IT Category Leader, Principal

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Job Title: IT Category Leader, Principal
Location: Oakland, CA (Hybrid Tuesday – Thursday in Oakland office)
Job Type: Direct Hire 
 

Our client is seeking a Principal Category Leader to drive strategic sourcing and procurement excellence across highly complex categories. This leadership role will act as a subject matter expert in procurement and supply chain, overseeing high-value negotiations, supplier innovation, and executive-level stakeholder engagement. The Principal Category Leader will influence officer-level decision-making, build long-term supplier partnerships, and lead strategic planning to ensure supply continuity, cost efficiency, and risk mitigation.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as subject matter expert for assigned categories or services across the industry.

• Develop and execute category plans and sourcing strategies for high-complexity categories that optimize cost, mitigate risk, and ensure supply continuity.

• Lead competitive bidding processes including RFPs, RFIs, and negotiations to secure best-value agreements.

• Negotiate, draft, and manage contracts, ensuring compliance with corporate policies, regulatory requirements, and industry standards.

• Build and sustain strategic relationships with category and cross-portfolio suppliers, driving supplier collaboration, performance improvement, and innovation.

• Partner with and influence cross-functional stakeholders on high-complexity sourcing strategies.

• Maintain awareness of industry trends, regulatory changes, and supplier market shifts to inform long-term strategies.

• Conduct market research and supplier risk analysis to evaluate financial health and long-term viability of suppliers.

• Collaborate with senior management to support strategic planning and officer-level decision-making.

Candidate Profile

Must-Have Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or related discipline (or equivalent experience).

• 8+ years of sourcing/procurement experience.

• Proven ability to lead high-value negotiations, develop complex contract structures, and deliver favorable outcomes.

• Strong analytical skills with expertise in spend analytics, cost modeling, and digital procurement tools.

• Demonstrated success leading cross-functional teams and projects of high complexity.

• Strong ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders, including executives and legal teams.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Desired Qualifications

• 10+ years of procurement, sourcing, or supply chain experience (utility, energy, or infrastructure sector preferred).

• Experience sourcing in Consulting/Professional Services, Construction/Related Services, or Materials.

• MBA or advanced degree in business or related discipline.

• Expertise in developing supplier partnerships, performance scorecards, and supplier-driven innovation.

• Lean Six Sigma (LSS), PMP, or ISM CPSM certification (or similar).

• Knowledge of procurement systems (e.g., Ariba, SAP).

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Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Gravity IT Resources is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.