Category Manager, Goods & Services

The Category Manager, Goods & Services, is responsible for managing large and complex sourcing projects in assigned categories. The role uses strategic sourcing and category management methodologies to bring best value to DC Water by conducting market research, developing category, and sourcing strategy, creating customized RFx documents, executing on the strategies, negotiating the business deals and contracts, and managing business relationships with key suppliers and end-user departments.

The role also provides guidance and direction to less-experienced Category Managers and Sourcing Specialists. The Category Manager will gain and provide expertise in one or more categories such as, capital equipment, instrumentation, and maintenance, IT (hardware, software, and services), professional services, direct raw materials (including chemicals), small construction, maintenance and repair services, lab supplies, employee benefits (inclusive of insurance), fleet, temporary staffing, specialized services (i.e. risk management, financial services) and more.

• Develops, implements, and manages category and sourcing strategies as assigned to add value to DC Water, achieve department and business goals, and generate cost savings.
• Independently manages and leads cross-functional teams through the entire sourcing and contracting process, including developing business and technical requirements, understanding the total cost of ownership, the supply base, market drivers, developing customized solicitations, analyzing proposals, conducting supplier viability assessments, supplier selection, and contract negotiations and execution.
• Handles contract, internal and/or supplier issues and escalations.
• Optimizes internal processes, workflows, and interfaces to enhance category-specific productivity, efficiency, and effectiveness.
• Attends Outreach events to cultivate relationships with suppliers and leads efforts to optimize the sourcing process.
• Manages supplier business relationships, including contract and Service Level Agreement negotiations, establishing metrics, ensuring supplier performance, and leading business meetings.
• Manages business relationships with internal customers, including maintaining stakeholder engagement to ensure strategies are aligned with current and future requirements.
• Monitors key performance metrics for sourcing categories, including cost savings, supplier performance, and contract compliance.
• Supports creation, modifying and management of risk management objectives, statements of work, NDAs, RFP/RFI/RFQ requests, and manages dispute resolution for commercial needs.
• Advise on category and sourcing and procurement procedures, policies, business practices and contract interpretation. Enforces compliance with procurement-related program policies and procedures.
• Conducts detailed category segmentation to uncover growth opportunities, drives actionable insights, and serves as a subject matter advisor for assigned categories.
• Promotes and supports DCW initiatives related to supplier diversity, fostering a diverse and inclusive supplier base.
• Provides recommendations to eliminate barriers to strategic and operational success in sourcing and procurement for the assigned categories.
• Presents and explains sourcing decisions and pricing to internal customers, the Director and Vice President and Chief Procurement Officer, and other senior management concerning contract pricing and other contractual matters. Works with General Counsel on specific contract language as required.
• Demonstrates ability to manage multiple simultaneous complex sourcing projects.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned at the discretion of the immediate supervisor, the Director, and Vice President.

N/A

Interacts daily with suppliers, DCW department heads and other DC Water personnel.

Minimum of 5 to 7 years of progressive experience in sourcing and contracting, or combination of education and experience.

Experience developing and implementing category and sourcing strategies.

Strong expertise in RFx process, proposal evaluation, deal…