Procurement Strategy Specialist (Category Leader) Direct Hire
24 days ago
Oakland
Job Description Client: Leading Utility & Gas Services Company Employment Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire Location: Oakland or San Ramon, CA (Hybrid: 2–3 days onsite) Relocation assistance available for U.S.-based candidates About the Client Our client is one of the largest and most innovative energy providers in the U.S., delivering natural gas and electricity to millions of Californians. They are undergoing a major procurement transformation and are seeking a Procurement Strategy Specialist (Category Leader) to help drive long-term sourcing strategy across the enterprise. This is a direct hire opportunity with long-term career growth, high visibility with executive leadership, and the chance to directly impact critical sourcing initiatives. Position Overview As a Category Leader, you’ll manage $100M–$200M+ in controllable spend and own full end-to-end category strategy for professional services (consulting, legal, financial). You will work cross-functionally with senior stakeholders and external vendors (Big 4 consulting firms) to define and execute long-term procurement strategies. Key Responsibilities • Lead the development and execution of 1–5 year category plans, • Manage full-cycle sourcing: RFPs, RFIs, supplier selection, and contract negotiations, • Collaborate with Legal, Finance, Engineering, and Executive stakeholders, • Optimize supplier performance and cost savings, • Use sourcing methodologies such as AT Kearney’s 7-step model, • Maintain awareness of market trends and supplier landscapes, • Utilize tools like SAP, Ariba, and Excel for procurement operations Qualifications Required: • Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, or related field, • 4+ years in procurement, sourcing, or category management, • Proven experience in strategic sourcing of professional services (consulting, legal, finance), • Strong stakeholder management and contract negotiation skills, • Hands-on experience with SAP and/or Ariba, • Advanced Excel skills Preferred: • Experience working with Big 4 firms (Accenture, Deloitte, EY, McKinsey), • Certifications: PMP, CPSM, or Lean Six Sigma, • Utilities or infrastructure industry experience Additional Details • Hybrid model: must be located in or open to relocating to the Bay Area, • Relocation assistance available for U.S.-based candidates, • Excellent benefits, career path, and stability in a mission-driven organization