Procurement Specialist - Category Manager

Title: Procurement SpecialistLocation: Portland, OR -- W2 Role OnlyDuration: 6 Months Hybrid 3 times a week at WTC; Open to remote candidates located in PST or MST timezones

We are seeking an experienced Category Manager / Staff Procurement Specialist (P3) to lead strategic sourcing, category management, contract negotiations, and supplier relationship management for complex procurement categories. The position reports to a Senior Manager and works alongside one immediate peer within a Supply Chain organization of approximately 100 employees. The role will partner closely with business stakeholders and suppliers to drive cost optimization, risk mitigation, supplier performance, and overall business value.

• Lead end-to-end RFI/RFQ/RFP sourcing events, including scope, pricing, evaluation criteria, and commercial terms.
• Develop and execute category and sourcing strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Analyze markets, suppliers, costs, risks, and commercial opportunities.
• Lead supplier negotiations and draft, review, and finalize contracts.
• Manage contract lifecycle activities, including renewals, amendments, and terminations.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships and monitor supplier performance.
• Conduct supplier evaluations, performance reviews, and corrective action initiatives.
• Partner with cross-functional stakeholders to translate business requirements into sourcing and contracting strategies.
• Provide data-driven guidance on procurement methods, cost optimization, market conditions, and risk.
• Maintain accurate contract and supplier information within enterprise procurement systems.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, governance standards, and internal controls.

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, category management, supply chain, or contract management.
• Strong experience with RFx processes, contract negotiation, supplier management, and procurement strategy.
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Experience with ERP/procurement systems and Microsoft Office.

• 6 + years in procurement, supply chain, sourcing, or contract management.
• Experience developing strategies, managing RFx and negotiating contracts for complex categories.
• Strong experience with ERP/Procurement systems and procurement workflows

• CPSM – Certified Professional in Supply Management
• CIPS – Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply

• Utility industry experience.
• Experience with Oracle or similar ERP/procurement systems.
• Project management experience.