Category Manager - Demand Side Management

Xcel Energy; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 95,000 - 121,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual Incentive Program

Medical/Pharmacy Plan

Dental

Vision

Life Insurance

401(k) plan

Paid time off (PTO)

Holidays

Pension

Tuition reimbursement

Transit programs

Volunteer Paid Time Off (VPTO)

Job summary

Xcel Energy is seeking a procurement professional to support category management across multiple spend areas. You will learn to develop category strategy, coordinate procurement events, and monitor supplier performance, aligning demands with strategic goals.

This role emphasizes collaboration with stakeholders and managing supplier risk to deliver value. The position offers exposure to contract negotiations, risk management, and cross-functional workflows within a leading energy company.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, business, or related technical/analytical field. Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Requires three years of supply chain experience.
• Proficient in contract formation, negotiation, and execution.
• Willing to pursue Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) or equivalent.
• Previous experience in plant operations, utility field operations, finance or business administration is a plus.
• Required to attend meetings across the region. Up to 10% travel is required.

Responsibilities

• Support CMs while learning to develop category strategy to capture value and improve operations. Collaborate with business stakeholders to align business demands with category/contract strategy, and execution.
• Lead tier II and support CMs in tier 1 supplier performance and relationship management efforts focused on improving total cost of ownership, quality, delivery, and continuous improvement.
• Support development and execution of sourcing events, including coordinating the evaluation of proposals and selection of suppliers for targeted categories of spend.
• Develop plans with suppliers that support business goals and strategies, while driving continuous improvement and collaboration to strengthen partnerships and bring value to the company and the supplier.
• Monitor supplier risk profiles and ensure category strategy remains aligned with best practices while supporting business requirements.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, business, or related technical/analytical field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Purchasing systems

Job description

Position Summary

Working with Category Managers (CMs), effectively develop and coordinate the execution of category sourcing strategies that align with business stakeholder priorities. Utilize clear understanding of the supply market, sourcing best practice approaches, and negotiation strategies to achieve category objectives, while providing direction and leveraging Supply Chain resources. Manage risk mitigation efforts and on-going supplier performance monitoring activities to ensure category strategy adherence. Form and execute non-critical contracts. Collaborate with business stakeholders to align business demands with category strategy. Ensure compliance with supplier safety, risk assessments, and other supplier programs.

Essential Responsibilities

• Support CMs while learning to develop category strategy to capture value and improve operations. Collaborate with business stakeholders to align business demands with category/contract strategy, and execution. Perform analysis of contracts, supply & demand, market and commodity trends (including total cost of ownership and should-cost modeling), and recommend category strategies. Monitor industry information, trends, and supplier risk profiles to ensure category strategy remains in line with best practices while supporting business requirements. Support development and execution of sourcing events, including coordinating the evaluation of proposals and selection of suppliers for targeted categories of spend.


• Lead tier II and support CMs in tier 1 supplier performance and relationship management efforts focused on improving total cost of ownership, quality, delivery, and continuous improvement. Develop plans with suppliers that support business goals and strategies, while driving continuous improvement and collaboration to strengthen partnerships and bring value to the company and the supplier. Support development of supplier scorecards and monitors performance. Work with Category Managers and business stakeholders to ensure metrics are meaningful and measurable. Support the resolution of disputes with suppliers. Develop effective skills for managing complex supplier relationships and continuous improvement efforts.


• Support CMs in developing and conducting strategic contract negotiations and may lead negotiations in some instances. Ensure all contract processes are followed, documents are complete, and appropriate records are retained. Monitor compliance across buying channels, supplier, and contract purchasing execution. Coordinate the resolution of disputes and contract adjustments with suppliers and internal stakeholders. Communicate contract summary and implementation plans.


• Support development of risk management strategies and in conjunction with Legal and Security, apply understanding of underlying principles of contract law to administer all category contract agreements. In collaboration with business area management, manage and define risk elements of contracts. Limit risk by ensuring all required documents and notices have been obtained and are satisfactory.


• Support category and project plan development for the implementation of Supply Chain strategy. Interact and maintain relationships with partners to integrate sourcing and business project plans. Support change management efforts.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, business, or related technical/analytical field. Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.


• Requires three years of supply chain experience.


• Proficient in contract formation, negotiation, and execution.


• Willing to pursue Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) or equivalent.


• Previous experience in plant operations, utility field operations, finance or business administration is a plus.


• Required to attend meetings across the region. Up to 10% travel is required.

Preferred Requirements

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and experience with purchasing and sourcing systems strongly preferred.

As a leading combination electricity and natural gas energy company, Xcel Energy offers a comprehensive portfolio of energy-related products and services to 3.4 million electricity and 1.9 million natural gas customers across eight Western and Midwestern states. At Xcel Energy, we strive to be the preferred and trusted provider of the energy our customers need. If you’re ready to be a part of something big, we invite you to join our team.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Individuals with a disability who need an accommodation to apply please contact us at [e-mail].

Non-Bargaining

The anticipated starting base pay for this position is: $95,000.00 to $120,500.00 per year

Benefits

This position is eligible for the following benefits:

• Annual Incentive Program


• Medical/Pharmacy Plan


• Dental


• Vision


• Life Insurance


• Dependent Care Reimbursement Account


• Health Care Reimbursement Account


• Health Savings Account (HSA) (if enrolled in eligible health plan)


• Limited-Purpose FSA (if enrolled in eligible health plan and HSA)


• Transportation Reimbursement Account


• Short-term disability (STD)


• Long-term disability (LTD)


• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)


• Fitness Center Reimbursement (if enrolled in eligible health plan)


• Tuition reimbursement


• Transit programs


• Employee recognition program


• Pension


• 401(k) plan


• Paid time off (PTO)


• Holidays


• Volunteer Paid Time Off (VPTO)


• Parental Leave

Benefit plans are subject to change and Xcel Energy has the right to end, suspend, or amend any of its plans, at any time, in whole or in part.

In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information including but not limited to dates of school attendance and graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Deadline to Apply: 08/25/26

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ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT

Xcel Energy endeavors to make https://www.xcelenergy.com/ accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Xcel Energy Talent Acquisition at [e-mail]. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.