Procurement Category Manager - Structural Components

SOLV Energy, LLC; California; Hybrid; USD 105,000 - 131,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) plan

Job summary

SOLV Energy, LLC is seeking a highly capable Category Manager for Structural Components to lead sourcing, supplier relations, and contract negotiations for critical structural materials and construction equipment across utility-scale solar, HV, and BESS projects. The role blends strategic sourcing with procurement execution and risk management.

You will partner with Engineering, Construction Operations, Fleet, and Finance to optimize total cost of ownership, enhance supplier partnerships, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field.
• 5+ years in strategic sourcing or category management.
• Experience sourcing structural commodities and construction equipment.
• Proven track record in complex negotiations.
• Strong analytical, financial, and decision‑making skills.
• Experience with utility‑scale solar, EPC, or construction sectors.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies for structural components and construction equipment.
• Lead supplier market analysis, benchmarking, and category intelligence.
• Define technical requirements and sourcing strategies with cross‑functional teams.
• Identify and onboard new suppliers to support growth and resilience.
• Analyze total cost of ownership and supplier capabilities in supplier options.
• Lead competitive RFPs/RFQs and negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts.
• Manage procurement of construction equipment (pile drivers, truss drivers, GPS systems).
• Monitor market trends and equipment availability; advise on buy/lease/rent decisions.
• Establish supplier performance metrics, conduct QBRs, and drive improvements.
• Develop Master Supply Agreements and other procurement contracts.
• Ensure alignment with project schedules and risk management practices.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Category management

Procurement

Supplier relationship management

Contract negotiations

Cross-functional collaboration

Total cost of ownership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, Construction Management, Finance

Certifications CPSM, CPM, CSCP, PMP

Tools

MS Excel

ERP systems

Job description

SOLV Energy is a leading provider of infrastructure services to the power industry, designing, building and maintaining utility scale solar, battery storage and high voltage substation projects nationwide.

Job Description Summary: As a leading utility‑scale renewable energy Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) company, we are seeking a highly motivated and strategic Category Manager for Structural Components to lead sourcing, procurement, category strategy, and supplier relationship management across critical structural and construction equipment categories supporting solar PV, HV, Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), and Services projects.

This role is responsible for developing and executing procurement strategies for structural commodities including trackers, fixed‑tilt systems, foundations, steel components, and related construction materials, as well as major construction equipment used to build utility‑scale renewable energy projects. Equipment categories may include, but will not be limited to, pile drivers, truss drivers, GPS guidance systems, and robotic conveyance/assembly equipment.

The Category Manager will partner closely with Engineering, Construction Operations, Fleet, Project Management, and Finance teams to drive supplier selection, execute strategic sourcing initiatives, negotiate commercial agreements, improve total cost of ownership, mitigate supply chain risks, and ensure equipment availability to support project execution.

This position plays a critical role in delivering competitive project economics, ensuring schedule certainty, and building long‑term supplier partnerships that support the company’s continued growth and industry leadership.

This role can be fully remote or hybrid with regular in‑office presence in San Diego, CA. Specific location details and expectations will be discussed during the interview process.

Position Responsibilities and Duties

Category Strategy & Strategic Sourcing

• Develop and execute category strategies for structural components and construction equipment aligned with business objectives, project pipelines, and market conditions.
• Lead supplier market analysis, benchmarking, and category intelligence efforts to identify opportunities for cost optimization, innovation, and risk mitigation.
• Partner with Engineering, Construction, Fleet, and Operations teams to define technical requirements, specifications, and sourcing strategies.
• Identify, qualify, and onboard new suppliers to support business growth, geographic expansion, and supply chain resiliency.
• Analyze total cost of ownership, supplier capabilities, manufacturing capacity, and commercial competitiveness when evaluating supplier options.

Competitive Procurement & Contract Negotiation

• Lead competitive RFP, RFQ, and bid processes for structural materials, construction equipment, and related services.
• Evaluate supplier proposals and develop recommendation packages utilizing commercial, technical, operational, and risk-based criteria.
• Negotiate pricing, payment terms, warranties, service agreements, performance guarantees, lead times, and other commercial terms.
• Develop and execute Master Supply Agreements, Strategic Partnership Agreements, Rental Agreements, Fleet Purchasing Agreements, and other procurement contracts.
• Support project-specific procurement activities to ensure timely delivery and alignment with project schedules.

Construction Equipment Procurement

• Lead sourcing and procurement of construction equipment supporting utility‑scale renewable energy projects, including:
  • Pile driving equipment
  • Truss driving equipment
  • GPS Guidance Systems
  • Robotic Conveyance/Assembly equipment
• Evaluate buy versus lease versus rental strategies based on project duration, utilization, and financial objectives.
• Collaborate with Fleet and Operations teams to optimize equipment deployment, lifecycle costs, maintenance support, and asset utilization.
• Negotiate service, maintenance, warranty, and aftermarket support agreements with OEMs and equipment providers.
• Monitor equipment market trends, availability constraints, and technological advancements impacting project execution.

Supplier Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary commercial interface for strategic suppliers.
• Establish supplier performance metrics and scorecards covering cost, quality, delivery, responsiveness, safety, innovation, and sustainability.
• Lead Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) and executive supplier meetings.
• Manage supplier escalations and drive corrective action plans when performance issues arise.
• Build strong collaborative supplier relationships that support continuous improvement and long‑term value creation.

Risk Management & Continuous Improvement

• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks related to capacity constraints, geopolitical factors, logistics disruptions, and commodity market fluctuations.
• Develop contingency sourcing plans for critical materials and equipment.
• Drive procurement process improvements, automation initiatives, and best practices.
• Support forecasting, budgeting, and long‑range planning activities.
• Maintain compliance with company policies, safety requirements, contractual obligations, and industry regulations.

Minimum Skills or Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, Construction Management, Finance, or a related discipline.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing, category management, procurement, supply chain management, or supplier relationship management.
• Experience sourcing structural commodities, construction materials, industrial equipment, or capital equipment.
• Demonstrated success leading complex commercial negotiations and supplier agreements.
• Strong analytical, financial, and decision‑making skills.
• Experience managing cross‑functional stakeholders and influencing executive‑level decisions.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship management skills.
• Experience within utility‑scale solar, renewable energy, EPC, construction, infrastructure, energy, or industrial sectors.
• Experience sourcing heavy construction equipment, fleet assets, or large capital equipment programs.
• Understanding of solar tracker systems, foundations, steel fabrication, and renewable construction methodologies.
• Knowledge of equipment ownership models, fleet lifecycle management, rental strategies, and equipment financing structures.
• Professional certifications such as CPSM, CPM, CSCP, PMP, or equivalent.

Key Success Factors

• Strategic procurement leadership.
• Strong commercial and contract negotiation expertise.
• Deep understanding of construction equipment and industrial supply markets.
• Ability to drive measurable cost savings and value creation.
• Expertise in supplier development and performance management.
• Strong cross‑functional collaboration capabilities.
• A proactive, ownership‑driven mindset focused on supporting successful project execution.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without requiring employer sponsorship now or in the future.

Benefits

• Employees (and their families) are eligible for medical, dental, vision, basic life and disability insurance.
• Employees can enroll in our company’s 401(k) plan and are provided vacation, sick and holiday pay.

Compensation Range: $104,554 - $130,692 Pay Rate Type: Salary

Job Number: J14084

SOLV Energy is a leading provider of infrastructure services to the power industry. We design, build and maintain utility scale solar, battery storage and high voltage substation facilities across the United States. Our teams support projects from early engineering through long term operations and maintenance, giving employees opportunities to contribute across the full energy lifecycle. Our mission centers on strengthening communities and advancing the energy workforce. We focus on delivering projects that support long term economic growth and create pathways for skilled careers across the country. That commitment guides how we work with customers and how we support one another, rooted in our core values of Safety, Quality, Innovation and Teamwork.

As a national organization, we offer broad opportunities to grow your career. Whether you work in the field or in an office role, you’ll find space to develop your skills, explore new directions and build a career that makes an impact. No matter where you begin, you join a capable team driving energy forward and helping build the foundation for the next generation of power in the U.S.

SOLV Energy Is an Equal Opportunity Employer At SOLV Energy we celebrate the power of our differences. We are committed to building diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplaces that improve our communities. SOLV Energy prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind against an employee or applicant based on race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, or ethnicity, mental or physical disability, veteran status, parental status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

SOLV Energy Is An Equal Opportunity Employer At SOLV Energy we celebrate the power of our differences. We are committed to building diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplaces that improve our communities. SOLV Energy prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind against an employee or applicant based on race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin or ethnicity, mental or physical disability, veteran status, parental status, or any other characteristic protected by law.