Category Manager III

Job Summary
Our client, a leading energy and utility provider, is seeking a Category Manager III to join their team. This senior-level contributor will manage strategic sourcing and contracting initiatives across a portfolio of categories, partnering with business stakeholders, Legal, Risk, senior management, and suppliers to develop contracts, execute RFPs, reduce costs, and improve service levels.

Contract Details

• Contract position through August 15, 2028
• Potential conversion to full-time employment based on performance and future headcount; conversion is not guaranteed
• San Diego, CA
• Onsite four days per week, with potential flexibility for the right candidate
• Regular business hours: 8:00 AM–4:00 PM

Core Responsibilities

• Manage portfolio spend and develop short- and long-term sourcing and cost-reduction strategies
• Draft, negotiate, assemble, and execute contracts, RFPs, and strategic purchasing agreements
• Conduct market analyses covering supplier capabilities, competitive landscapes, market trends, pricing, availability, and risk
• Lead supplier evaluations, negotiations, sourcing projects, and change-management initiatives
• Partner with business stakeholders, Legal, Risk, senior management, and procurement leadership to establish category requirements and goals
• Manage multiple concurrent category projects, including project plans, portfolio modifications, performance tracking, and reporting
• Develop and improve sourcing and procurement processes to support total cost of ownership savings and enhanced service levels

Required Skills/Experience (Must-Haves)

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Procurement, or a related field
• 5+ years of strategic sourcing, category management, procurement, or supply chain experience
• Senior-level experience drafting, negotiating, assembling, and executing contracts and RFPs
• Demonstrated knowledge of strategic sourcing methodologies and supplier-management practices
• Experience partnering with business stakeholders, Legal, Risk, and senior management
• Strong negotiation, project-management, written communication, and presentation skills
• Experience using SAP Ariba or the ability to quickly learn the platform

Preferred Skills/Experience (Nice-to-Haves)

• Master's Degree or other relevant advanced degree
• Certified Purchasing Manager or comparable procurement certification
• Experience leading sourcing initiatives that achieved quantifiable savings
• Experience with eProcurement and eSourcing systems
• Category experience within Travel, IT, Facilities, or Marketing
• Utility, energy, insurance, or another highly regulated industry background
• Experience managing cross-functional sourcing teams and complex category portfolios

Key Competencies & Behaviors

• Customer-focused and comfortable communicating with stakeholders at all organizational levels
• Detail-oriented with strong contract review, organization, and follow-through skills
• Strategic and analytical, with the ability to assess risk, market conditions, and total cost of ownership
• Collaborative and skilled at influencing cross-functional teams and supplier relationships
• Results-oriented with the ability to manage multiple concurrent priorities

Work Environment

• Location: San Diego, CA
• Hybrid: Expected onsite four days per week, with potential flexibility for the right candidate
• Schedule: Monday–Friday, approximately 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
• Equipment will be provided

Compensation & Benefits

• Pay Range: The approximate pay range for this position is between $53.00 and $75.00 per hour. Please note that the pay range provided is a good-faith estimate. Final compensation may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, background, knowledge, skills, and location. We comply with local wage minimums.
• Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance Plans
• Employee-Owned Profit Sharing (ESOP)
• 401(k) offered

About KellyMitchell
At KellyMitchell, our culture is world class. We’re movers and shakers! We don’t mind a bit of friendly competition, and we reward hard work with unlimited potential for growth. This is an exciting opportunity to join a company known for innovative solutions and unsurpassed customer service. We're passionate about helping companies solve their biggest IT staffing and project-solutions challenges. As an employee-owned, women-led organization serving Fortune 500 companies nationwide, we deliver expert service at a moment's notice.

Marketing Disclosure
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