Category Management Advisor - Technical Services (May be filled at a higher level) (Hybrid Schedule)

SDG&E is not just an energy company, we are the architects of a brighter, cleaner future. Our employees power everyday life for 3.7 million people - bringing the energy to support their passions, ambitions, and the heartbeat of our community.

We call Southern California our home. It's where we chase our dreams and raise our families. That's why the people who live here deserve an energy company unlike any other, and that's why every day, SDG&E employees strive to be at the forefront of innovations to reduce emissions, modernize the electric grid, and enable our customers to make the transition to clean technologies. We're redefining sustainability, advancing zero-emissions solutions, and driving the electric vehicle revolution.

It takes the best to build the best - join us!

Primary Purpose:
Oversees entire procurement process (sourcing through contracting) for medium to high risk and complexity categories. Partners and coordinates with stakeholders to integrate their requirements into the sourcing and contracting processes. Develops and issues high value/risk Request for Proposal (RFPs), Request for Information (RFIs) and Request for Quotations (RFQs). Coordinates and leads proposal reviews, evaluations, and recommendations for contract awards. With Category Manager oversight, leads contracting and contract negotiation efforts with stakeholders. Works with Category Managers to support the development and execution of category plans that identify opportunities for operational efficiencies, drive cost savings, manage/mitigate risk, improve safety, drive innovation, and ensure the continuous development of categories managed. Provides guidance and mentors other Category Management Advisors and Contracting Agents.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Supports sourcing and contracting initiatives across several key categories, including: Technical Services, encompassing Electrical Engineering, Design, and related services, Power Generation, Unmanned Aerial Services (UAS), and Equipment Rental.
• Oversees entire procurement process for medium to high risk and complexity categories. Partners and coordinates with stakeholders to integrate their requirements into the sourcing and contracting processes.
• Develops and issues RFPs, RFIs and RFQs. Coordinates and leads proposal reviews, evaluations and recommendations for contract awards.
• Works with Category Managers to support the development and execution of category plans that identify opportunities for operational efficiencies, drive cost savings, manage/mitigate risk, improve safety, drive innovation, and ensure the continuous development of categories managed.
• Evaluates supplier qualifications and identifies alternative suppliers. Leads contract negotiations and works closely with internal support organizations including Legal, Finance, Business Units and Insurance & Risk Management to mitigate risk and exposure for the company.
• Develops and manages supplier alliance opportunities. Resolves conflict between suppliers and company.
• Interprets contractual obligations & positions, coordinates and manages conflict resolution with suppliers/contractors and stakeholders to drive resolution and formalize outcome contractually. Provides recommendations on development and implementation of purchasing strategies for assigned categories. Analyzes internal spend data and market intelligence to strategically source needed services and materials. Establishes and maintains collaborative relationships with teams and suppliers to reduce overall costs.
• Meets with internal clients on a regular basis to understand client needs and to strengthen client relationships.
• Advises clients on proper contract management and administration policies and procedures. Ensures client compliance with appropriate procurement policies and procedures, standards for ethical behavior, and accounting policies.
• Maintains records to demonstrate that proper protocol is followed in the sourcing and contracting processes and in the implementation of the supplier relationship.
• Coordinates efforts for pilot programs or proof of concept initiatives.
• Performs other duties as assigned (no more than 5% of duties).

Qualifications

Hybrid Schedule:

• Although the schedule may vary, typically this will allow the employee to work onsite three days per week and remotely on the remaining workdays.
• Must reside in Southern California or be willing to relocate upon hire.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in business, Engineering, Supply Chain, or other related field or equivalent experience/training.
• 3 years - Relevant experience, preferably in contracting, category management, strategic sourcing, contract management, procurement project management, other procurement-related role, related analytical role, or through other materials, services, and/or project purchasing experience. Other engineering, business management or project management may qualify.
• Capable of reviewing & redlining statement of works to ensure responsibilities are clearly documented, acceptance criteria is present, deliverables are identified and tied to milestones, if applicable.
• Contract management skills, with ability to measure and manage supplier performance
• Persuasive communication skills (oral and written)
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Proficient at Microsoft Office programs (PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, Word)
• Travel is required to field, job sites and supplier/contractor plants/facilities, domestically or internationally.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM).
• Project Management Professional (PMP).
• Deep commodity or domain expertise with assigned company projects, including but not limited to: equipment, services (construction, ,EPC, professional, and technical), sourcing, and/or project management.
• Knowledge and skills with supplier negotiation (managing procurement activities, including both bids and Request for Proposals (RFPs) for solution-oriented proposals)
• Capable of creating and negotiating commercial terms and conditions in standard contract templates with minimal assistance from legal counsel, and intermediate working knowledge with legal terms and conditions. Intermediate Preferred
• Project management expertise in the utility industry.
• Working understanding of utility and/or energy environments, operating procedures, and economics or regulation.
• Qualified candidates may be considered for a higher-level position.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, disability or protected veteran status.

Note: SDG&E strives to ensure that employees are paid equitably and competitively. Starting salaries may vary based on factors such as relevant experience, qualifications, and education.

SDG&E offers a competitive total rewards package that goes beyond base salary. This position is eligible for an annual performance-based incentive (bonus) as well as other merit-based recognition. Company benefits include health and welfare (medical, dental, vision), employer contributions to retirement benefits, life insurance, paid time off, as well as other company offerings such as tuition reimbursement, paid parental leave, and employee assistance programs.