Principal Category Manager – IT Services

Xcel Energy

Principal Category Manager leading sourcing strategies for critical categories at Xcel Energy. Managing supplier relationships and implementing category strategies to optimize sourcing outcomes.

Posted 7/17/2026full-timeHenderson • Colorado, Minnesota • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $112,200 - $159,400 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in sourcing leadership, category management, and supplier relationship management, with a strong focus on negotiation strategies and risk management. Proficient in developing and executing sourcing strategies that align with business objectives and drive continuous improvement.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Sourcing LeadershipCategory ManagementSupplier Relationship ManagementContract ManagementNegotiation Strategies

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Spend AnalysisCost AnalysisRisk ManagementProject ManagementSupplier Performance MonitoringKPI DevelopmentContract NegotiationInventory StrategiesContinuous ImprovementSupplier Research

Soft Skills

CollaborationMentoringCommunicationLeadershipProblem Solving

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft Office SuitePurchasing SystemsSourcing Systems

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain ManagementMBACertified Professional in Supply Chain Management (CPSM)

Industry Keywords

Supply Chain ManagementCategory StrategiesSupplier ComplianceRisk AssessmentsTotal Cost of OwnershipContract LawSupplier InnovationsCompetitive Sourcing EventsSupplier SafetyProject Plans

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide sourcing leadership and direction for complex, critical sourcing categories with the greatest impact
Lead cross functional teams to drive successful project and category outcomes/results
Develop and effectively execute sourcing strategy
Collaborate with the business to plan and implement complex competitive sourcing events and other activities to advance category strategies
Develop effective negotiation strategies and negotiate commercial terms with critical suppliers to achieve objectives
Manage risk mitigation efforts and oversee on-going supplier performance
Ensure compliance with supplier safety, risk assessments, and other supplier programs
Serve as a technical expert for the Category Management organization
Lead the development and implementation of critical enterprise-wide category strategies
Perform spend and cost analysis (e.g. total cost of ownership and should cost models) and develop category strategies to achieve maximum value capture
Complete supplier research and risk profiles
Monitor industry information, external factors, and trends to ensure category strategy is leading current best practices
Develop and execute complex sourcing event strategies and guide others on the team
In conjunction with logistics personnel implement optimal inventory strategies
Lead tier I supplier relationship management efforts for multiple and the most critical suppliers focusing on improving total cost of ownership quality delivery and continuous improvement
Maintain awareness of supplier innovations and incorporate them into sourcing strategy
Establish KPIs and metrics
Monitor document and evaluate supplier performance
Lead the resolution of disputes with critical suppliers
Develop strategy and lead negotiations to establish contracts that support category strategies while meeting business requirements
Review analyze verify and negotiate contract changes or additional work orders
Monitor compliance across buying channel supplier and contract purchasing execution
Manage contractor claims to resolution
Ensure suppliers comply with contract terms and meet all commitments
Develop and communicate contract summary and implementation plans
Develop risk management strategies in conjunction with Legal and Security apply understanding of underlying principles of contract law
In collaboration with business area management manage and define the risk elements of the contract
Limit Xcel Energy risk by ensuring all required documents and notices have been obtained and are satisfactory
Create and manage project plans to implement category strategies
Manage supply chain business and supplier continuous improvement efforts
Provide expert guidance oversight and collaboration with the supply chain team to build category and sourcing strategies
Generate and implement new ideas/ processes
Mentor and provide work oversight

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
MBA as well as Certified Professional in Supply Chain Management (CPSM) or other supply chain certification strongly preferred
A combination of eight years of supply chain and industry experience, including category management, supplier relationship management, sourcing, and contract management expertise
A combination of five years of experience directly leading complex contact negotiations and project management
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and significant experience with purchasing and sourcing systems is required
Frequently required to attend meetings in various locations, up to 20% travel; driver's license 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