Category Lead

Citizens Energy Group; Indianapolis (IN); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in Indianapolis seeks a Category Lead - Construction to manage capital construction projects. The successful candidate will oversee procurement strategies, supplier contracts, and ensure effective collaboration across teams. This role offers a competitive salary and a flexible hybrid work schedule.

Benefits

Health, Dental & Vision

Defined Benefit Pension Plan

401(k) Retirement Plan with company match

Short-Term Incentive Plan (STIP)

Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution

Wellness Program

Adoption and tuition assistance

Employee Credit Union

PTO and Paid Holidays

Flexible Hybrid Work Schedule

Qualifications

• College graduate with at least 5 years of relevant experience in construction.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to lead and manage cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Implement capital construction procurement strategies.
• Establish and maintain contracts with suppliers.
• Develop supplier management strategies.

Skills

Collaboration

Analytical Skills

Negotiation

Communication

Leadership

Education

Relevant Degree

Tools

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

JAGGAER

Job description

Overview

We have an exciting opportunity for a Category Lead - Construction to join our team!

The successful candidate will manage the supply chain requirements for the category of capital construction projects. Manage the construction category to ensure that services are available when needed while mitigating risk, controlling costs and contributing to supplier diversity. Proactively engage with project teams in early project planning to understand scope, schedule, delivery and contracting requirements and proactively develop supply chain management strategies around these requirements. Be the subject matter expert on competitive sourcing. Lead and facilitate solicitation teams through the solicitation process. Initiate the execution of all contract documents necessary for capital construction projects per approved policies and procedures. Collaborate with business units, suppliers and legal on negotiation strategy, co-lead the negotiations and manage the contract redlining process until mutual terms are executed.

Lead the development of capital construction procurement strategies while working collaboratively with suppliers and business unit representatives.Create and distribute standard and complex purchase orders in a timely manner. Complete market analyses to determine industry trends regarding products and categories. Monitor relevant market conditions.Develop and implement continuous improvement opportunities within the supply chain process. Utilize new tools to create efficiencies. Proactively communicate with internal customers and understand the business applications of assigned categories. Drive value and identify cost savings opportunities.Build strong working relationships with suppliers to improve pricing, quality of services and diverse supplier participation. Collaborate with business units, suppliers and legal on negotiation strategy, co-lead the negotiations and manage the contract redlining process until mutual terms are executed.Monitor supplier performance, including compliance, and facilitate constructive two-way communication with suppliers. Utilize new tools to create efficiencies. Serve as a Supply Chain internal trusted advisor and “go-to” resource for assigned categories of spend and the procurement process. Represent the company to the supplier community in a positive manner and conduct business with the highest ethical standards.

Citizens Energy Group offers a competitive salary and benefits including:

• Health, Dental & Vision
• Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with company match
• Short-Term Incentive Plan (STIP)
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution
• Wellness Program
• Adoption and tuition assistance
• Employee Credit Union
• PTO and Paid Holidays
• Flexible Hybrid Work Schedule

If you are looking for a new opportunity, we invite you to apply and talk about the possibilities of starting a rewarding new chapter of your career!

Minimum Salary: $75,200 (Grade 9)

Responsibilities

• Generate value through implementation of capital construction procurement strategies including standardization, rationalization of specifications, aggregation of requirements across business units, and other procurement best practices.

• Establish and maintain contracts with suppliers in areas of responsibility through proficient use of established processes.

• Develop and execute supplier management strategies for areas of responsibility; work with business unit representatives related to supplier performance monitoring and improvement; monitor processes related to supplier qualification and compliance and take appropriate action as needed.

• Cross-train to be able to perform the work of other Category Leads, as needed. Mentor/coach others to perform the work of this position. Develop documentation of job duties.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• College graduate with relevant degree and at least 5 years of relevant experience with a focus in construction.
• Strong collaboration and teamwork skills
• Very strong analytical skills, meticulous attention to detail
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Strong follow-up skills; ability to multi-task, meet timelines and follow up with internal and external customers
• Knowledge of company business environment and requirements
• Ability to effectively lead and manage cross-functional teams
• Proactive and dynamic, ability to drive sense of urgency
• Working knowledge of strategic sourcing process
• Strong demonstrated negotiation skill
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Proficient user of Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Experience with e-sourcing tools such as JAGGAER, or other equivalent software.
• Able to read and understand construction documents and drawings.
• Contracting experience preferred– understand legal implications in order to discuss contract documents with stakeholder and legal.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of company business environment and requirements.
• Very strong organizational skills for managing a large volume of complex assignments independently and effectively with minimal guidance.
• Process improvement skills.
• Strategic sourcing proficiency.

Job Posting Deadline: Tuesday, May 27, 2025Citizens is a drug-free, Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.