Sr. Manager, National Categories

Primary Role

Lead a team of procurement professionals supporting national or state procurement activities, overseeing day-to-day activities. Act as the Supply Chain Business Partner and key point of contact for a region of states or for service company functions. Develop and implement procurement strategies to support company objectives. Lead and coordinate procurement activities for the region or service company, partnering with other supply chain resources as well as key stakeholders. Identify and implement opportunities to lower total cost of ownership and increase efficiency. Responsibilities also include coordinating business partner goals with supply chain goals and professional development of staff.

Key Accountabilities

• Manage a team of procurement professionals – Direct, monitor and validate work performance of Supply Chain procurement personnel. Review work products for accuracy, consistency, and relevance. Work actively to increase the % of spend influenced by procurement. Report regularly to Supply Chain Vice President, Director of State Procurement / Director of National Categories and Corporate Procurement, and State / Business Function management on current contributions to business and forward-looking discussions on work activities.
• Development and execution of procurement strategies – Partner with the key business stakeholders to develop and implement best-in-class category and supplier initiatives, resulting in process efficiencies, cost reductions, total cost of ownership (TCO) savings and cost avoidances, and reduction of supply chain risk in line with business goals. Develop and explore near-term and long-term procurement needs with state / region leadership or business stakeholders and develop a plan for execution. Set specific goals and create strategies that support company supplier diversity programs. Participate in the development of key supply chain policies and processes and support their execution.
• Support the company’s Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) program – Direct and support supplier relationship management efforts, including relationships building with key suppliers, acquiring supplier and market intelligence, monitoring upstream supply chain risks, and driving KPI performance. Coordinate relationship-building meetings with the company’s senior leadership team and key members of supplier senior management. 
• Team development – Develop a dynamic and agile organization staffed with able and motivated employees to successfully execute key procurement functions and provide necessary support to team members and the organization. Evaluate the skills and talents of the team and create plans to address those skill gaps. Hold regular meetings with the team as well as individuals to communicate key company information, provide performance feedback, and keep the team engaged. Guide and serve as an advisor and mentor to other supply chain professionals requiring job-related direction.

Knowledge/Skills

• Strong process, project, and program management skills
• Demonstrated skills and ability to lead, supervise, motivate, develop and direct skilled teams in meeting Company goals and objectives.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; e.g., listening, presentation, report writing, etc.
• Interpersonal skills; e.g., tact, diplomacy, persuasion, cooperation, ability to influence and motivate functional and cross-functional peers and decisions, etc.
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills.
• Internal consulting skills; e.g., technical, analytical, problem solving, etc
• Leadership presence (e.g., ability to deal effectively and maintain collaborative relationships with Company senior management and other key stakeholders)
• Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Knowledge of supplier environment and sourcing strategies and techniques for sourcing projects.
• Knowledge of category management and dedication of continuous professional education and advancing educational base.
• Front-Line Leader experience
• Strong motivational skills in personnel management and goal development. Strong change management skills
• Strong teamwork skills in working within department and across departmental lines. 
• Procurement system / contract management system experience

Experience/Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Finance, Engineering or related disciplines required or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management) or CPM (Certified Purchasing Manager) a plus.
• Minimum 10 years total work experience
• Minimum 8 years procurement or category management experience
• Minimum 5 year’s management experience or as a senior individual contributor
• Previous utility procurement experience preferred

Travel Requirements

• Periodic travel with overnight stays required.
• Around 5-10%% of total time is anticipated away from the office.

Work Environment

• Primarily office with occasional local / overnight work in the field.

Competencies