Substation Category Leader

Substation Category Leader

Location : Hybrid – Oakland (preferred) or San Ramon, CA

Employment Type : Full-Time, Permanent

About the Role

As a Substation Category Leader , you will drive strategic sourcing and procurement excellence for one of the nation’s leading gas and electric utilities. This high-impact role focuses on optimizing cost efficiency, supplier performance, and risk mitigation across the Substation category , which includes critical equipment, materials, and services supporting transmission and distribution substations.

You will lead the development and execution of category strategies, supplier negotiations, and contract management activities — ensuring alignment with business objectives, regulatory compliance, and sustainability goals. This role requires a strategic thinker with strong analytical, relationship management, and leadership capabilities to enhance operational performance and support the company’s mission of delivering safe, reliable, and sustainable energy.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the subject matter expert for the Substation category, including equipment (transformers, switchgear, relays, protection & control systems, buswork) and substation construction services.
• Develop and implement category plans and sourcing strategies for high-complexity categories to optimize cost, mitigate risk, and ensure supply continuity.
• Lead competitive bidding processes (RFPs, RFIs, RFQs) and negotiate agreements that deliver best-value outcomes.
• Draft, review, and manage contracts to ensure compliance with company policies, regulatory requirements, and industry standards.
• Build and sustain strategic supplier relationships , conducting performance reviews, fostering innovation, and ensuring alignment with safety, reliability, and sustainability goals.
• Partner with cross-functional teams (Engineering, Construction, Finance, Legal, Operations) to influence sourcing strategies and decision-making for high-value spend categories.
• Monitor industry trends, supplier landscapes, and regulatory developments to inform sourcing strategies and risk management.
• Conduct market research, cost analysis, and supplier risk assessments to support strategic planning and ensure supplier resilience.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to develop long-term sourcing roadmaps and support strategic decisions at the officer level.

Qualifications