Principal Category Manager, Construction Services
Overview
A leading utilities organization is seeking a Principal Category Lead to drive sourcing strategy across construction services and major capital project spend.
This role will own category strategy, contractor engagement, and complex contract negotiations, ensuring cost efficiency, supplier performance, and project delivery success across high-value infrastructure programs.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as a subject matter expert in construction services procurement, including contractors, EPC suppliers, and infrastructure service providers
- Develop and execute category strategies for high-complexity construction spend
- Lead RFPs, RFIs, and competitive bidding processes for construction and project-based services
- Negotiate and manage complex construction contracts, ensuring compliance with regulatory and industry standards
- Build and manage strategic supplier relationships with contractors and engineering firms
- Conduct supplier performance reviews and drive continuous improvement across project delivery partners
- Partner with internal stakeholders (Engineering, Projects, Legal) to align sourcing strategy to project goals
- Perform market analysis and supplier risk assessments across construction and infrastructure services markets
- Support executive-level decision making on sourcing strategy for major capital programs
Requirements
- 8+ years of experience in construction or infrastructure sourcing / procurement
- Strong experience managing construction contractors, EPC firms, or project-based service providers
- Proven ability to negotiate high-value, complex construction contracts
- Experience working within utilities, energy, infrastructure, or large capital projects environments
- Strong stakeholder engagement skills across engineering, project management, and executive leadership
- Experience with procurement platforms (e.g., SAP, Ariba)
If you are interested in hearing more, apply in!
FAQs
Congratulations, we understand that taking the time to apply is a big step. When you apply, your details go directly to the consultant who is sourcing talent. Due to demand, we may not get back to all applicants that have applied. However, we always keep your resume and details on file so when we see similar roles or see skillsets that drive growth in organizations, we will always reach out to discuss opportunities.
Yes. Even if this role isn’t a perfect match, applying allows us to understand your expertise and ambitions, ensuring you're on our radar for the right opportunity when it arises.
We also work in several ways, firstly we advertise our roles available on our site, however, often due to confidentiality we may not post all. We also work with clients who are more focused on skills and understanding what is required to future-proof their business.
That's why we recommend registering your resume so you can be considered for roles that have yet to be created.
Yes, we help with CV and interview preparation. From customized support on how to optimize your CV to interview preparation and compensation negotiations, we advocate for you throughout your next career move.