Category Manager

About the Role & Team

The Category Manager, Strategic Sourcing – Design & Construction (D&C), is responsible for leading a team of Sourcing professionals that oversee the entire procurement process for design and construction projects, ensuring the timely acquisition of materials and services to achieve total cost of ownership, sustainment, optimal value, safety, and quality assurance and control (QA/QC). Proven and effective collaboration skills, and ability to identify needs to support Sourcing team, design team, finance & controls, project & construction management, and contractors throughout the project lifecycle.

What You Will Do

• Identify, evaluate, and qualify architects, designers, general contractors, vendors, suppliers, and other consultants based on a defined selection criteria on large-scale capital projects
• Early engagement in project development timeline from blue sky ideation, feasibility, concept, schematic, design development through completion of construction documents
• Manage the competitive bidding processes (RFQ/RFP) for design and construction services in accordance with TWDC policy and procedures, including sole/single/preferred source evaluation
• Analyze bids based on total cost of ownership and sustainment to achieve optimal value
• Prepare and manage clear, structured negotiations following pre-defined Strategic Sourcing methodology
• Execute contracts and change orders with post-award administration and negotiations, through contract close-out
• Assist, implement and influence supplier performance management programs that focus on contractual responsibility, quality, responsiveness, and cost
• Ensure compliance with Strategic Sourcing policies and best practices
• Analyze market industry trends and conditions
• Communicate and report to management the status of any critical external relationships and/or market conditions or constraints that could affect planning and decision-making
• Participate in professional development activities to keep abreast of current industry best practices, utilizing Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) and market intelligence to leverage stakeholder value

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Experience with typical D&C procurement, bidding and contract/delivery strategies and associated legal templates
• Knowledge of overall Design & Construction (D&C) in relevant industries such as General Contracting (GC), large subcontracting/sub-trades, construction supply chain and/or manufacturing, Architecture, Design & Engineering (AD&E)
• Preferred – Local D&C market knowledge, including bringing existing relationships with key local contractors, subcontractors, designers and architects and their major players and leadership to the table
• Ability to engage and establish confidence and trusted relationships with senior leadership, and all position levels; both internal and external
• Proven record demonstrating integrity and ethics in all instances while leading and supporting stakeholders
• Advanced problem-solving and strong negotiation skills
• Refined written and oral communication, and proficient presentation abilities
• Capacity to meet both commitments and priorities in a schedule-driven environment
• Ability to collaborate in an inclusive team environment (i.e., legal, controls, finance, risk management, safety, PM/CM team, etc.)
• Internal stakeholder focus – ability to identify/solicit key stakeholder needs and develop and implement strategies, processes, and solutions
• Experience and expertise with various systems/platforms and tools

Work Experience:

5+ years’ experience in one or more of the following disciplines:

• Sourcing and Procurement with a focus on associated contractual processes and strategies
• Construction and project development
• Design and Engineering
• Pre-Construction
• Estimating and/or Scheduling and Planning
• Finance/Controls
• Internal or external business consulting

Education

Bachelor’s degree required in construction, design, engineering, business administration, supply chain or other associated discipline.