem Solving

• Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management
• MBA
• Certified Professional in Supply Chain Management (CPSM)

• Supply Chain Management
• Category Strategies
• Supplier Compliance
• Risk Assessments
• Total Cost of Ownership
• Contract Law
• Supplier Innovations
• Competitive Sourcing Events
• Supplier Safety
• Project Plans

• Microsoft Office Suite
• Purchasing Systems
• Sourcing Systems