Category Lead

Job Description

🚀 Now Hiring : Category Leader, Expert – Professional Services | Direct Hire | Oakland, CA (Hybrid)

VARITE is seeking a highly qualified Category Leader, Expert for one of our top clients — a major investor-owned utility providing electricity and natural gas services across the region.

🔹 What We Do

Established in 2000, VARITE is an award-winning Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) providing global consulting and staffing services to Fortune 1000 companies and government agencies. With 850+ consultants globally , we specialize in delivering top-tier talent across scientific, engineering, technical, and corporate domains.

🔹 Role Overview

Job Title : Category Leader, Expert

Location : Oakland, CA (Hybrid)

Type : Full-Time | Direct Hire (FTE)

Relocation Expenses - Yes

As a Category Leader , you will drive strategic sourcing, supplier partnerships, and contract negotiations to optimize procurement operations for one of the nation’s largest gas and electric utilities . This role requires strong influence, analytical acumen, and leadership in supplier and stakeholder management.

🔹 Key Responsibilities

• Act as subject matter expert for assigned categories / services
• Develop category plans and sourcing strategies for medium-complexity spend
• Lead RFPs, RFIs, and supplier negotiations to secure best-value agreements
• Draft and manage contracts compliant with regulatory and corporate standards
• Build strong supplier relationships , ensuring alignment with safety, sustainability, and performance goals
• Partner with cross-functional teams to drive sourcing strategies
• Conduct market research and supplier risk analysis
• Stay ahead of market trends, regulatory changes, and supplier landscapes

🔹 Qualifications

Minimum :

Bachelor’s Degree (Business, Supply Chain, or related field)

Preferred :

8+ years in procurement / supply chain , ideally within utility, energy, or infrastructure sectors

🔹 Why Apply?

✅ Direct Hire with a Leading Energy Utility

✅ High-Visibility Strategic Role

✅ Opportunity to Drive Sustainability & Supply Chain Impact

👉 Interested? Click Easy Apply and our team will connect with you shortly.

👥 Know someone perfect for this role? Refer them! If they’re hired, you may qualify for our referral bonus .

VARITE is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment for all employees.