Category Leader, Principal

Job Title: Category Leader, Principal
Location: Oakland, CA (300 Lakeside Dr, Oakland, CA 94612)
Work Model: Hybrid (3–5 days per month onsite at OGO, depending on business needs)
Duration: 2+ Months (Contract)
Pay Rate: $120.43/hr

About the Role

We are seeking a highly experienced Category Leader, Principal to join our team in Oakland, CA. This hybrid role requires local Bay Area candidates who can be onsite 3–5 days per month. The successful candidate will lead strategic sourcing initiatives for software, hardware, and telecom categories, driving cost savings and value through expert negotiation and supplier management.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct and document market research and supplier risk analysis to assess financial health of suppliers.
• Create and maintain comprehensive category plans.
• Develop and review supplier performance data; collaborate with suppliers for ongoing value discovery.
• Build and sustain strategic relationships with tier 1 and cross-portfolio suppliers.
• Lead cross-functional teams through strategic sourcing and negotiation processes for software, hardware, and telecom.
• Develop and execute complex category strategies.
• Monitor and set industry and market trends, working with industry leaders on best practices.
• Serve as subject matter expert for assigned commodities or services.
• Support senior management in strategic planning and decision-making.
• Manage sourcing spend categories and all associated Tier 1 contracts.
• Optimize cost savings, service excellence, diversity spend, and total cost of ownership.
• Influence and collaborate with senior leadership and Line of Business (LOB) stakeholders.
• Play a key role in Supplier Relationship Management and Scorecard processes.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in supply chain or a related field.
• Proven experience in sourcing life cycle management.
• Strong negotiation skills with a track record of cost savings.
• Experience managing software, hardware, and/or telecom sourcing.
• Proficiency with Ariba and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access).
• Ability to work independently with limited oversight.
• Strong analytical, logical reasoning, and contract management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, partnership, and team-building competencies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Business Administration or related discipline.
• ISM CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management) certification.
• Lean Six Sigma (LSS) Certification.
• Experience in procurement, utilities, or related industries.
• Familiarity with database and information systems (e.g., SCADA, EMS, SAP, ERP, Teradata, COBIT).

Additional Details

• Local Bay Area candidates only.
• Hybrid work model: onsite presence required 3–5 days per month.
• Supplier to provide laptop and necessary equipment.
• Personal phone required (no reimbursement); MS Teams available for calls/meetings.
• Pre-approved travel expenses reimbursed as needed.
• Monthly cell and internet expense allowance available.

Company Culture & Benefits

At SPECTRAFORCE, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We value fair compensation, wage transparency, and equal opportunity employment. Our team environment encourages collaboration, innovation, and professional growth. We adhere to all applicable state and local laws regarding compensation and employment practices.

Applicant Notices

For information on benefits, equal opportunity employment, and location-specific applicant notices, please visit our careers page.