Category Strategist

External Job Description At Cleco, we're not just powering lives—we're powering a cleaner, smarter future for Louisiana. With bold investments in innovative energy solutions, we’re transforming how we power our communities: smarter, cleaner, and more sustainable. This is a long-term commitment to our people and our communities because our future—and the future of generations to come—depends on it. If you're ready to make an impact where it matters most, join us at Cleco— where we're Energizing Your Tomorrow. The Category Strategist II owns the category management and strategic sourcing process for assigned categories of goods or services of high complexity and/or critical spend to deliver financial savings. This position develops strategies in assigned categories that will maximize overall value while reducing total cost of ownership, improving productivity, and managing risk. In addition to defining sourcing strategies, the Category Strategist negotiates agreements, identifies leveraged sourcing opportunities, analyzes market intelligence, manages contracts and supplier performance. The incumbent is recognized as the subject matter technical expert in Category Management strategy, strategic sourcing, spend & cost analysis, contract & vendor management and will work in an advisory capacity with internal stakeholders to identify sourcing opportunities and manage supplier performance. This role will work throughout the spectrum of strategic sourcing/ category management and needs to be comfortable interfacing with multiple Cleco stakeholders. The incumbent will create value through the supply chain in terms of safety, cost, risk mitigation and enhanced supplier performance. Key internal stakeholders include Safety, Operations, Finance, Tax, Risk Management, Human Resources and Legal. Key Responsibilities Champions a corporate culture that emphasizes transparency, integrity, safety, environmental responsibility, employee development, sense of belonging, customer service, and operational excellence. With limited assistance, develop, execute and communicate the category management strategy and goals for assigned categories, balancing internal requirements, cost and productivity considerations. Responsible for strategic sourcing, identification and implementation of contract initiatives in which the long-term availability of resources can be maintained at a competitive price, with appropriate quality/performance, such that operations and company business functions are supported. This role ensures contractual support of operations. Ensures that Alliance (Strategic Sourcing) agreements are strategically established to meet the overall needs of the company. The role acts on behalf of Category Management, as required, and maintains awareness of Capital Project schedules and commitments (e.g. milestones) to provide support for project schedules. Works closely with various project management team members throughout Cleco. The role is responsible for full understanding of all phases of contracting (from Bid, Award, Negotiation, Contract Development, Performance Monitoring, Claims, Dispute Resolution). Knowledge of analytical techniques to identify cost savings/sourcing opportunities as well as of Power Plant/Utility Operations and Business Practices are critical. Ability to understand legal/regulatory requirements and be able to interact effectively with all levels of the organization are critical. Responsible for developing and presenting strategies for complex, high-dollar procurements. Track and manage spend and market data Utilize category data to deliver demand forecast to internal stakeholders Clearly present category supply strategies to upper management to influence long-term operation business decisions Translate specific strategies into initiatives with clear metrics (ROIs, cost savings, targets/KPIs, deliverables and workplans) in cooperation with key stakeholders Present category ideas & recommenda…

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