Job Description A utilities client in the Houston area is looking for a Manager, Procurement Utility to join their Procurement team. The procurement manager leads a Category team responsible for strategic sourcing activities and supplier management functions for utility categories. They will support gas and electric as well as partake in strategic sourcing and procurement at a manager level (Shared Services). The ideal candidate will build organizational strength, create robust sourcing strategies, negotiate agreements, manage strategic supplier relationships, and drive continuous improvement in support of business objectives. This role will also be called upon to contribute to the broader procurement transformation. Additional responsibilities include category management process, utilization of market intelligence, financial analysis, sourcing strategy and stakeholder management. This position is responsible for managing procurement categories including, but not limited to Construction, Materials, and Engineering services. This role requires regular engagement with stakeholders, assisting with the management of strategic sourcing, category management adoption, contract negotiations and developing cost reduction strategies on an enterprise level.  Responsible for leading a team of Procurement professionals to align & execute enterprise sourcing strategies for assigned commodities and spend categories as well as providing coaching and management oversight on work activities and work products  Drive supplier negotiations, sourcing initiatives and multi-year category strategies that optimize CenterPoint Energys spend across the organization.  Responsible for performance management, talent management and succession planning, ensuring that the appropriate tools and processes are in place to support the team.  Ensure savings initiatives spanning cost reduction, cost avoidance, revenue enhancement, rebates, working capital, etc. are accurately documented, reviewed, reported and transferred to the annual operating budgets and long-term strategic plans.  Applies broad and deep subject matter expertise to solve a variety of highly complex business issues.  Promote collaboration and obtain buy-in with key stakeholders to ensure execution of category strategies.  Utilization of market intelligence to perform market analysis activities such as should cost modeling, commodity indices etc. Manages industry pricing complexity through detailed and frequent analysis.  Work cross-functionally with Legal, Risk and Data Privacy to mitigate risk in the contracting process.  Demonstrate ability to develop, present and gain consensus on complex category strategies.  Successfully lead through influence, experience and bringing category strategies to adoption.  Self-starter, energetic and motivated to influence the future of the organization.  Directly involved in contract negotiations/relationship management of high complexity, high risk contracts with significant (potential) business strategy impacts.  Interpret and draft contract provisions to mitigate exposure to risk.  Ensure all applicable contracts have appropriate terms and conditions, deliverables and KPIs.  Demonstrates a proactive approach in meeting business partners' expectations through frequent communication, scope alignment, business requirements gathering, project execution and timeline management.  Creates a shared vision by embedding and integrating the role of strategic sourcing into various parts of the business. We are a company committed to creating inclusive environments where people can bring their full, authentic selves to work every day. We are an equal opportunity employer that believes everyone matters. Qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment opportunities without regard to race, religion, sex, age, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, citizenship status, disability, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to Human Resources Request Form (https://airtable.com/app21VjYyxLDIX0ez/shrOg4IQS1J6dRiMo) . The EEOC "Know Your Rights" Poster is available here (https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088\_EEOC\_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf) . 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Skills and Requirements Bachelors Degree  5+ years of sourcing/category management, contract negotiation/management, vendor management experience required.  Experience leading a team of direct reports required  Proven track record of success in identifying and achieving savings through the development and execution of category strategies.  Possesses a strong business acumen along with demonstrated cost center management experience  Knowledge of and experience in direct or operational categories preferred  Comprehensive knowledge of contract negotiation and category management methodology.  Occasional travel may be required.  Highly functional in Excel, PowerPoint and Word.  Prior experience using Coupa and SAP for sourcing, spend and contracts management is a plus  Demonstrated experience in leading strategic sourcing projects and multi-year category strategies from inception to implementation.  Negotiate and draft enterprise-wide agreements that minimize financial and business risk exposure and provide optimal terms and conditions. Understand and negotiate business specific legal terms and conditions and explain them to clients in an easy-to-understand manner.  Ability to influence others and to act as a change agent within the department and company. null We are a company committed to creating diverse and inclusive environments where people can bring their full, authentic selves to work every day. We are an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer that believes everyone matters. Qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion,sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, ancestry, genetic factors, age, disability, protected veteran status, military oruniformed service member status, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, andordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request to HR@insightglobal.com.