Procurement Specialist - Category Manager

Responsible for developing sourcing strategies, managing competitive sourcing events, negotiating and administering contracts, managing supplier relationships, and providing procurement guidance to business stakeholders. Develop and execute category and sourcing strategies based on enterprise objectives, market conditions, risk tolerance, and procurement policies while identifying opportunities to improve processes and efficiency.

Job Title: Procurement Specialist- Category Manager
Duration: 6-month contract
Location: Portland, OR (Hybrid)
Pay Range: $64.38 $67.71 per hour

Leads strategic procurement and category management activities for complex and high impact categories. Responsible for developing sourcing strategies, managing competitive sourcing events, negotiating and administering contracts, managing supplier relationships, and providing procurement guidance to business stakeholders. Supports cost optimization, risk mitigation, supplier performance, and effective contract governance while maintaining accurate supplier and procurement information in electronic systems.

Position Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive RFP, RFQ, and RFI packages, including scope, pricing structures, evaluation criteria, and commercial terms for complex sourcing initiatives.
• Lead end to end sourcing events, including cross functional evaluations, commercial and risk analysis, supplier negotiations, and selection activities.
• Draft, negotiate, and finalize contracts of varying complexity in alignment with sourcing strategies, risk requirements, and business objectives.
• Manage the contract lifecycle, including renewals, amendments, terminations, system workflows, documentation, governance, and audit readiness.
• Serve as a strategic supplier contact, managing commercial relationships, performance expectations, contractual obligations, and supplier communications.
• Evaluate supplier capabilities, financial stability, performance, and risk exposure during sourcing and ongoing supplier management activities.
• Lead supplier performance reviews, address service or delivery issues, and support corrective action plans with business stakeholders.
• Support supplier onboarding and ensure compliance with applicable governance, safety, operational, and procurement requirements.
• Partner with business stakeholders to define requirements, assess demand, and develop sourcing and contracting strategies that support business objectives.
• Provide guidance on procurement methods, market conditions, contracting approaches, cost analysis, risk, and total cost of ownership.
• Develop and execute category and sourcing strategies based on enterprise objectives, market conditions, risk tolerance, and procurement policies while identifying opportunities to improve processes and efficiency.
• Maintain supplier and procurement information in enterprise systems and records, including ERP and procurement systems, and ensure accurate documentation and compliance with applicable policies and controls.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, business, finance, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Five or more years of experience in supply chain, category management, strategic sourcing, procurement, contract management, or a related field.
• Experience developing sourcing strategies, managing RFx events, negotiating contracts, and managing complex procurement categories.
• Strong knowledge of contracting and procurement methods, standards, procedures, and processes.
• Knowledge of business practices and market conditions sufficient to evaluate bids, supplier responsibility, and supplier performance.
• Experience formulating sourcing strategies that support performance and savings goals while identifying risks and opportunities.
• Experience negotiating contracts for goods and services.
• Strong organizational and work management skills with the ability to manage multiple sourcing and contracting activities.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to work effectively with suppliers, business stakeholders, and senior leadership.
• Experience with ERP, procurement, supplier management, and electronic records systems, along with proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to analyze contracts, supplier information, market conditions, costs, and risks to support procurement decisions.
• Preferred experience with six or more years in procurement, sourcing, or contract management.
• Preferred experience with utility industry procurement or supply chain operations.
• Preferred familiarity with Oracle or similar enterprise procurement systems.
• Preferred project management experience.
• Preferred CPSM, CIPS, or similar procurement certification.

Must Have:

• Supply chain, procurement, strategic sourcing, and contracting experience, including contract negotiation and supplier management.
• Excellent organizational and work management skills with the ability to manage complex procurement activities and competing priorities.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively work with suppliers, stakeholders, and leadership.

Nice to Have:

• Utility industry experience.
• Familiarity with Oracle or similar enterprise procurement systems.
• Project management experience.

The following benefits are offered for this position: medical, dental, & vision insurance, short-term disability, life and AD&D insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan.

Everest Consultants is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state, or federal civil rights laws. #IND