Category Manager

AEP; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 116,000 - 151,000; Full time

Job summary

AEP is seeking a Category Manager in Columbus, OH to lead project procurement for large-scale energy infrastructure programs, including natural gas, renewables, and data center support. You will shape contracting strategies, manage supplier performance, and align procurement with project goals across development through closeout.

The role requires a Bachelor's or equivalent with extensive experience in procurement, with MBA or advanced certifications preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field with 8+ years of relevant experience.
• Associate’s degree in related field with 9+ years of relevant experience.
• High School Diploma or equivalent with 10+ years of relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage procurement strategy to control costs and maximize working capital.
• Lead supplier relationship management and contract administration for major programs.
• Coordinate with project teams, engineering, construction, legal, and finance on procurement strategies.
• Oversight of change management, contract negotiations, and supplier performance across EPC projects.
• Identify opportunities to improve contracting terms, supplier competition, and risk management.

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field of study

Associate’s degree in related field of study

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

## Category ManagerApply: Columbus, OH: Full time: Posted Today: End Date: October 31, 2026 (13 days left to apply): R19102**Job Posting End Date**10-31-2026Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.**Job Summary**Project Procurement Management will serve in a key commercial leadership role supporting the development and construction of the next generation of energy infrastructure. The position will lead project procurement, including strategic sourcing, category management, contracting, and commercial management activities for some of the company’s largest and most complex capital projects and major construction programs, including new natural gas power generation, combined-cycle power plants, renewable energy projects, and energy infrastructure supporting large-load and data center customers. The position will serve as a key Procurement and commercial partner to major capital project teams, developing and executing project procurement strategies, contracting strategies, sourcing plans, and supplier strategies from early project development and engineering through construction, commissioning, commercial operation, and contract closeout. Responsibilities include leading the negotiation, award, and administration of significant Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC), construction, engineering, major equipment supply, and professional services contracts. The role will engage directly with leading EPC contractors, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), engineering firms, construction contractors, equipment suppliers, and strategic partners. The position will collaborate closely with Project Management, Engineering, Construction, Legal, Finance, Risk Management, Supply Chain, and business leadership to establish commercial and contracting strategies that support successful project execution while protecting the company’s commercial and contractual interests. Responsibilities extend beyond contract award and include providing commercial leadership and contract management throughout project execution. The position will oversee contract administration, change management, change orders, contractor negotiations, commercial issue resolution, contract claims, milestone and payment management, contractual notices, performance security, warranties, supplier performance, contract compliance, and contract closeout. The role will support project teams in evaluating and resolving complex commercial matters affecting project cost, schedule, contractual risk, supplier performance, and overall project execution. The position will also develop and implement strategic procurement and sourcing strategies that leverage market intelligence, supplier capabilities, competitive sourcing, Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), enterprise spend, supplier relationship management, and lessons learned across major capital projects. Responsibilities include identifying opportunities to strengthen commercial terms, increase supplier competition, improve contracting strategies, mitigate supply chain and commercial risk, and deliver sustainable value across the company’s power generation and infrastructure portfolio. The position offers the opportunity to contribute directly to large-scale, technically complex and strategically important energy projects. Through strong procurement, commercial negotiation, EPC contracting, contract management, supplier management, and project execution capabilities, the role will help enable projects that expand generation capacity, advance renewable energy development, and support significant electricity demand growth associated with large-load customers and data center development.**Job Description** **What You'll Do:** * Develop and manage the company’s overall strategy with the aim of controlling costs within budgetary limits, generating savings, rationalizing inventory and maximizing available working capital.* Manage implementation and ongoing activities of the Company's strategy by establishing implementation timing, support resources (analysis, bench marking, contract development and maintenance, etc.), standardization events and developing communication tools to introduce programs.* Perform supplier relationship management (SRM) function and contract administration functions for the various programs.* Work with Supply Chain teams to ensure buying strategies and contracts align with inventory strategies and Operating Company needs.* Leverage technology to create internal process efficiencies.* Communicate program performance metrics to the appropriate levels of management.* Work with Business Units and Supply Chain on demand management strategies.* Assist in optimization of logistics processes; works closely with other supply chain members to develop innovative solutions to ongoing operating problems. **What We're Looking For:** **Education & Experience** Bachelor's degree in related field of study + 8 years of relevant work experience. (Or) In lieu of Bachelor’s degree must possess an Associate’s degree in related field of study, and a minimum of 9 years of relevant work experience. (Or) In lieu of Associate’s degree must possess a High School Diploma or equivalent, and a minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience. **Additional Expectations** * Project management skills, investigative nature and process-oriented mind set are needed for this role.* MBA or Purchasing certification is preferred but not required.* Experience of lean manufacture, kaizen, continuous improvement or similar production tools preferred.**What You'll Get**At AEP, we’re more than just an energy company — we’re a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. Guided by our mission to put the customer first, we strive to exceed expectations by listening, responding, and continuously improving the way we serve our communities. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact and being part of a forward-thinking organization, this is the company for you!**Compensation Data****Compensation Grade:**SP20-009**Compensation Range:**$116,255.00 - $151,132.50The Physical Demand Level for this job is: S – Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently. (Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.