Global Category Manager – Utilities, Travel & Fleet – Indirect Procurement

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Oversee the global category strategy for Utilities, Travel, and Fleet, with a primary focus on Utilities as the area of expertise.

• Formulate sourcing strategies that reflect energy markets, regulations, commercial models, and supplier landscapes across the US and Europe.

• Execute intricate global and multi-regional sourcing projects from initial analysis through negotiation, contracting, and implementation.

• Manage strategic and critical supplier relationships, focusing on performance, risk, cost, and continuous improvement.

• Develop category plans informed by spend analysis, market intelligence, business requirements, and total cost of ownership.

• Lead cross-functional category and sourcing teams across various countries, functions, and business units.

• Negotiate complex agreements with suppliers in the utilities, travel, and fleet sectors.

• Identify risks related to supply, commercial aspects, regulatory compliance, and implementation.

• Ensure that contracts, specification modifications, and demand-management initiatives are effectively adopted across the organization.

• Enhance procurement capabilities by disseminating category insights, tools, and best practices throughout the organization.

• Contribute to broader procurement change initiatives where commercial or category expertise can provide value.

⛳️ Requirements

• Several years of direct experience in the utilities category, particularly within the US and EU markets; this is a must.

• In-depth understanding of utility sourcing, market structures, pricing mechanisms, supplier models, and commercial risks in both regions.

• Approximately 8 to 10 years or more in strategic sourcing, category management, or supplier relationship management.

• Proven experience in developing and executing category strategies across multiple countries or regions.

• A successful track record in leading complex global negotiations and large-scale sourcing or change initiatives.

• Broader experience in Travel and Fleet procurement would be advantageous.

• Strong skills in stakeholder management and change management, with experience in a complex matrix organization.

• Practical and analytical mindset, with the ability to analyze spend data, contracts, and market information, and convey conclusions clearly.

• Familiarity with spend analytics, eSourcing, and contract management systems.

• Experience utilizing AI within procurement would be beneficial.

🏝️ Benefits

• Opportunity to influence category strategy within a new global procurement framework.

• Authentic global scope with significant exposure to senior stakeholders.

• Chance to become the recognized authority in Utilities, Travel, and Fleet.

• Comprehensive details regarding the employment package, working arrangements, and location-specific benefits will be provided during the recruitment process.