CATEGORY MANAGER

Job Description:

• Manages a supply chain for highly technical and complex materials or services category that ensures high availability and quality at the lowest possible total cost to Operations.

• Acts as a primary liaison to outside suppliers, both current and potential.

• Leads the management of the supplier relationship strategy.

• Works closely with senior managers, technical / specification engineers and decision makers to determine the long-term needs and appropriate supply market strategy.

• Manages the supply chain processes for a given commodity or service category including but not limited to the development of contracting, labor, e-business, diversity, inventory and cost reduction strategies, such that the category effectiveness and efficiency is continually improved.

• Works closely with Supply Operations to resolve complex or repetitive commercial issues.

• Identifies, and facilitates the implementation of new supply chain process improvement initiatives.

• Support increased sourcing and procurement activity related to the integration of acquired operations.

• Support a broad range of sourcing initiatives across power generation equipment, materials, and services.

• Lead end-to-end sourcing and procurement activities, from routine RFQs to complex strategic sourcing initiatives.

• Develop sourcing strategies, conduct competitive bid events, and negotiate supplier agreements.

• Manage supplier relationships and support contract execution.

• Partner with business stakeholders to understand requirements and deliver sourcing solutions.

• Identify opportunities for cost savings, process improvements, and supply chain efficiencies.

• Support a variety of categories based on business needs.

Requirements:

• B.S. degree with 5-7+ years of experience in a Supply Chain or Procurement specialty.

• Strong strategic sourcing and procurement experience.

• Experience in the electrical generation or power plant industry is a strong preference.

• Ability to independently manage assignments with minimal supervision.

• Looking for seasoned sourcing professionals who can quickly learn company systems and processes and operate independently with minimal oversight.

• 5+ years of sourcing, procurement, category management, or strategic sourcing experience.

• Demonstrated success leading competitive sourcing events and supplier negotiations.

• Strong analytical, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.

• Ability to work independently after onboarding with limited supervision.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in power generation, utilities, energy, industrial manufacturing, or similar industries.

• Experience sourcing power plant equipment, maintenance services, engineering services, or long-term service agreements.

• Familiarity with equipment and services supporting power generation facilities, including turbines, generators, high-voltage electrical equipment, mechanical components, and related services.

• Experience with Coupa, Asset Suite 9, or similar sourcing and ERP platforms.

Benefits:

Healthcare Insurance: Synectics offers eligible employees and their dependents healthcare coverage through BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois. Eligibility begins on the 1st day of the calendar month following 60 days of continuous full time employment with Synectics. Premiums are subsidized by Synectics.

Dental Insurance: Synectics offers eligible employees and their dependents a dental plan through MetLife. Eligibility begins on the 1st day of the calendar month following 60 days of continuous full time employment with Synectics.

Vision Insurance: Synectics offers eligible employees vision insurance through VSP. Eligibility begins on the 1st day of the calendar month following 60 days of continuous full time employment with Synectics.

401(k) Plan: The Synectics Inc. Investment Savings Retirement Plan. Synectics offers all employees who are 21 years of age or older the opportunity to invest in the 401(k) Plan on the first of the month following at least 1 calendar year after employment begins.

Synectics is an equal opportunity employer.

Synectics is a leading staffing and workforce solutions company dedicated to connecting exceptional talent with top organizations. We specialize in IT, engineering, finance, healthcare, and professional services recruitment, offering both contract and permanent staffing solutions. With a people-first approach, we focus on understanding the unique needs of our clients and candidates to create long-term, successful matches. Our mission is to empower businesses with the right talent while helping professionals achieve rewarding career opportunities