Category Manager - Electrical Substation

DEPCOM is searching for a Category Manager, Electrical Substations . This role is responsible for the strategic sourcing, supplier management, commercial execution, and market intelligence associated with substation materials, equipment, and services supporting utility-scale solar, BESS, and EPC projects. The selected individual will serve as DEPCOM's subject matter expert for the substation supply market, maintaining strong relationships with manufacturers, distributors, packagers, engineering firms, and specialty contractors. The successful candidate understands market constraints, manufacturing lead times, supply chain risks, and emerging technologies, allowing DEPCOM to make informed sourcing decisions and protect project schedules. The Category Manager owns procurement strategy from project pursuit through supplier award and works closely with Engineering, Preconstruction, Project Management, Construction, and Procurement Operations to ensure successful execution. This position will be physically based out of our headquarters in Scottsdale, AZ. Remote work eligibility may be considered on an individual basis. This position is not eligible for VISA Sponsorship What You Will Do: Responsibilities Category Strategy & Market Intelligence Develop and execute category strategies for high-voltage electrical equipment and substation-related materials. Maintain an in-depth understanding of global and domestic supply market conditions, manufacturing capacity, lead-time trends, pricing drivers, and technology developments. Identify emerging risks and opportunities before they impact project execution. Monitor supplier capacity constraints and proactively secure production slots for critical equipment. Support approved vendor list (AVL) development and continuous supplier qualification efforts. Serve as the internal expert on substation market dynamics. Provide market intelligence and strategic recommendations that support informed sourcing decisions and schedule protection. Supplier Relationship Management Establish and maintain executive-level relationships with key suppliers. Conduct regular business reviews with strategic suppliers. Develop supplier scorecards and performance improvement initiatives. Negotiate commercial agreements, pricing structures, capacity reservations, and framework agreements. Collaborate with suppliers on cost-reduction and schedule-improvement initiatives. Escalate and resolve critical supply issues when project schedules are at risk. Project Procurement Leadership Lead procurement strategy during project pursuits and project handoff. Develop sourcing plans that balance cost, schedule, risk, and technical requirements. Evaluate quotations and commercial proposals. Lead commercial negotiations. Prepare procurement recommendations and award strategies. Assess procurement risks and develop mitigation plans. Provide procurement expertise during customer-facing discussions when required. Cross-Functional Collaboration Partner with Engineering to understand technical requirements and specifications. Support Estimating and Business Development during project pursuits. Work closely with Project Management to identify and mitigate schedule risk. Coordinate with Category Specialists and Procurement Operations to ensure successful execution after award. Provide procurement forecasts and market insights to leadership. Leadership & Team Development Mentor and train Category Specialists. Assist with onboarding new procurement personnel. Share market knowledge and procurement best practices across the organization. Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within Supply Chain. What You Will Need - Basic Qualifications Experience in strategic sourcing, category management, procurement, project management, engineering, or supply chain roles related to electrical substations, with demonstrated success managing complex procurement strategies and supplier relationships Experience procuring or managing high-voltage equ…

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