Principal Category Leader

Summary:

Work Mode: Hybrid

Location: Oakland, Bay Area

Responsibilities:

• Conduct and document market research and supplier risk analysis to verify the financial health of existing and potential suppliers.
• Create and maintain category plans.
• Develop and review performance data with suppliers, working with them to drive ongoing value discovery.
• Develop and sustain mutually beneficial strategic relationships with tier 1 and cross-portfolio suppliers.
• Lead cross-functional teams through the strategic sourcing process and the development/execution of negotiation strategies for software, hardware, and telecom categories.
• Lead the development of category strategies of high complexity.
• Maintain awareness of industry and market trends through ongoing research.
• Set market trends on particular commodities by working with the industry on best practices.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for particular commodities or services in the industry.
• Work with senior management to support strategic planning and decision-making at the officer level.

Requirements:

• Develop and manage one or more sourcing spend categories and manage all Tier 1 contracts associated with the categories.
• Develop strategic category plans to optimize cost savings, service excellence, diversity spend, and total cost of ownership for the categories.
• Effectively influence Lines of Business (LOBs), including senior leadership, to achieve understanding, acceptance, and commitment to sourcing strategies.
• Work with LOBs to develop, source, and negotiate major contracts.
• Play a key role in the Supplier Relationship Management / Scorecard process.
• Ability to analyze and combine information from different sources and use logic to reach appropriate conclusions.
• Ability to apply contract processes and procedures and relevant contracts and licensing.
• Ability to work independently with limited oversight.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Products, such as Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Access.
• Competency in relating openly and comfortably with diverse groups of people.
• Competency in building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Competency in building strong-identity teams that apply their diverse skills and perspectives to achieve common goals.
• Knowledge of database and information systems such as SCADA, EMS, OMT, OIS, SAP, ERP, COSO, Teradata, COBIT, and Question Mark.
• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in supply chain or a related field.

Preferred Skills:

• Master's Degree in Business Administration or a job-related discipline or equivalent experience.
• ISM-Institute for Supply Management CPSM-Certified Professional in Supply Management certification.
• LSS-Lean Six Sigma Certification.
• Experience in procurement or a related field.
• Utility industry experience.

Benefits:

• Company is an AA/EEO employer that actively pursues and hires a diverse workforce.