Strategic Category Manager, Goods & Services

DC Water; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 125,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

DC Water in Washington, DC seeks a Category Manager, Goods & Services to lead large, complex sourcing projects across multiple categories. You will develop category and sourcing strategies, manage RFx processes, negotiate contracts, and drive cost savings while guiding junior staff and ensuring compliance.

Responsibilities include cross-functional leadership, stakeholder engagement, and performance tracking, travel up to 10%. Bachelor's degree required; MBA preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, technical, program management, vendor management, or contract management from an accredited college or university.
• Minimum 5 to 7 years of progressive experience in sourcing and contracting, or combination of education and experience.
• Experience developing and implementing category and sourcing strategies.
• Strong expertise in RFx process, proposal evaluation, deal negotiation, and contract negotiation.
• Proven ability to manage cross-functional teams through sourcing and contracting lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Develops, implements, and manages category and sourcing strategies to add value and achieve goals.
• Independently leads cross-functional teams through sourcing and contracting processes.
• Negotiates contracts and manages supplier relationships and performance.
• Monitors KPIs such as cost savings, supplier performance, and contract compliance.
• Advises on procurement procedures and ensures policy compliance.
• Leads risk management objectives, statements of work, and NDAs as needed.

Skills

Category Management

Strategic Sourcing

RFP/RFI/RFQ Development and Management

Contract Negotiation and Management

Program and Project Management

Communication Skills

Stakeholder Management

Analytical, planning, problem solving,

Education

Bachelor's degree in business, technical, program management, vendor management, or contract management

Tools

MS Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

DC Water in Washington, DC seeks a Category Manager, Goods & Services to lead large, complex sourcing projects across multiple categories. You will develop category and sourcing strategies, manage RFx processes, negotiate contracts, and drive cost savings while guiding junior staff and ensuring compliance.

Responsibilities include cross-functional leadership, stakeholder engagement, and performance tracking, travel up to 10%. Bachelor's degree required; MBA preferred.