Category Manager - DER

Category Manager - DER

Location WA - Seattle Job Family Purchasing

Build the future, spark innovation and align your career with purpose. McKinstry is innovating the waste and climate harm out of the built environment and creating lasting impact. Together, we're building a thriving planet. Buildings are a leading contributor to the climate crisis, generating nearly 40% of total global energy-related carbon emissions. We're making a lasting impact on our industry and within our communities by addressing the climate, affordability and equity crises through renewables and energy services, engineering and design, construction and facility services.

To get where we're going, we need big thinkers, problem solvers and collaborative mindsets. Does that sound like you?

The Opportunity With McKinstry

We are seeking a strategic and policy-savvy Category Manager to lead the sourcing and management of key components and services within the renewable energy sector and battery storage systems (BESS). This role is critical in aligning procurement strategies with evolving government regulations, sustainability goals, and market dynamics. Additional responsibilities may include :

• Develop and execute category strategies for renewable energy components and services, ensuring alignment with business goals and sustainability targets.
• Monitor and interpret government policies, trade regulations, and incentive programs that impact sourcing decisions.
• Analyze market trends, supplier capabilities, and geopolitical risks to inform sourcing strategies.
• Lead end-to-end sourcing initiatives including sourcing, supplier evaluations, and contract negotiations, logistics, warehousing and delivery.
• Plan procurement in alignment with ITC, PTC, and IRA guidelines to maximize tax credit eligibility.
• Collaborate with engineering, project development, legal, and finance teams to ensure category strategies support project timelines and compliance requirements.
• Manage supplier relationships, focusing on innovation, cost optimization, and ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) performance.
• Track and report on category KPIs, including cost savings, supplier performance, and policy impact assessments.
• Proactively manage supply chain risks including tariffs, logistics delays and regulatory shifts.

What You Need To Succeed At McKinstry

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Environmental Policy, or related field (MBA or CPSM / CIPS preferred). 5-10 years of procurement or category management experience, in solar and / or energy storage procurement. Strong understanding of renewable energy technologies and the regulatory landscape (e.g., IRA, FITs, PTC / ITC, carbon pricing). Proven ability to analyze policy impacts and translate them into actionable sourcing strategies. Excellent negotiation, analytical, and stakeholder engagement skills. Proficiency in procurement platforms and data analysis tools. Experience working with global suppliers and navigating international trade regulations. Familiarity with lifecycle cost analysis and sustainability reporting.

PeopleFirst Benefits

When it comes to the basics, we have you covered :

People come first at McKinstry, and we go beyond the basic benefits with :

The pay range for this position is $80,100 - $134,400 per year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. A bonus may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and / or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Base pay information is based on market location.

The McKinstry group of companies are equal opportunity employers. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, race, color, creed, marital status, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other basis protected by law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to employment, advancement, assignment, and training. This commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity is made equally as a social responsibility and as an economic and business necessity.

McKinstry is a drug-free workplace. Employment is contingent upon successfully passing a pre-employment drug and alcohol test, complying with the requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act and a Confidentiality Agreement, in addition to successful outcomes of background and reference checks. Applicants for this role will only be considered if they possess current US Work Authorization, and do not require employer-sponsored VISA support to begin or remain in this role.