Procurement Category Lead , Gas & Building Services (Hybrid Schedule)

Eversource; Berlin (CT); Hybrid; USD 132,000 - 147,000; Full time

Job summary

Eversource is seeking a Category Lead to drive strategic category management for assigned groups, overseeing procurement spend in high-impact categories. You will lead negotiations, develop supplier relationships and guide cross-functional teams to align with business plans.

The role demands strong contract management, market analysis and stakeholder engagement, with a focus on delivering cost efficiencies and value. Hybrid work arrangements and competitive compensation are offered.

Qualifications

• Expertise in category management with ability to develop strategies and lead initiatives.
• Strong negotiating, influencing and contract management skills.
• Advanced MS Office skills and solid financial acumen.

Responsibilities

• Drive total cost of ownership improvements and supplier performance.
• Develop tools to assess market risks, trends, and opportunities.
• Serve as trusted advisor to client groups on category strategy and sourcing.
• Lead cross-functional teams to implement category plans and achieve targets.
• Negotiate and execute large contracts and manage supplier relationships.

Skills

Category management

Negotiation

Contract management

MS Office

Communication

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree

MBA preferred

Job description

Eversource will not offer immigration-related sponsorship for this position (e.g., H-1B, O-1, J-1, TN, E-3, etc.). Applicants requiring visa sponsorship to start employment with Eversource will not be considered. Eversource supports work-life balance by offering hybrid schedules for certain roles. Eligibility is based on job responsibilities, operational needs, nature of work and team dynamics. Current guidelines require employees to work at least three days in the office, including Tuesdays and Wednesdays, with the third day set by the employee and supervisor based on department needs. These guidelines apply to roles approved for remote work and are subject to change, based on managerial discretion and work performance. All applicants must be able to work up to five days in the office if needed (for example: emergencies, training, or other business needs) or should the policy change.

Our Category Lead will be responsible for leading, developing and implementing category management plans for assigned group of categories. Responsible for procurement spend in categories with medium to high spend, risk, change, market complexity and stakeholder considerations. Role includes developing strategic sourcing strategies, managing the bid process and negotiating the purchase of materials, equipment and services for large / very large complex purchases. Recognized as the leader of the category with expert knowledge. Acts as a change agent to influence others.

Essential Functions

• Drive total cost of ownership improvements including supplier performance and develop the supply base, to deliver results for stakeholders and in line with the organization’s Business Plan.
• Develops tools and techniques to profile; benchmark; research and assess the market; risks; competition; trends and new opportunities to ensure continuity of supply and maximize value / competitive advantage.
• Trusted advisor to client groups, providing expertise and advice on new business approaches to category strategy, sourcing and supplier/ contract management.
• Proactively ensures Business Sponsors are regularly kept informed and engaged in the category plan and ongoing category management.
• Leads effective cross-organizational teams to develop and implement strategies to meet objectives and targets.
• Acts as a role model, and technical expert, independently provides coaching and mentoring.
• Develops the strategy and manages the execution of supplier and stakeholder relationships for their assigned category.
• Includes internal stakeholders as appropriate.
• Develops and manages the implementation of supplier relationship management plans.
• Leads negotiations with suppliers.
• Coordinates with the business to ensure the management of supplier relationships.
• Works with others to resolve and escalating supplier issues.
• Produces and analyzes SRM scorecards.
• Monitors contract and supplier performance including KPIs, reviews with business groups and uses to improve future performance and strategy development.
• Ensures contracts are being managed to meet category strategic objectives and the benefits framework.
• Executes a multi-year category strategy and annual procurement plan that aligns with business forecast / objectives.
• In consultation with the Manager, ensures the development of compelling business cases to support decision-making and obtain approval.
• Utilizes their knowledge of business needs and understanding of the market structure to make recommendations on how changes in business processes can improve ways to go to market; structure the sourcing approach and contract.
• Develops and manages project plans to ensure strategies are executed on schedule and achieve projected financial / operational benefits.
• Identifies risks and makes recommendations for mitigation.
• Provide support for and adhere to all procurement policies and procedures and ensure compliance.
• Support all audit requests to maintain compliance to corporate policies.
• Writes and presents business plans, briefs, category management plans and other documents to management and key internal and external stakeholders.
• Negotiates and executes large to very large dollar / complex contracts.

Qualification

• Technical Knowledge/Skill: Expertise in the category area - demonstrated by a proven ability to develop and articulate category strategies. Full understanding of purchasing and inventory systems. Strong understanding of contract language terms and conditions. Solid understanding of business and financial principles. Advanced problem solving, decision making, influencing and negotiating skills. Excellent communication, presentation, interpersonal skills. Demonstrated ability to manage complex and or critical internal and external relationships requiring diplomacy, political savvy.
• Advanced program, project management skills and techniques.
• Expert analytical & MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) skills.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree is required. MBA preferred.
• Experience: Five (5) plus years related experience. supervisory experience preferred.
• Licenses & Certifications: Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.), Six Sigma, Lean, Process or Project Mgmt. certifications.

Competencies

• Build trusting relationships
• Manage and develop people
• Foster teamwork and cross-functional collaboration
• Lead change
• Communicate strategic vision
• Create an engaged workforce
• Focus on the customer
• Take ownership & accountability

Compensation and Benefits

Eversource offers a competitive total rewards program. Check out our careers site for an overview of our benefits programs. Salary is commensurate with your experience. This position is eligible for a potential incentive. The annual salary range for this position is: $132,170.00-$146,860.00

Worker Type

Worker Type: Regular Number of Openings: 1 Emergency Response: Responding to emergency situations to meet customers’ needs is part of every employee’s role. If employed, you will be given an Emergency Restoration assignment. This means you may be called to assist during an emergency outside of your normal responsibilities, work hours and location.

EEO Statement

Eversource Energy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, disability status, or protected veteran status.

VEVRRA Federal Contractor

Who we are

Eversource Energy (NYSE:ES), a Fortune 500 and Standard & Poor’s 500 energy company based in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire, operates New England’s largest energy delivery system. Eversource is committed to safety, reliability, environmental leadership and stewardship, and expanding energy options for its 4.3 million electric and natural gas customers. We are a company dedicated to our customers, communities and employees. We know that our success depends on the best efforts of our engaged team-talented and dedicated individuals who take pride in their work, know and exhibit the value of teamwork and collaboration, and support each other in working safely every day.