CATEGORY MANAGER - TELECOMMUNICATIONS

HOT JOB! Seeking Category Manager with knowledge of cell tower operations, general construction, vegetation management, lighting services and materials, safety climb services and materials. This is an opportunity for an individual with the ability to influence conversations and work through building relationships, thoughtful framing of issues, and building influence through excellent work.
Assesses underperforming results and implements plans to address rectifying and monitoring.

The Category Manager position is responsible for all spend analysis and strategic sourcing initiatives in their assigned category. This includes the development and implementation of sourcing strategies and initiatives to drive significant improvement in cost, quality and availability in a manner consistent with company values, while working with internal stakeholder teams for full value solutions. Manage the supplier relationship, providing relevant scorecard data and internal feedback in review sessions with the goal of continuous improvement and exceptional performance.

Essential Job Functions

• Manage the Tower Operations portfolio of ~$65M annual spend with key tower stakeholders (categories – general construction, vegetation management, lighting services & materials, safety climb services & materials).
• Lead and contribute to the development and execution of strategies that align with business objectives and cost-efficiency goals supporting quality and productivity needs.
• Coordinate with Tower Operations, Procurement, and other departments to align supply chain processes with project timelines.
• Conduct RFX events in Coupa, prepare bid analysis, present sourcing recommendations to stakeholders and execute awards per team selections.
• Manage all new and existing contracts in conjunction with legal, business leaders, and suppliers to deliver performance results.
• Oversee and manage supplier initiatives for continuous improvement utilizing internal and external data, stakeholder feedback and Supply Chain best practices.
• Proactively identify potential supply chain business continuity risks and develop strategies to mitigate them.
• Lead change management when establishing new sourcing programs and driving on-going evaluations to ensure savings and supply, as well as supplier performance.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• High-level knowledge of vendor platforms such as Ciena, Arista, Juniper, Dell, etc
• Working knowledge and proven success crafting and redlining contracts, master purchase agreements, and terms & conditions.
• Analytical background with the ability to drive business decisions through data-driven analysis.
• Experience in establishing successful cross-functional relationships is critical.
• Ability to influence conversations and work through building relationships, thoughtful framing of issues, and building influence through excellent work.
• Assesses underperforming results and implements plans to address rectifying and monitoring.
• Develop and monitor strategy implementation and contract compliance for key spend categories.
• Provide creative solutions to business problems utilizing strategic and critical thinking.

Experience/Education/Certifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering or a related field (preferred)
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in Supply Chain Sourcing and/or Tower Design, Construction and/or Operations
• Proficiency in JDE and Coupa (or similar spend management platforms) preferred
• Strong analytical and data-driven-making skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to interact professionally with a diverse group of executives, managers, and subject matter experts

Working Conditions: This role falls into our hybrid work model working in the office on Tuesday through Thursday. On Monday’s & Fridays, teammates on the hybrid schedule will have the option to work from the office or home.