Principal Category Manager

Xcel Energy; Denver (CO); Hybrid; USD 112,000 - 159,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual Incentive Program

Medical/Pharmacy Plan

Dental Coverage

Vision Coverage

Life Insurance

Pension / 401(k)

Job summary

Xcel Energy is seeking a Principal Category Manager to lead enterprise-wide sourcing strategies, oversee critical supplier relationships, and negotiate contracts that align with business objectives. You will manage risk, guide cross-functional teams, and drive value through strategic sourcing initiatives.

The role requires significant experience in category management, SRM, and contract management, with strong negotiation and analytical skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain, business, or related technical/analytical field.
• Eight years of supply chain and industry experience, including category management, supplier relationship management, sourcing, and contract management.
• Five years of experience directly leading complex contract negotiations and project management.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and significant experience with purchasing and sourcing systems.
• Frequent travel up to 20%; driver's license required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of enterprise-wide category strategies and conduct spend/cost analysis to optimize value.
• Manage Tier I supplier relationships and monitor performance, driving continuous improvement.
• Develop and negotiate contracts aligned with category strategies and business needs.
• Collaborate with Legal and Security to manage contract risk and compliance.
• Create and manage project plans to implement category strategies and drive supplier improvements.
• Offer guidance and mentorship to the supply chain team and lead continuous process enhancements.

Skills

Category management

Supplier relationship management

Sourcing

Contract management

Negotiation

Microsoft Office

Purchasing systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in supply chain management or related field

MBA (preferred)

CPSM or similar certification (preferred)

Job description

Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) is a leading energy provider and Fortune 500 company, dedicated to serving millions of electricity and natural gas customers across eight states: Minnesota, Colorado, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, New Mexico and Texas. We make energy work better for our customers, helping them thrive every day. That means always raising the bar - delivering better service and providing more reliable, resilient, and sustainable energy.

Xcel Energy is a place where you’ll have opportunities to grow, expand your skills, and help lead the clean energy transition. We offer meaningful rewards, recognition, and support to help you build your career and make an impact - both on the job and beyond. Most importantly, it means you’ll be joining a company that knows employees are the driving force behind its success and is committed to helping you be your best.

Xcel Energy supports a hybrid work model to enable collaboration and flexibility. Many roles are expected to work onsite three days per week (Tuesday–Thursday); however, work location expectations vary based on role, team, and business needs.

Principal Category Manager

Position Summary

Provide sourcing leadership and direction for complex, critical sourcing categories with the greatest impact. Lead cross functional teams to drive successful project and category outcomes/results. Develop and effectively execute sourcing strategy. Collaborate with the business to plan and implement complex competitive sourcing events and other activities to advance category strategies. Develop effective negotiation strategies and negotiate commercial terms with critical suppliers to achieve objectives. Manage risk mitigation efforts and oversee on-going supplier performance. Ensure compliance with supplier safety, risk assessments, and other supplier programs. Serve as a technical expert for the Category Management organization.

Essential Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of critical enterprise-wide category strategies. Perform spend and cost analysis (e.g. total cost of ownership and should cost models) and develop category strategies to achieve maximum value capture. Complete supplier research and risk profiles. Monitor industry information, external factors, and trends to ensure category strategy is leading current best practices. Develop and execute complex sourcing event strategies and guide others on the team. In conjunction with logistics personnel implement optimal inventory strategies.

• Lead tier I supplier relationship management efforts for multiple and the most critical suppliers focusing on improving total cost of ownership quality delivery and continuous improvement. Maintain awareness of supplier innovations and incorporate them into sourcing strategy. Establish KPIs and metrics. Monitor document and evaluate supplier performance. Lead the resolution of disputes with critical suppliers.

• Develop strategy and lead negotiations to establish contracts that support category strategies while meeting business requirements. Review analyze verify and negotiate contract changes or additional work orders. Monitor compliance across buying channel supplier and contract purchasing execution. Manage contractor claims to resolution. Ensure suppliers comply with contract terms and meet all commitments. Develop and communicate contract summary and implementation plans.

• Develop risk management strategies in conjunction with Legal and Security apply understanding of underlying principles of contract law. In collaboration with business area management manage and define the risk elements of the contract. Limit Xcel Energy risk by ensuring all required documents and notices have been obtained and are satisfactory.

• Create and manage project plans to implement category strategies. Manage supply chain business and supplier continuous improvement efforts.

• Provide expert guidance oversight and collaboration with the supply chain team to build category and sourcing strategies. Generate and implement new ideas/ processes. Mentor and provide work oversight.

Minimum Requirements

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

• A combination of eight years of supply chain and industry experience, including category management, supplier relationship management, sourcing, and contract management expertise.

• A combination of five years of experience directly leading complex contact negotiations and project management.

• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and significant experience with purchasing and sourcing systems is required.

• Frequently required to attend meetings in various locations, up to 20% travel; driver's license required.

Preferred Requirements

• Understands third party contractor services

• Understands union dynamics

• MBA as well as Certified Professional in Supply Chain Management (CPSM) or other supply chain certification strongly preferred.

Our culture is grounded in shared values and employee commitments that guide how we work, support one another, and grow together.

Our Values

Connected, Committed, Trustworthy, Safe

Our Employee Commitments

• Work that makes a difference

• A team you can count of

• Opportunities to grow

• Rewards that help you thrive

Xcel Energy provides job applicants reasonable accommodations for disabilities throughout the application process. If you are in need of an accommodation to complete the application process, now or at any time in the future, please complete the Applicant Accommodation Request Form (https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=g6WyJAVcaku06U4S3AAlrVld9SFTyvlNkqxgjYWAK9xUQ1JIS1JUSjg3TkNXU1hVU01PS1pVSEVDNSQlQCN0PWcu&route=shorturl) .

Non-Bargaining

The anticipated starting base pay for this position is: $112,200.00 to $159,400.00 per year

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: 10/23/26

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All Xcel Energy employees and contractors share responsibility for protecting the company's information and systems by adhering to cybersecurity policies, standards, and best practices, recognizing that cybersecurity is everyone's responsibility.

Accessibility Statement

Xcel Energy endeavors to make https://www.xcelenergy.com and https://jobs.xcelenergy.com accessible to any and all users. If you are in need of an accommodation to complete the application process, now or at any time in the future, please complete the Applicant Accommodation Request Form (https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/DyR78vcb7K) . For any other application related questions, including application follow-ups or technical issues, please use our Recruiting Assistance, Electra, for assistance. Electra can be found in the lower right-hand corner of our Xcel Energy Careers site.