About the position

The SCM Category Manager works within the Supply Chain Management organization to support the Power Delivery Business Unit and maximize value through category management. The role partners with senior internal stakeholders, Power Delivery clients, supply chain teams, and suppliers, using continuous improvement to improve business and supply chain outcomes. It provides solutions to business and operational supply chain challenges, improves processes to reduce total cost of ownership, maintains a strategic approach to procurement and supply management, and supports reliable delivery of critical Power Delivery materials and services. The position supports Power Delivery materials categories that may include pole line hardware, poles and structures, protection and sectionalizing equipment, and other assigned categories. It typically manages \$100 million to \$300 million in annual spend, potentially more depending on portfolio assignment. The position is based in Birmingham, Alabama, or Atlanta, Georgia. It currently follows a hybrid schedule of four days in the office and one day remote; this schedule may change at the company's discretion. Relocation assistance is not offered.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category plans that identify operational efficiencies, drive cost savings, manage risk, improve safety, encourage innovation, and support continuous development of assigned Power Delivery categories.
• Manage category activities and processes, including category profiles, market research, supplier identification, supply-base risk analysis, pricing strategies, index pricing, volume discounts, and supplier capacity planning.
• Develop strategies for Power Delivery materials categories, including pole line hardware, protection and sectionalizing equipment, poles and structures, and other assigned categories.
• Lead negotiations and oversee strategic procurement stages, including RFI/RFP development, commercial evaluation, supplier selection, award recommendations, and contract implementation.
• Facilitate supplier performance measurement and work with key suppliers to identify improvements in quality, delivery, safety, responsiveness, storm readiness, and supply continuity.
• Identify supplier alliance opportunities and support internal utility Business Unit supplier management efforts.
• Analyze internal customer needs, demand, historical and forecast spend, cost models, total cost of ownership, supplier risk, and supplier value creation to support category plans.
• Work with Power Delivery clients and SCM partners to develop and manage supplier performance tools, including scorecards, dashboards, business reviews, and corrective action plans.
• Regularly communicate supplier performance metrics, supply risks, category value, and roadmap progress to stakeholders.
• Interface with all levels of Supply Chain Management and Power Delivery Business Unit clients, including senior management.
• Lead and participate in cross-functional teams involving Power Delivery, Engineering, Operations, Inventory/Material Management, Supplier Inclusion, Risk Management, Legal, Finance, and other stakeholders as needed.
• Create and implement development plans for underperforming suppliers and resolve supplier-company conflicts.
• Contribute to the One SCM Category Management team by supporting colleagues, sharing lessons learned, and helping address knowledge or experience gaps.

Requirements

• Education or experience in contracts or procurement.
• Competitive bidding or sourcing experience.
• Knowledge of supply markets and purchasing principles.
• Professional written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of contract terminology.
• Facilitation skills.
• Proven negotiation skills.
• Excellent project management skills.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Supply Chain Management.
• Financial acumen and demonstrated aptitude in analytics.
• Demonstrate Southern Company Values, maintain a safety focus and strong personal safety record, and adhere strictly to safety and compliance requirements.
• Lead by example and ensure equity and fairness in interactions.
• Build trust and confidence with coworkers, contractors, supervisors, and management.
• Work effectively in a team setting and build and motivate a team toward a shared goal.
• Demonstrate initiative, creativity, and a strong customer-service focus.

Nice-to-haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Finance, Law, or another relevant technical discipline.
• Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) or Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) certification.
• Professional Contract Manager (CPCM) or Certified Commercial Contract Manager (CCCM) certification.
• Project management experience.
• Demonstrated leadership with strategic partnerships.
• Previous category management experience.
• Contract Agent or Buyer experience supporting Power Delivery, including Distribution, Transmission, or Substation.

Benefits

• Competitive pay and base salary.
• Medical and dental coverage may be included in the benefits package.
• Defined pension or cash balance benefit plan.
• 401(k) plan with company match.
• Bonus or annual incentive opportunities for eligible employees, subject to applicable plan terms.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Health, welfare, and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being.