Must Have Skills:

• 3+ years Category Manager/ sourcing specialist/contract specialist/ procurement experience
• What types of categories are you working within? & who are the vendors?
• RFP (Request for Proposals)experience
• Sourcing and Contracting - IT Professional Services or Software
• Understanding the contract of law: eg limit of liability
• Experience creating, negotiating, & managing contracts
• Category- IT professional services or Software services
• Experience with Sourcing and Contracting - IT Professional Services or Software
• (NICE TO HAVE NOT A MUST)-Coupa

What they will be doing:

Based on the transcript, the Category Manager at Xcel Energy will be managing IT contracts specifically for IT professional services and software deals. This involves organizing and executing Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to source new suppliers and negotiating contract terms and conditions. The role requires overseeing supplier relationships, resolving issues between Xcel Energy and its suppliers, and utilizing Coupa software for contract management and sourcing activities. Additionally, the Category Manager will work closely with business units and other category managers to ensure a smooth procurement process. The initial phase includes training and system access procedures, followed by gradually taking on responsibilities with the help of team members. In summary, this person will be responsible for ensuring that Xcel Energy gets the best value and terms from its IT suppliers while maintaining strong working relationships.

Key Responsibilities & Actions:

In simple terms, this person will be developing and executing strategies to buy important products and services for Xcel Energy in a way that saves money and improves operations. They will organize and manage competitive bidding processes to select the best suppliers and negotiate deals and contracts to meet company goals. Part of their role involves identifying and handling potential risks in supplier agreements.

Additionally, they will mentor and support less experienced team members, ensuring they grow in their roles. Improving relationships with top suppliers is key, making sure they deliver quality products and services efficiently. The person will also handle any conflicts that arise with suppliers and ensure all contracts are legally sound and that suppliers stick to their agreements.

Collaboration with other departments to align purchasing plans with overall business goals is crucial. They will constantly look for ways to improve the supply chain and supplier performance. This role requires at least a bachelor's degree, 5 years of experience in sourcing or purchasing, and strong negotiation and project management skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and purchasing systems is also necessary.

Job Description:

Position Summary

Drives category strategy working with the business for multiple complex, high business impact categories. Responsible for the development and effective execution of sourcing strategy for critical categories. Plans for and leads competitive sourcing events and other activities in support of category strategies. Develops effective negotiation strategies and conducts negotiations with their category suppliers to achieve category and business objectives. Manages risk mitigation efforts and oversees on-going monitoring activities. Forms and executes contracts with critical suppliers. Mentors, coaches and oversees development of Associate Category Managers.

Essential Responsibilities

Leads the development and implementation of category strategy to optimize cost and improve operations. Applies best practice approaches to multiple critical categories. In conjunction with logistics personnel, implements optimal inventory strategies. Conducts analyses of supply, demand, market, commodity, supplier, contract and “should cost” modeling to determine category strategies Monitors industry information and trends, and supplier risk profiles, to keep category strategy current while supporting business requirements. Develops complex sourcing events and qualifies, evaluates and selects suppliers for targeted categories of spend.

Leads multiple tier I supplier relationship management efforts focused on improving total cost of ownership, quality, delivery and continuous improvement. Develops plans with suppliers that support business goals and strategies, and drive continuous improvement and collaboration to bring value to both the company and the supplier. Develops performance-based scorecards and monitors, documents and evaluates supplier performance Leads the resolution of disputes with suppliers.

Leads negotiations to establish contracts that support category strategies while meeting business area requirements. Reviews, analyzes, verifies and negotiates contract changes or additional work orders. Manage contractor claims to resolution and successfully minimize overall impact to cost and schedule. Ensures suppliers comply with contract terms and meet all commitments.

Applies understanding of underlying principles of contract law to administer all category contract agreements. In collaboration with business area management, manages and defines the risk elements of the contract and assembles all necessary documentation for obtaining insurance.. Limits Xcel Energy liability by ensuring all required documents and notices have been obtained and are satisfactory.

Creates and manages a project plan for the implementation of category strategy. Interacts with business leadership to integrate the sourcing and business project plans. Manages the completion of supplier, business and supply chain continuous improvement efforts.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Project Management, Business, Finance or related field or equivalent experience required.
• 5 years sourcing, purchasing or logistics experience.
• Two years plus contract formation knowledge and experience, negotiation and project management skills preferred.
• Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) certification preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft® Office suite and significant experience with purchasing and sourcing systems is required.
• Demonstrated customer service skills.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship skills are required.
• Frequently required to attend meetings