Category Leader, Principal (AWS)

Location:

San Luis Obispo, CA Work Location:

DCPP /

Avila Beach, CA Duration:

6

Months Pay Rate:

$110-$140/hr on W2

Work Schedule:

Hybrid - 4/10 Alternate Work Schedule Position Overview We are seeking a Principal Category Leader with strong experience in strategic sourcing, contract management, category management, supplier negotiations, and procurement . The ideal candidate will have experience working within the nuclear industry , managing complex supplier relationships, and developing sourcing strategies for major spend categories. This position requires candidates to be within the utility service territory and able to work onsite at DCPP in Avila Beach on a weekly basis . Candidates must be comfortable working a 4-day, 10-hour alternate work schedule . There is potential for conversion to an FTE position in the future, but conversion is not guaranteed. Key Responsibilities Develop and manage strategic sourcing and category plans for assigned spend categories. Manage Tier 1 contracts and strategic supplier relationships within assigned categories. Lead strategic sourcing initiatives, including market research, supplier analysis, RFPs, negotiations, and contract execution. Conduct supplier risk assessments and evaluate the financial health and performance of existing and potential suppliers. Develop negotiation strategies and lead cross-functional teams through sourcing and contracting processes. Negotiate major contracts with suppliers and business stakeholders to achieve cost savings and business objectives. Develop and maintain strong strategic relationships with Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers. Establish supplier performance metrics and participate in Supplier Relationship Management and scorecard processes. Identify opportunities for cost savings, service improvements, diversity spend, and total cost of ownership optimization. Monitor industry, commodity, and market trends to identify sourcing opportunities and supplier risks. Partner with senior leadership and Lines of Business to develop and execute category strategies. Serve as a subject matter expert for assigned commodities or services. Apply procurement, contract management, project management, and supply chain best practices. Utilize SAP and Microsoft Office tools for procurement, contract, reporting, and analytical activities. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. 10+ years of experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, category management, supply chain, or a related field. Strong experience in contract management and contract negotiation . Proven strategic sourcing and category management experience. Experience managing complex supplier relationships and Tier 1 contracts. Strong negotiation, supplier management, and stakeholder management skills. Experience working with cross-functional teams and senior leadership. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Experience with SAP and Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Ability to work independently with limited oversight. Strong communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills. Preferred Qualifications Nuclear industry experience strongly preferred. Experience with utility, energy, engineering, or other highly regulated industries. Master's degree in Business Administration or related discipline. CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management) certification. Lean Six Sigma certification. Knowledge of contract law, licensing, labor agreements, and related contracting processes. Experience with Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) and supplier scorecards. Project management experience. Key Skills Category Management | Strategic Sourcing | Procurement | Contract Management | Contract Negotiation | Supplier Relationship Management | Supplier Risk Analysis | Strategic Procurement | Supply Chain | Category Strategy | Vendor Management | Cost Optimization | SAP | Supplier Performance | Market Research | Stakeholder Management | Negotiation | Nuclear Industry Work Requirements Must be located within the applicable service territory . Must be able to work onsite at DCPP / Avila Beach weekly . 4 days / 10 hours (4/10) alternate work schedule required. Hybrid work arrangement. Company laptop and required PPE will be provided. Potential FTE conversion may be available but is not guaranteed .

Pay:

$110.00 - $140.00 per hour

Experience:

Procurement:

10 years (Required) Strategic management: 10 years (Required) Contract management: 10 years (Required) Supplier management: 10 years (Required)

Work Location:

Hybrid remote in San Luis Obispo, CA 93403