Category Manager/ Senior Category Manager (Hybrid)

Job Description
SDG E is an innovative San Diego-based energy company that provides clean, safe and reliable energy to better the lives of the people it serves in San Diego and southern Orange counties. The company is committed to creating a sustainable future by providing its electricity from renewable sources; modernizing natural gas pipelines; accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles; supporting numerous non-profit partners; and, investing in innovative technologies to ensure the reliable operation of the region's infrastructure for generations to come. SDG E is a subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE).
Our highly trained and responsive employees with their diverse skills, talents and ideas are the reason we can deliver on our commitment and are building America's best energy company. They are also the reason why we have been recognized with the industry's most coveted awards. Our employees undertake challenging work, and receive highly competitive compensation and benefits. As one of the region's largest employers, we're always searching for talented and bright people to join our team. After all, it takes the best to build the best. Learn more about benefitsHERE.
Diversity and inclusion are core values of SDG E. Empowering our employees to be their whole selves at work is our competitive advantage. This is where new ideas come from and meaningful collaboration gets an authentic start. By bringing together people with different perspectives, diverse backgrounds and real commitment to their own individuality, we have built a stronger business.Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusionHERE.
For more information, visitSDGEnews.comor connect with SDG E on Twitter (@SDGE), Instagram (@SDGE) andFacebook.
Primary Purpose
Works within the Supply Management organization to maximize the value that is delivered using a category management framework including the creation of long-term strategic category plans, contract oversight and execution, and strategic sourcing. Collaborates with internal stakeholders, supply chain teams, and suppliers to use continuous improvement techniques to improve internal Business Unit and supply chain outcomes. This role is critical to supporting Supply Management as a value-adding partner to the business by providing solutions to business and operational supply chain challenges, improving processes to reduce total costs of ownership, and maintaining a strategic approach to procurement and supply management. Acts as an industry expert and internal consultant for assigned categories. Creates long term strategic category plans using significant category-specific experience in support of business needs. Collaborates with other Supply Management Portfolios and Category Managers to ensure category plans are communicated and aligned. Develops relationships with critical vendors, established Key Performance Indicators, conducts Quarterly Business Reviews and other Supplier Relationship Management activities as required to achieve optimal results.

• Manages and coordinates all contracting activities for medium to large-scale categories, ranging from $85M to $200M in annual spend. Leads negotiations of complex, high risk agreements, oversees all stages of strategic procurement, contract oversight, review and execution.
• Supervises, plans, manages, and assumes complete responsibility for all activities and processes associated with the categories assigned including directly performing contracting duties.
• Performs thorough analysis to support the development, execution and management 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.
• Monitors and assesses market of assigned categories to anticipate potential disruptions due to regulatory, political, commercial climates and natural disasters. Develops exposure/impact analysis and implements avoidance or mitigation measures.
• Meets with internal customers to understand their needs, requirements, and plans. Analyzes historical spend trends, forecasting future spend based on demand planning, builds should cost models, calculates total cost of ownership (TCO). Creates supplier profiles and conducts market research to identify new suppliers.
• Works with Business Units to develop and manage tools to track supplier performance (ex: scorecards), communicates supplier performance metrics to relevant stakeholders on a regular basis, collaborates with key suppliers and Business Units to identify potential areas for improvement. Interprets contractual obligations and manages conflict resolution with suppliers/contractors and stakeholders to drive resolution and formalizes outcome contractually.
• Provides direction and guidance to Business Units on all Supply Management matters to ensure compliance with company procurement policies and best practices. Coordinates cross functional team discussions with representatives from Business Units for stakeholder alignment, Divers Business Enterprise, Supply Operations, Insurance Risk Advisory, Safety, Tax, Cybersecurity, Audit, Privacy, and Legal on complex projects and contracting issues.
• May supervise direct reports and mentor department staff.
• Performs other duties as assigned (no more than 5% of duties).

Qualifications
Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain, or other related field or equivalent training and/or experience required.
• 5 years - Relevant experience, preferably in category management, strategic sourcing, analytical role, project management or business consulting required.
• Capable of reviewing redlining statement of work documents to ensure responsibilities are clearly documented, acceptance criteria is present, deliverables are identified and tied to milestones, if applicable.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Persuasive communication skills (oral written).
• Proficient at Microsoft Office programs (PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, Word).
• Project management experience.
• A demonstrated ability to attain skill development in addition to work duties.
• Demonstrated analytical ability (using data to solve operational problems).
• 5-10% travel within and outside the service territory may be required.
• Must reside in Southern California or be willing to relocate upon hire.
• We offer a hybrid work environment. Although the schedule may vary, typically this will allow you to work from the office two to three days per week and work remotely on the remaining workdays.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Business Administration, or other advanced academic training.
• 1 year - Experience leading cross-functional teams, project teams, or other change-related strategic program preferred.
• Excellent supplier negotiation capabilities (experience managing procurement activities, including both bids and RFP's, for solution-oriented proposals).
• Capable of creating and negotiating the majority of legal terms and conditions without the assistance of legal counsel. Advanced
• Cross-functional team management experience.
• Contract management skills, measuring and managing supplier performance.
• Project management expertise in the utility industry.
• A working understanding of utility and/or energy environments, operating procedures, and economics or regulation.
• Expertise with equipment, services (construction, Engineer/Procure/Construct, professional, and technical), sourcing, and project management.
• Professional Certification, such as Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM)
• Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)
• Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification.

**Based on qualifications this position may be filled at a higher level**
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, disability or protected veteran status.
Total Rewards Philosophy
Note: SDG E strives to ensure that employees are paid equitably and competitively. Starting salaries may vary based on factors such as relevant experience, qualifications, and education.
SDG E 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 other 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.