Associate Category Manager TXU Energy : Texas Category: Science

Job Summary

The Associate Category Manager develops, implements and manages strategic category strategies in support of Vistra's objectives. This position will deliver year-over-year value to the business through supplier service level, reliability, demand and strategic cost improvements. The Associate Category Manager will demonstrate the ability to learn and understand various supply chain functions and activities to be capable of self-sufficiency with necessary tools required to perform daily tasks.

This position will serve as a leader within supply chain ensuring effective communication, knowledge transfer and practical application of tools to execute strategies. The Associate Category Manager will maintain internal relationships to ensure strategy implementation is in accordance with stakeholder expectations.

• Develop and implement key category strategies for high impact, usage and/or spend areas
• Develop and maintain key supplier relationships for category responsibilities.
• Develop performance metrics and hold suppliers accountable for deliverables.
• Initiate, plan and execute strategic business reviews for key categories.
• Collaborate effectively, deliver timely information and provide recommendations
• Develop and maintain key stakeholder relationships to ensure that centrally driven strategies align with business objectives.
• Support and promote Vistra's Supplier Diversity program through outreach and supplier development activities.
• Track performance within each spend category and measure value directly attributed to budgets along with other forms of value creation
• Develop category insights and proactively communicate updates to stakeholders, colleagues and management
• Lead the process to select and manage suppliers, leading to various project and or recurring contract awards
• Develop commercial value propositions to compliment technical needs across multiple spend categories
• Perform procurement processes including managing the RFP process, contracting, PO transactions, safety and insurance qualifications

• 3+ years Category Management experience or 5 years of sourcing and procurement experience
• Has solid knowledge and ability to define a simple category, to run spend/usage/market analysis, and develop the appropriate category strategy and benefit analysis.
• Proficient sourcing practitioner that demonstrates solid knowledge and ability to apply the sourcing process including conducting all preparation activities (data, demand & market analysis) and running e-Sourcing projects
• Expert negotiator that can lead large cross-functional negotiation teams and negotiate across multiple negotiation points
• Demonstrates a strong understanding of the practical and risk impacts of contract terms and conditions and proficient at managing the red line contracting process
• Demonstrates a strong understanding of financial statements and ability of apply total costs methods including TCO estimations, NPV models, should-cost models
• Proficient at managing projects and associated activities including work plans, risk registers, stakeholder management, business case development, etc.
• Independently plans and implements strategies within scope of responsibility that advance supply chain goals and support the vision and mission.
• Travel will be required
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Experience gained through college degree programs and/or certifications is applicable to above skills

• Budgetary improvements realized through commercial, reliability and productivity levers through recurring and standalone projects
• Improved operational performance including transactional automation, process improvements, relationship development and issue resolution
• Mentoring, nurturing and promoting the inclusion of small and diverse businesses through competitive and growth opportunities
• Manage supplier risk and performance including safety through regular business reviews and learning events to identify corrective actions