Category Manager – Operational Services

Xcel Energy

. Support CMs while learning to develop category strategy to capture value and improve operations .

Posted 5/1/2026full-timeHenderson • Colorado, Minnesota • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $95,000 - $120,000 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Support CMs while learning to develop category strategy to capture value and improve operations
Collaborate with business stakeholders to align business demands with category/contract strategy, and execution
Perform analysis of contracts, supply & demand, market and commodity trends (including total cost of ownership and should-cost modeling), and recommend category strategies
Monitor industry information, trends, and supplier risk profiles to ensure category strategy remains in line with best practices while supporting business requirements
Support development and execution of sourcing events, including coordinating the evaluation of proposals and selection of suppliers for targeted categories of spend
Lead tier II and support CMs in tier 1 supplier performance and relationship management efforts focused on improving total cost of ownership, quality, delivery, and continuous improvement
Develop plans with suppliers that support business goals and strategies, while driving continuous improvement and collaboration to strengthen partnerships and bring value to the company and the supplier
Support development of supplier scorecards and monitor performance
Work with Category Managers and business stakeholders to ensure metrics are meaningful and measurable
Support the resolution of disputes with suppliers
Develop effective skills for managing complex supplier relationships and continuous improvement efforts
Support CMs in developing and conducting strategic contract negotiations and may lead negotiations in some instances
Ensure all contract processes are followed, documents are complete, and appropriate records are retained
Monitor compliance across buying channels, supplier, and contract purchasing execution
Coordinate the resolution of disputes and contract adjustments with suppliers and internal stakeholders
Communicate contract summary and implementation plans
Support development of risk management strategies and in conjunction with Legal and Security, apply understanding of underlying principles of contract law to administer all category contract agreements
In collaboration with business area management, manage and define risk elements of contracts
Limit risk by ensuring all required documents and notices have been obtained and are satisfactory
Support category and project plan development for the implementation of Supply Chain strategy
Interact and maintain relationships with partners to integrate sourcing and business project plans
Support change management efforts

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, business, or related technical/analytical field
Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered
Requires three years of supply chain experience
Proficient in contract formation, negotiation, and execution
Willing to pursue Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) or equivalent
Previous experience in plant operations, utility field operations, finance, or business administration is a plus
Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and experience with purchasing and sourcing systems strongly preferred
Required to attend meetings across the region
Up to 10% travel is required

Benefits

Comp & perks

Annual Incentive Program
Medical/Pharmacy Plan
Dental
Vision
Life Insurance
Dependent Care Reimbursement Account
Health Care Reimbursement Account
Health Savings Account (HSA) (if enrolled in eligible health plan)
Limited-Purpose FSA (if enrolled in eligible health plan and HSA)
Transportation Reimbursement Account
Short-term disability (STD)
Long-term disability (LTD)
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Fitness Center Reimbursement (if enrolled in eligible health plan)
Tuition reimbursement
Transit programs
Employee recognition program
Pension
401(k) plan
Paid time off (PTO)
Holidays
Volunteer Paid Time Off (VPTO)
Parental Leave

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

contract formationcontract negotiationcontract executionsupply chain managementtotal cost of ownership analysisshould-cost modelingsupplier performance managementrisk management strategiescategory strategy developmentcontinuous improvement

Soft Skills

collaborationrelationship managementcommunicationproblem resolutionstrategic thinkingnegotiationorganizational skillschange managementanalytical skillsleadership

Certifications

Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)