Sr Category Manager I

Duquesne Light Company; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading electric utility provider in Pittsburgh seeks a Sr Category Manager I to develop strategic sourcing plans and manage supplier relationships. The ideal candidate has over 7 years of experience in sourcing and contract negotiation. You will work closely with internal stakeholders to deliver significant savings and improve productivity across various categories. This role offers an opportunity to influence company culture and operational success.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in sourcing various materials or services.
• Proven track record in developing multi-year category sourcing strategies.
• Strong knowledge of the strategic sourcing process.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category plans for strategic sourcing.
• Manage supplier qualification and contract development.
• Analyze spend data to identify opportunities for supplier diversity.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Contract negotiation

Analytical skills

Project management

Supplier diversity

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Finance or related discipline

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

ERP system experience (Maximo preferred)

Power Advocate Energy Intelligence Platform

Job description

Sr Category Manager I – Duquesne Light Company

Duquesne Light Company, headquartered in downtown Pittsburgh, is a leader in providing electric energy and has been at the forefront of technological innovation. We lead in transmission and distribution, delivering reliable power to more than half a million customers in southwestern Pennsylvania.

We are committed to creating an inclusive culture that values unique differences and experiences. Join our team to help shape the future.

As the Sr Category Manager, reporting to the Manager, Procurement, you will develop and execute category plans for strategic sourcing of spend categories such as Information Technology, Corporate Services, MRO, and Engineering and Construction Services. You will partner with internal stakeholders to develop and execute category strategies, deliver savings, and improve productivity across the categories.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic procurement business partner, interfacing at various levels of the company
• Establish, build, and manage strong external vendor relationships, including negotiations
• Create, implement, and manage multi‑year category sourcing strategies for assigned categories to generate value and, where appropriate, innovation opportunities for the company
• Continually sense internal customers and supply markets for changes that may impact the sourcing strategy
• Partner with internal stakeholders to understand current and future business needs, and external resource requirements, in order to create and execute a project pipeline
• Lead cross‑functional strategic sourcing teams that include representation from the end‑user community
• Drive a measurable reduction in year‑over‑year total cost of ownership for assigned categories
• Analyze spend data and identify opportunities to increase supplier diversity spend (including local and regional)
• Influence key internal stakeholders to engage procurement as a key partner in order to drive cost out of their third‑party suppliers
• Conduct regular reviews of supplier scorecards and operational metrics to drive continuous improvement of suppliers as part of a Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) program
• Manage supplier qualification, RFP, supplier selection, contract development, implementation, purchase or blanket orders, compliance, and ongoing supply management processes
• Resolve contract issues to ensure accurate supply of materials and/or services
• Provide external industry benchmarking to better assess strategy and solutions within procurement
• Champion standards and process improvements to create efficiencies in sourcing procedures
• May engage in peer coaching and mentoring for category manager associates

Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Finance or related discipline
• Seven (7+) years’ experience in sourcing various materials or services
• Master’s degree preferred

Key Skills and Abilities

• Successfully developed and executed multi‑year sourcing category strategies
• Strong knowledge of the strategic sourcing process and its practical application
• Exceptional ability to engage cross‑functional teams and influence decision‑making
• Able to navigate a complex organization structure to solve problems
• Advanced contract negotiation skills
• Strong analytical skills
• Knowledge of total cost of ownership (TC) and clean sheet methodologies
• Strong project management and change management skills
• Works across all functions and levels of an organization
• Advanced knowledge of contract terms and conditions
• Experience in increasing supplier diversity spend
• ERP system experience (Maximo strongly preferred)
• Familiarity with Power Advocate Energy Intelligence Platform or other web‑based tools such as e‑Sourcing, Spend Analytics, Contract Management

Core Values

• Energized to shape the future
• Bold in thinking and exploring new possibilities
• Collaborative in approaching all challenges
• Responsible in commitment to safety, management of assets and finances and interaction with others
• Selfless in serving the community, both on the job and through volunteerism

All Non‑Union Employees will serve in storm roles as appropriate to their role and skillset.

Disclaimer

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to be a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Duquesne Light Holdings is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all people in all aspects of the employment relationship, without discrimination because of race, age, sex, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity or status as a Vietnam era or special disabled veteran or any other unlawful basis, as defined by applicable law, and fostering a workplace free of unlawful discrimination and retaliation.

Duquesne Light Holdings is committed to offering an inclusive and accessible experience for all job seekers, including individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening, apply for a position, or participate in the interview process, connect with us at [e-mail] and describe the specific accommodation requested for a disability‑related limitation.