Category Leader, Principals

About the Role

The Category Leader, Principal - SMB at SPECTRAFORCE will play a crucial role in managing sourcing life cycles and supplier relationships. The individual will conduct market research, manage strategic sourcing processes, and lead the development of category strategies for software, hardware, and telecom categories. This role requires strong negotiation skills and the ability to manage complex supplier relationships and contracts.

Key Responsibilities

• Conducts and documents market research and supplier risk analysis to verify the financial health of existing and potential suppliers.
• Creates and maintains category plans.
• Develops and reviews performance data with suppliers and works with them to drive ongoing value discovery.
• Develops and sustains mutually beneficial strategic relationships with tier 1 and cross-portfolio suppliers.
• Leads cross-functional teams through strategic sourcing processes and development/execution of negotiation strategies for software, hardware, and telecom categories.
• Leads the development of category strategies of high complexity.
• Maintains awareness of industry and market trends through ongoing research.
• Sets market trends on particular commodities by working with the industry on best practices.
• Serves as subject matter expert for particular commodities or services in the industry.
• Works with senior management to support strategic planning and decision-making at the officer level.

Requirements

Required

• 10+ years of experience in supply chain or related fields.
• Sourcing life cycle management experience.
• Strong negotiation skills with demonstrated cost savings.
• Experience managing software, hardware, and/or Telecom.
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience.

Preferred

• Software, hardware, and/or Telecom sourcing experience.
• Ariba experience.
• Ability to analyze and combine information from different sources and use logic to reach appropriate conclusions.
• Ability to apply contract processes and procedures and relevant contracts and licensing.
• Ability to work independently with limited oversight.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Products (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access).
• Competency in relating openly and comfortably with diverse groups of people.
• Competency in building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Competency in building strong-identity teams that apply their diverse skills and perspectives to achieve common goals.
• Knowledge of the technical/functional aspects of the trade, occupation, or role.
• Knowledge of database and information systems (SCADA, EMS, OMT, OIS, SAP, ERP, COSO, Teradata, COBIT, Question Mark).
• Master’s Degree in Business Administration or a job-related discipline or equivalent experience.
• ISM – Institute for Supply Management CPSM – Certified Professional in Supply Management certification.
• LSS – Lean Six Sigma Certification.
• Experience in procurement or related fields.
• Utility industry experience.

Additional Details

• Local candidates only to the Bay Area/work location in Oakland.
• Assignment is hybrid and requires onsite presence at OGO 3–5 days per month, depending on business needs.
• Supplier will need to provide a laptop for the assignment and any other additional equipment needed.
• Personal phone required (no reimbursement) or use of MS Teams for calls and meetings.
• With manager prior approval, expenses can be reimbursed if travel is needed for negotiations or team meetings.
• A predetermined amount for cell and internet can be expensed monthly.

About Us

Global staffing agency offering enterprise hiring, RPO, and workforce solutions. Scale faster with expert recruiters. Connect with SPECTRAFORCE today.