Category Management - Capital Projects

Category Management, Capital Projects (Multiple Opportunities)

Oakland or San Ramon, CA (hybrid)

Perm Position We are seeking experienced procurement leaders to help shape a new procurement function that supports our client's most complex and high-value infrastructure initiatives.

Some openings include :

Senior Category Manager – Capital Projects, Infrastructure

Category Manager – Capital Projects, Services

Category Manager – Capital Projects, Distribution

Category Manager – Capital Projects, Vegetation

These roles will be responsible for developing the sourcing strategy, building and leading a high-performing team, and overseeing the procurement of goods and services that support our most complex and high-value infrastructure initiatives. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape procurement processes from the ground up, collaborate closely with cross-functional partners, and ensure the successful execution of major capital investments. The ideal candidate brings deep knowledge of construction procurement expertise (EPC, PDB, DB and other project delivery methods), a strategic mindset, and a track record of delivering results in dynamic, fast-paced environments.

Job Responsibilities Manages procurement team to achieve performance consistent with system-wide sourcing and contracting goals.

Oversees a flexible and scalable team aligned to project workload.

Ensures staffing levels and spend oversight are in line with procurement best practices and capital project demands.

Has responsibility for major project sourcing strategy and associated supplier support services.

Responsible to manage a large capital project spend portfolio.

Partners with Major Projects planning teams to forecast sourcing needs and determine the optimal make-vs-buy mix.

Prepares forecasts and “what if” sourcing scenarios to support long-term procurement planning.

Collaborates with internal performance management teams to define and track metrics that assess procurement effectiveness, supplier performance, and cost savings.

Prepares and delivers regular presentations regarding supplier performance, procurement-driven cost performance, sourcing pipeline updates, and budget tracking.

Ensures procurement staff work cross-functionally to understand project scopes, plan sourcing timelines, and execute end-to-end procurement activities.

Oversees and self-perform RFP development, bidding, proposal evaluation, and contract award.

Partners with Category Management and Legal in final negotiations.

Leverages cost / quality / performance data to guide supplier selection.

Drives supplier relationship management processes, including scorecarding, performance reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Oversees contract administration processes, including change order approvals, claims management, invoice validation, reporting, and ensuring compliance with internal controls and sourcing policies.

Monitors industry best practices and procurement trends.

Identifies opportunities to optimize sourcing strategies, commercial models, and contract execution.

Collaborates with internal and external partners to improve procurement outcomes.

Manages procurement staff through effective recruitment, development, performance management, and recognition to build a high-performing capital sourcing team.

Minimum Requirements : Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field.

10+ years of relevant experience in capital project procurement.

Demonstrated experience managing Capital, Operations and Maintenance (O&M), and Labor budgets.

Deep knowledge and hands on experience with EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction), DB (Design-Build), PDB (Progressive Design-Build) delivery methods

Management of large project spend

Must have run a $1 Billion+ project in the past. (specific for the Senior Category Manager role)

Preferred Qualifications : MBA.

Proven leadership of large construction contract teams.

Strong financial, contractual, and construction management acumen.

Excellent analytical and decision-making skills.

Exceptional communication and presentation abilities across all organizational levels.

Proven skills in project management and reporting on progress, schedules, and outcomes.

Project management; ability to direct the preparation of schedules, records, and reports of work progress, future projects, and evaluate completed tasks.

Demonstrated ability to mentor and lead high-performing teams.