Sr Category Manager - Construction Services (Vegetation Management)

Role Overview

A major energy and infrastructure organization is seeking an expert Category Leader to own and shape sourcing strategy across construction services, with a particular focus on vegetation management programs that support grid safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance.

This role sits within a highly mature procurement organization responsible for multi‑billion dollar annual spend and works closely with engineering, operations, legal, and regulatory stakeholders. The successful candidate will act as a trusted category SME - driving supplier strategy, commercial negotiations, and contract execution across a safety critical services portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the category subject matter expert for construction-related services, with direct ownership of vegetation management and field services spend
• Develop and execute category strategies that optimize cost, manage risk, and ensure service continuity across a regulated operating environment
• Lead end‑to‑end sourcing initiatives including RFx processes, supplier evaluations, and complex commercial negotiations
• Negotiate, draft, and manage service contracts in alignment with internal policy, regulatory requirements, and industry standards
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, including performance management, safety alignment, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Partner closely with cross‑functional stakeholders (engineering, operations, legal, finance) to align sourcing strategies with operational and regulatory priorities
• Monitor market conditions, supplier capacity, labor availability, and regulatory trends impacting vegetation management and construction services
• Conduct supplier risk and financial health assessments to support long‑term resiliency of critical service providers

Required Experience

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience
• ~6+ years of experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, or category management
• Demonstrated experience sourcing construction services, field services, or contractor‑heavy scopes
• Strong background negotiating service agreements and managing vendor performance in operational environments

Strongly Preferred

• Direct experience supporting vegetation management, utility construction, infrastructure maintenance, or right‑of‑way services
• Experience operating in regulated, asset‑intensive industries such as utilities, energy, or large‑scale infrastructure
• Proven ability to manage complex stakeholder landscapes and influence senior leaders without direct authority
• Familiarity with SAP, Ariba, or similar digital procurement platforms
• Certifications such as CPSM, PMP, Lean Six Sigma, or similar (nice to have)

Why This Role

• Ownership of a mission‑critical services category tied directly to public safety and grid reliability
• Opportunity to influence long‑term supplier strategy and operating model within a large, complex utility environment
• High‑visibility role partnering closely with engineering and operations teams
• Competitive compensation and incentive structure aligned with experience and location

If you have Construction Services procurement experience and are interested in hearing more - apply in!