Day-to-Day
We are seeking a Software and AI Category Manager to join one of our top utility clients in San Diego, CA. The ideal candidate is a dynamic professional with expertise in software procurement, AI, and cloud environments to join our innovative team. If you have a passion for driving strategic procurement solutions and thrive in fast-paced, cutting-edge technological ecosystems, this is an opportunity for you. Bring your negotiation skills, creativity, and a future-focused mindset to help shape the next wave of our company's digital transformation. The successful candidate oversees the entire procurement process (sourcing through contracting) for medium to high-risk and complexity categories. Partners and coordinates with stakeholders to integrate their requirements into the sourcing and contracting processes. Develops and issues high value/risk Request for Proposal (RFPs), Request for Information (RFIs), and Request for Quotations (RFQs). Coordinates and leads proposal reviews, evaluations, and recommendations for contract awards. With Category Manager oversight, leads contracting and contract negotiation efforts with stakeholders. Works with Category Managers to support the development and execution of category plans that identify opportunities for operational efficiencies, drive cost savings, manage/mitigate risk, improve safety, drive innovation, and ensure the continuous development of categories managed. Provides guidance and mentors other Category Management Advisors and Contracting Agents.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Oversees entire procurement process for medium to high risk and complexity categories. Partners and coordinates with stakeholders to integrate their requirements into the sourcing and contracting processes.
- Develops and issues RFPs, RFIs, and RFQs. Coordinates and leads proposal reviews, evaluations, and recommendations for contract awards.
- Works with Category Managers to support the development and execution of category plans that identify opportunities for operational efficiencies, drive cost savings, manage/mitigate risk, improve safety, drive innovation, and ensure the continuous development of categories managed.
- Evaluate supplier qualifications and identify alternative suppliers. Leads contract negotiations and works closely with internal support organizations including Legal, Finance, Business Units, and Insurance & Risk Management to mitigate risk and exposure for the company.
- Develops and manages supplier alliance opportunities. Resolves conflict between suppliers and the company.
- Interprets contractual obligations & positions, coordinates and manages conflict resolution with suppliers/contractors and stakeholders to drive resolution and formalize outcome contractually. Provides recommendations on the development and implementation of purchasing strategies for assigned categories. Analyzes internal spending data and market intelligence to strategically source needed services and materials. Establishes and maintains collaborative relationships with teams and suppliers to reduce overall costs.
- Meets with internal clients regularly to understand client needs and to strengthen client relationships.
- Advises clients on proper contract management and administration policies and procedures. Ensures client compliance with appropriate procurement policies and procedures, standards for ethical behavior, and accounting policies.
- Maintains records to demonstrate that proper protocol is followed in the sourcing and contracting processes and the implementation of the supplier relationship.
- Coordinates efforts for pilot programs or proof of concept initiatives.
- Performs other duties as assigned (no more than 5% of duties).
Pay:
$100,000 - $164,000
