Procurement Category Manager

Working at Knobelsdorff (KE) Along with building state-of-the-art projects, we build meaningful careers, lasting opportunities, and teams of dedicated individuals who truly own their work. As a leading turnkey specialty contractor specializing in Automation, Electric, Energy, and Power Services, our team tackles challenging, cutting-edge projects that provide opportunities to build new skills, confidence, and gain valuable hands-on experience in a variety of different industries. We tackle industrial electrical installations, advanced automation systems, and renewable energy solutions.  Since our founding as a family-owned company in 1988, we've grown while staying true to our core value. Starting your career with KE means joining a culture that values your contributions, moves quickly, takes calculated risks, and celebrates team members who step up and own their work.  If you're ready to join a team where your voice matters, your growth is supported, and your impact is celebrated, KE is the place for you.  This role supports KE's Supply Chain and Operations teams by developing and executing procurement strategies that drive value across materials, equipment, services, and operational purchasing. You'll be responsible for strategic sourcing, supplier management, contract negotiations, and purchase order oversight that directly impact project execution, operational efficiency, and company profitability. Success in this role means delivering measurable cost savings, strengthening supplier partnerships, reducing supply chain risk, and ensuring our teams have the resources they need to succeed, all while upholding KE's commitment to Safety, People, Passion, and Performance. If you're someone who takes pride in building relationships, solving problems, and finding smarter ways to support a growing business, this position is built for you. What You'll Do - Develop and execute category strategies for assigned areas of spend, including materials, equipment, services, and operational purchasing. - Process, review, and manage purchase orders to ensure accuracy, proper approvals, timely placement, and alignment with project and operational requirements. - Lead supplier sourcing, evaluation, negotiation, and selection processes. - Negotiate pricing, terms, rebate programs, and service agreements to maximize value and reduce costs. - Build and manage strategic supplier relationships while monitoring supplier performance. - Partner with project teams and operational leaders to understand demand forecasts and procurement requirements. - Identify opportunities for standardization, consolidation, and process improvements across procurement activities. - Monitor market trends, commodity pricing, and supply chain risks to proactively support business needs. - Collaborate with Finance and Operations to track savings initiatives, purchasing metrics, and procurement performance. - Support preferred vendor programs and ensure compliance with procurement policies and procedures. - Analyze spend data and develop recommendations that improve purchasing decisions and operational efficiency. - Resolve purchase order discrepancies, invoice issues, and supplier concerns to maintain continuity of supply and accurate financial records. - Up to 15-25% travel for supplier visits, company locations, industry events, and business meetings. What You Bring You're someone who shows up ready to work hard, think strategically, and contribute to a team that takes pride in doing things right. Successful candidates typically bring: - Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, Finance, or a related field. - 5+ years of experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, category management, or supply chain management. - Experience negotiating contracts and managing supplier relationships. - Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. - Experience developing sourcing strategies and leading competitive bid processes. - Excellent communication, relationship-building, and influencing skills. - Proficiency with ERP systems, procurement software, and Microsoft Office applications. - Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. - Experience supporting construction, industrial, manufacturing, energy, or specialty contracting organizations preferred. - Professional certifications such as CPSM, CPM, CPIM, or CSCP preferred. - Experience with supplier scorecards, category planning, and strategic sourcing programs preferred. - Knowledge of inventory management, forecasting, and procurement best practices preferred. - Experience leading continuous improvement and cost-reduction initiatives preferred. Pay Range We believe in paying for the value you bring to the team, and we aim to be competitive in every market we hire in. Pay Range: $120,000.00 - $135,000.00 per year Total Rewards Statement As a full-time employee at KE, you'll have access to a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, wellbeing, and future. - 100% employer-paid health and dental coverage for employees - HSA contributions to support your medical expenses - Company-paid life insurance and disability coverage - 401(k) with competitive company match - Performance-based incentives - Paid weekly with competitive wages - PTO, six paid holidays, and education reimbursement - Exclusive employee discounts through Working AdvantageWe believe your work should be rewarded with more than just a paycheck. At KE, we invest in your total wellbeing. Physical Requirements The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be provided for individuals with disabilities. Typical requirements may include: - Primarily office-based work with extended periods sitting and working on a computer. - Ability to communicate effectively in meetings, presentations, and negotiations. - Ability to occasionally lift procurement samples or materials up to 25 pounds. - Ability to travel to supplier locations, offices, warehouses, and job sites as needed. - Up to 15-25% travel for supplier visits, company locations, industry events, and business meetings.Accessibility: If you need accommodations as part of the employment process, please contact KE Human Resources at [email protected]. Workplace Environment - Fast-paced, collaborative environment supporting multiple divisions and projects. - Frequent interaction with internal stakeholders, suppliers, and external partners. - Combination of independent work, strategic planning, and cross-functional collaboration. Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO) Knobelsdorff (KE) is an EEO to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law. Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws: - EEO is the Law (English/Spanish)  KE participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. For more information about E-Verify, please review the E-Verify Participation and Right to Work posters If you need accommodation during the hiring process, let us know and we’ll work with you.