Category Manager - Houston, TX

Primary Purpose
Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive category management portfolio, including holistic management of personnel, processes, relationships, category expertise, etc., using robust supply chain and sourcing strategies, category management objectives, and effective execution skills to capitalize synergies and opportunities for the business based on market realities. Achieve an equitable balance of risk between company and its contractors and suppliers. Manage category management resources and methodologies to develop category intelligence and priorities to execute strategic business plans. Develop relationship with key suppliers and internal and external stakeholders through negotiation, identification of synergies, compliance monitoring, category performance, and other key related segments to the benefit of the business. Additionally, work collaboratively across the company to support CVP processes. Deliver a wide range of solutions related to the supply chain processes and engage key business stakeholders to drive and improve service levels. Lead a group of Supply Chain professionals to achieve category management objectives in alignment with the category and sourcing strategies.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Category Management Development, Execution, and Project Management:
  
  
  
  • Design and implement a robust methodology and execute category management strategies including for assessing suppliers, analyzing spend data, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and executing agreements to drive value across the organization.
  • Oversee the establishment of key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure category performance and monitor supplier performance regularly.
  • Identify and implement through team the best practices for category management, ensuring continuous improvement.
  • Ensure the procurement lifecycle of category spend are aligned with common objectives maintaining key stakeholder relationship. Identify opportunities for operational improvement and team development and supplier development program needs.
  • Manage and oversee multiple projects simultaneously, coordinating efforts across team members to achieve category management objectives.
  • Monitor, communicate, and respond to changing sourcing market conditions and business drivers to maximize benefits and minimize risk. Use market condition information to ensure strategic category contracts are properly leveraged and synergies are capitalized across all Supply Chain department including strategic, project, operations, and other teams.
  
  
  
  
• Management and Development:
  
  
  
  • Lead a team of Supply Chain personnel of varying levels of experience and seniority. Serve as the procurement subject matter expert to internal and external stakeholder groups to address current/future business needs in addition to promote current best-in-class sourcing strategies and methodologies. Mentor and provide guidance to direct reports as well as team members across the organization to develop and increase their skills and abilities in the procurement lifecycle process.
  • Conduct performance evaluations, identify training needs, and facilitate skill development to enhance team capabilities.
  • Provide guidance to team on strategic sourcing activities for assigned capital projects with a focus on driving value in specific functional environment, including legal and regulatory context. Understand and actively challenge technical specifications, commercial practices, operating practices and business processes with a focus on driving cost reduction initiatives. As needed, performs and supports such activities as a direct participant in the sourcing process.
  
  
  
  
• Relationship Management (Internal & External):
  
  
  
  • Establish effective strategic relationships with key stakeholders while also understanding, anticipating, and responding to their business needs, objectives, and challenges.
  • Provide guidance and resources to support the development of a comprehensive business strategies.
  • Work with Business Units to mitigate uncertainties by planning and forecasting future demand.
  • Ensure communication of strategic data throughout the organization.
  • Champion the best way of fulfilling demand by bringing insight into capabilities of different suppliers.
  • Foster and develop supplier relationships in addition to monitoring progress and holding suppliers accountable for contractual terms. Ensure compliance with the company's Business Conduct Policy, ESG requirements, and that approved HSSE standards and safety-first policies are fully incorporated into the procurement process
  
  
  
  
• Perform other duties as assigned (no more than 5% of duties).

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business Administration, Accounting, Finance or equivalent year of experience required. Master's degree preferred.

Experience

• 8 years of comparable experience (strategic sourcing, category management and supplier management) in addition to proven experience in conducting Request for Information (RFI) and Request for Proposal (RFP) process and negotiations required.
• 3 years of prior experience leading, managing, or providing guidance to individuals required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Supply Chain Expertise: In-depth knowledge of supply chain management principles, including sourcing, procurement, and logistics, with a focus on the LNG, pipeline, and clean power industry. Commercial acumen and negotiation skills. Advanced understanding of Total Cost of Ownership.
• Category Management Experience: Proven experience in developing and implementing category management strategies, preferably within the energy or related sector. Knowledge of supply categories within area of assigned concentration. Knowledge of strategic demand and supply planning as well as performance management KPI establishment, tracking, and negotiation.
• Strategic Thinking and Adaptability: Ability to think analytically, foresee trends, and devise innovative approaches to optimize supply chain categories. Proactive, self-starter with interpersonal skills. Ability to thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, adapting to changing market conditions and business needs. Creative and adaptable approach to conflict resolution and fast-changing business demands.
• Leadership Skills: Strong leadership and team management abilities to guide, develop, and inspire team members towards achieving common objectives. Ability to work effectively in team setting and support change management within organization. Ability to bring teams together to achieve targets and goals. Ability to develop business relationships, including advising as necessary, peers, senior leadership, business stakeholders and suppliers. Exceptional presentation skills.
• Negotiation and Communication: Excellent negotiation skills and the ability to communicate effectively with internal stakeholders and external suppliers. Strong influencing, communication, and facilitative skills, including cross cultures and geographies. Clear and direct communication with a positive, empowering philosophy.
• Project Management and Data Analysis: Proficient in project management methodologies to handle multiple projects simultaneously and deliver results within set timelines. Understanding of Risk Management tools, best practices, and mitigations.
• Data Analysis: Proficiency in using data analysis tools to extract insights, identify trends, and support decision-making. Quantitative and analytical skills, ability to draw conclusions from data.
• Knowledge with Microsoft Office 365 Suite (Excel, Word, SharePoint, OneDrive, etc.) and collaborative tools.

Licenses and Certifications

• Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) preferred.
• Certified Supply Management (CSM) preferred.
• Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSD) preferred.
• Certified Professional in Inventory Management (CPIM) preferred.
• Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) preferred.

Other Qualifications

• Bilingual in English/Spanish is preferred.

Note: The Company strives to ensure that employees are paid equitably and competitively. Starting salaries may vary based on factors such as relevant experience, qualifications, and education.

Sempra Infrastructure offers a competitive total rewards package that goes beyond base salary. This position is eligible for an annual performance-based incentive (bonus) as well as merit-based recognition. Company benefits include health and welfare (medical, dental, vision), employer contributions to retirement benefits, life insurance, paid time off, as well as other company offerings such as tuition reimbursement, paid parental leave, and employee assistance programs.