Job Details

Now Hiring: Principal Category Lead (Strategic Procurement)- please no C2C, must be able to hire on without any sponsorship now or in the future.

?? Hybrid – Oakland / San Ramon, CA

?? $170K – $190K + Bonus

We're partnering with a major energy and infrastructure organization seeking a Principal Category Lead to drive strategic sourcing and procurement excellence across high-impact spend categories.

This is a senior procurement leadership role responsible for shaping category strategy, leading complex supplier negotiations, and partnering with executive stakeholders to optimize cost, mitigate risk, and ensure supply continuity.

If you thrive at the intersection of strategy, negotiation, and supplier innovation, this is a high-visibility opportunity to influence enterprise-level procurement decisions.

What You'll Do

• Lead strategic sourcing and category planning for complex procurement portfolios

• Manage competitive bidding processes (RFPs, RFIs) and lead high-value negotiations

• Develop and manage supplier partnerships focused on performance, innovation, and risk mitigation

• Negotiate and structure complex contracts aligned with regulatory and corporate standards

• Conduct market intelligence, supplier risk assessments, and spend analysis to inform sourcing strategy

• Collaborate with cross-functional leaders including operations, legal, and executive leadership

• Support strategic decision-making and long-term procurement planning

What We're Looking For

? 8+ years of experience in procurement, sourcing, or supply chain

? Strong experience leading complex negotiations and supplier strategies

? Background in strategic sourcing, category management, or procurement leadership

? Ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and senior leadership

? Experience working with procurement systems such as SAP, Ariba, or similar platforms

Preferred Experience

• 10+ years procurement or sourcing experience

• Industry background in energy, utilities, infrastructure, construction, consulting, or materials sourcing

• Experience developing supplier partnerships and performance programs

• Advanced analytics and spend management expertise

Compensation: $170,000 – $190,000 base salary +bonus

Location: Hybrid (Oakland or San Ramon, CA) 2-3 days per week

If you're a procurement professional ready to lead high-value category strategy and enterprise sourcing initiatives, I'd love to connect.

?? Send me your resume.