Category Manager

American Electric Power

. Act as lead for assigned Procurement projects and sourcing categories .

Posted 10/21/2026full-timeColumbus • Ohio • United StatesSeniorLead💰 $116,255 - $151,133 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in Procurement project leadership, strategic sourcing, and supplier relationship management, with a strong focus on achieving corporate savings goals and optimizing inventory management. Proficient in developing metrics to measure program progress and leveraging technology for process efficiencies.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Strategic Sourcing AgreementsSupplier Relationship ManagementCost Reduction StrategiesProject Management SkillsLean Manufacturing

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

ProcurementSourcingContract AdministrationInventory ManagementTotal Cost of OwnershipMetrics DevelopmentProcess ImprovementDemand ManagementLogistics OptimizationMaterial Standardization

Soft Skills

Investigative NatureProcess-Oriented MindsetCollaborationCommunication

Tools & Technologies

Benchmarking ToolsCommunication Tools

Certifications & Qualifications

MBAPurchasing Certification

Industry Keywords

Supply ChainUtilitiesOperationsManufacturingContinuous Improvement

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Act as lead for assigned Procurement projects and sourcing categories
Oversee the entire spend lifecycle, including sourcing, procurement, contracts, supplier relationship management, inventory management, and material standardization
Develop, negotiate, execute, and maintain strategic sourcing agreements
Identify cost reduction opportunities and capture Total Cost of Ownership savings
Develop and execute strategic project-driven sourcing activities for high-spend, high-impact, and complex categories
Develop and implement strategies to achieve corporate savings goals
Establish relationships and collaborate with Business Unit customers and suppliers
Report ongoing progress toward goals to Business Unit leadership
Champion initiatives supporting shared business objectives and business-unit needs
Align strategies across Supply Chain, Procurement, Business Units, and Operating Companies
Incorporate corporate spend and savings goals into sourcing strategies and contracts
Develop and manage metrics measuring program progress and actions
Develop and manage company strategy to control costs, generate savings, rationalize inventory, and maximize working capital
Manage strategy implementation, including timing, support resources, benchmarking, contract development and maintenance, standardization events, and communication tools
Perform supplier relationship management and contract administration
Align buying strategies and contracts with inventory strategies and Operating Company needs
Leverage technology to create internal process efficiencies
Communicate program performance metrics to management
Work with Business Units and Supply Chain on demand management strategies
Assist in optimizing logistics processes and develop innovative solutions to operating problems

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in related field of study plus 8 years of relevant work experience; or Associate's degree in related field of study plus 9 years of relevant work experience; or High School Diploma or equivalent plus 10 years of relevant work experience
Project management skills
Investigative nature and process-oriented mindset
MBA or Purchasing certification preferred but not required
Experience with lean manufacture, kaizen, continuous improvement, or similar production tools preferred
Ideal candidate: 8 years of Supply Chain or related experience and experience in utilities or operations/manufacturing settings