Lead Category Manager - Construction, Locating Services

at Lumen in Augusta, Maine, United States

About Lumen

Lumen connects the world. We are igniting business growth by connecting people, data and applications quickly, securely, and effortlessly. Together, we are building a culture and company from the people up committed to teamwork, trust and transparency. People power progress.

Were looking for top-tier talent and offer the flexibility you need to thrive and deliver lasting impact. Join us as we digitally connect the world and shape the future.

The Role

The Category Manager oversees the strategy, sourcing, negotiation, and contracting of highly complex services and products at Lumen. The Category Manager is responsible for developing and implementing procurement strategies that align with the business objectives and optimize the value and performance of the suppliers. This position monitors market trends, analyzes spend data, identifies risks and opportunities, promotes diversity and sustainability, and manages critical supplier relationships and performance.

Work Location

This position has been designated as fully remote in Arizona U.S.

The Main Responsibilities

Category analysis & monitoring

+ Conduct internal & external analysis of category (e.g., spend at sub-category, supplier & BU level; market conditions with supply/demand, should-cost modeling) coordinate with internal Reporting & Analytics to leverage off-the-shelf analytics.

+ Track changes in supplier landscape, market dynamics, & innovation opportunities within category.

+ Ensure category spend across all business segments is represented.

+ Prepare content for and lead strategy discussions at the VP level and above.

Category strategy & planning

+ Incorporate findings from analyses into annual category strategy plan, in addition to business unit goals & budget targets.

+ Identify and pursue levers to drive savings via RFPs, negotiations, demand management, value engineering, etc.

Contracting

+ Manage high-complexity contracts and assist with handing off tactical contracts to Contracting Excellence team.

+ Utilize pre-approved supplier contracts based on spend threshold / risk with standardized legal terms.

RFX strategy & planning

+ Develop RFX strategy within category to drive savings.

+ Manage high-complexity RFX events, work with the RFX Execution team to handle tactical execution.

Stakeholder relationship management

+ Use seat at the table with the business to align on strategic agenda & understand upcoming needs.