Category Manager – Tower Operations

Pay Rate: $50/hr
Location: Chandler, AZ or Houston, TX (Hybrid: M/F – Home, T–Th – In Office)

Key Skills

• Knowledge of tower operations: general construction, vegetation management, lighting services & materials, safety climb services & materials

• Strong ability to influence conversations and build relationships

• Assess underperforming results and implement plans to rectify and monitor

Position Summary

The Category Manager will own all spend analysis and strategic sourcing initiatives in their assigned category. Responsibilities include:

• Developing and implementing sourcing strategies to drive cost, quality, and availability improvements

• Managing supplier relationships, providing scorecard data, and ensuring continuous improvement

• Collaborating with internal teams for full-value solutions

Essential Job Functions

• Manage the Tower Operations portfolio (~$***M annual spend) with key stakeholders

• Lead development and execution of strategies aligned with business objectives and cost-efficiency goals

• Coordinate with Tower Operations, Procurement, and other departments to align supply chain processes with project timelines

• Conduct RFX events in Coupa, analyze bids, present recommendations, and execute awards

• Oversee contracts and supplier initiatives for performance and continuous improvement

• Identify supply chain risks and develop mitigation strategies

• Lead change management for new sourcing programs and ongoing evaluations

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• High-level knowledge of vendor platforms: Ciena, Arista, Juniper, Dell

• Experience crafting and redlining contracts and agreements

• Strong analytical skills and ability to drive decisions with data

• Ability to influence, frame issues, and build relationships

• Assess underperformance and implement corrective plans

• Develop, monitor, and ensure strategy and contract compliance

• Provide creative solutions using strategic and critical thinking

Education / Certifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related field (preferred)

Experience / Minimum Requirements

• 5+ years in Supply Chain Sourcing and/or Tower Design, Construction, or Operations

⚡ Other Skills / Abilities

• Proficiency in JDE and Coupa (or similar platforms)

• Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making skills

• Excellent communication skills and ability to interact with executives, managers, and SMEs

• Strong financial acumen

• Ability to build trusting relationships

• Strong organization and prioritization skills

• Ability to meet project deadlines and manage resources effectively

Working Conditions

• Hybrid schedule: Tuesday–Thursday in office

• Monday & Friday work from home optional

• Local travel as required