Job Description

Job Title: Category Manager (Contract)

Location: Minneapolis, MN or Denver, CO (preferred) (Hybrid)

Duration: 06 months

Job Description:

Primary Role (IT Focused)

• Support transformational IT projects (Customer Information System, SAP S/4, other initiatives).
• Lead contract negotiations, vendor management, and sourcing for complex technology projects.

Secondary Role (Conditional, ~6 months)

• Provide support for Wind Projects.
• Manage contracts and regulatory/tax-driven projects with quick turnaround timelines.

Typical Day

• Engage with IT stakeholders on transformation projects.
• Conduct contract negotiations and vendor management.
• Support ongoing projects with minimal ramp-up time.
• Potential vendor or client site visits.

Work Environment / Team Culture

• Collaborative, cross-functional environment.
• High degree of independence expected.
• Senior-level role with influence on leadership.

Travel

• Occasional vendor or client visits (reimbursable).

Candidate Profile

Top Technical Skills (Required)

• 10+ years IT sourcing/contracting experience.
• Strong background in SAP contracting and utility-based IT projects.
• Contract negotiations and vendor management.
• Experience with Customer Information Systems (CIS).
• Wind contracts and regulatory knowledge (for secondary role).

Non-Technical Skills

• Strong leadership and influencing ability.
• Communication, problem-solving, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Experience & Background

• Minimum 10 years IT contracting/sourcing experience.
• Utility industry experience preferred.
• Experience with multi-vendor environments and systems integrator services (nice to have).

Education & Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) preferred.

Position Summary

• The Category Manager drives category strategy and execution for complex, high-impact categories. This includes developing sourcing strategies, managing supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, mitigating risks, and ensuring ongoing supplier performance.

Essential Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies to optimize cost and operations.
• Conduct supply, demand, market, and cost analyses.
• Lead sourcing events, supplier qualification, and selection.
• Manage supplier relationships with a focus on performance, quality, and cost efficiency.
• Lead negotiations and resolve disputes with suppliers.
• Administer contracts, ensuring compliance and minimizing risk.
• Create and manage project plans aligned with sourcing and business initiatives.
• Drive continuous improvement in supply chain and business processes.

Minimum Requirements

• 5+ years in sourcing, purchasing, or logistics.
• 2+ years in contract formation, negotiation, and project management preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and sourcing/purchasing systems.
• Strong interpersonal, relationship-building, and customer service skills.
• CPSM certification preferred.
• Frequent participation in cross-functional meetings.

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