Category Manager - Birmingham

Category Manager I, II, Sr.

This position will be located in Birmingham, AL. 

JOB SUMMARY

This position works within the Supply Management organization to maximize the value that is delivered using a category management framework. The role collaborates with senior internal stakeholders, supply chain teams, and suppliers to use continuous improvement techniques to improve internal Business Unit and supply chain outcomes. The category manager will effectively develop and coordinate the execution of category strategies to align with the Business Unit priorities. The role ensures Supply Management is perceived as a positive, significant, value-adding partner to the business by providing solutions to business and operational supply chain challenges, improving processes to reduce total costs of ownership, and maintaining a strategic approach to procurement and supply management.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education

• Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Finance, or other relevant technical discipline preferred
• Education or experience in contracts preferred
• Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM); Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM); Certified is a plus
• Professional Contract Manager (CPCM); or Certified Commercial Contract Manager (CCCM) is a plus

Experience

• 3-5 years of supply chain experience
• 3-5 years of project management experience is a plus
• Demonstrated leadership with strategic supplier relationships preferred
• Experience working in the nuclear industry is a plus

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of supply markets and purchasing principles
• Professional written and verbal communication skills
• Knowledge of contract terminology
• Facilitation skills
• Proven negotiation skills
• Excellent project management
• Strong skill in use of Microsoft Office applications
• Comprehensive knowledge of SCM

KEY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• This position develops and executes category plans that identify opportunities for operational efficiencies, drive cost savings, manage risk, improve safety, drive innovation, and ensure the continuous development of categories managed.
• This position supervises, plans, manages, and assumes complete responsibility for all activities and processes associated with the categories assigned. Developing category profiles; conducting market research to identify new suppliers, to predict stresses on the supply base, and to manage pricing (e.g., index pricing and volume discounts).
• Typically manages between $100M - $300M in annual spend [threshold may be lower for inventory managed in the case of materials]. Leads negotiations, oversees all stages of strategic procurement. Helps facilitate supplier performance measurement and collaborates with key suppliers to identify potential areas for improvement.
• Manages and identifies supplier alliance opportunities.
• Supports business unit’s supplier management efforts.
• Performs thorough analysis to support the development of category plans, including but not limited to meeting with internal customers to understand their needs, requirements, and plans; determining the impact of joint efforts on supplier KPIs; analyzing historical spend; forecasting future spend based on demand planning; building cost models; calculating total cost of ownership (TCO); creating supplier value.
• Works with clients to develop and manage tools necessary to track supplier performance (ex: scorecards); communicates supplier performance metrics to relevant stakeholders on a regular basis. 
• Interfaces with all levels of Supply Chain Management and Business Unit clients, including senior management.
• Leads and participates in cross-functional teams, including representatives from Business Unit clients, SCM Shared Services, Technology Organization, and/or Legal.
• Creates and implements development plans for suppliers who do not meet performance standards and resolves conflict between suppliers and the company.

Other Attributes

• Dedication to an accident-free work environment with strict adherence to all safety and compliance requirements
• Must lead by example and ensure equity and fairness in interactions with others
• Must conduct self in a manner that builds trust and confidence with coworkers, contractors, supervisors, and management

BEHAVIORAL ATTRIBUTES

• Demonstrate Southern Company Values – Safety First, Unquestionable Trust, Superior Performance, and Total Commitment
• Safety focus and a strong personal safety record
• Ability to work within a team setting, including the ability to build and motivate a team toward a shared goal
• Demonstrated initiative and creativity coupled with a strong customer service focus will be expected

Southern Nuclear, a subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), is a leader among the nation’s nuclear energy facility operators and an innovator in advanced nuclear technologies. Southern Nuclear is an essential part of Southern Company’s energy portfolio, operating over 8,200 MW across eight nuclear energy units in Alabama and Georgia at the Joseph M. Farley Nuclear Plant near Dothan, Ala., the Edwin I. Hatch Nuclear Plant near Baxley, Ga., and the Alvin W. Vogtle Electric Generating Plant near Waynesboro, Ga.

The company recently achieved commercial operation on Vogtle Units 3&4, representing an historic achievement for the nuclear industry and the country. Vogtle Units 3&4 are the first new nuclear units to reach commercial operation and be built in the United States in the last three decades. Southern Nuclear is a recognized leader in the industry in nuclear and fuel innovation, having been the first to deploy Accident Tolerant Fuels and winning over 10 consecutive Top Innovative Practice (TIP) Awards and eight EPRI awards.

For more than 40 years, Southern Nuclear has operated nuclear energy facilities at the highest levels of safety and reliability, generating carbon-free electricity for millions of homes and businesses. The company’s headquarters is in Birmingham, Ala.

Twitter: @SouthernNuclear; Facebook: facebook.com/southernnuclear; www.southernnuclear.com

Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy solutions provider with national capabilities, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience and sustainability, we are taking action to meet customers' and communities' needs while advancing our goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture has been recognized by a variety of organizations, earning the company awards and recognitions that reflect Our Values and dedication to service. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com. 

Southern Company invests in the well-being of its employees and their families through a comprehensive total rewards strategy that includes competitive base salary, annual incentive awards for eligible employees and health, welfare and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being. This position may also be eligible for additional compensation, such as an incentive program, with the amount of any bonus/awards subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable incentive plan(s). A summary of the benefits offered for this position can be found here https://seo.nlx.org/southernco/pdf/SOCO-Benefits.pdf. Additional and specific details about total compensation and benefits will also be provided during the hiring process.

Southern Company is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.