Category Manager

Category Manager – Drilling Rigs (Contract-to-Hire or Direct Hire)Location: Primarily focused on onshore rigs, mainly in Utah. Some travel may be required.Work Model: Hybrid, with regular in-office presence required.Hire Type: Contract-to-Hire (Manager open to direct hire for the right candidate)Rates: OpenAbout the RoleThe Category Manager – Drilling Rigs will own sourcing strategy, supplier relationships, commercial negotiations, and the seamless flow of materials and services that support high‑performance geothermal drilling operations. This role requires deep expertise in supply chain best practices, experience navigating complex drilling programs, and the ability to lead cross-functional teams in a fast‑paced environment.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Sourcing & Category Management • Own the regional strategy for onshore drilling rigs, including long‑term sourcing models and supplier portfolio planning. • Manage the full category lifecycle from strategy creation through contracting and ongoing supplier performance management. • Develop 3–5 year category strategies aligned to drilling forecasts and organizational objectives. • Identify opportunities for cost reduction, cost avoidance, and value creation.Advanced Commercial & Contracting Strategy • Lead development of next‑generation contracting models, including: ○ Performance‑based and outcome‑driven agreements (e.g., ROP, NPT reduction, uptime). ○ Incentive/penalty frameworks tied to drilling efficiency. ○ Integrated service models (rig + directional + digital services). • Negotiate complex, multi‑year agreements with major drilling contractors. • Drive standardization and modularization of contract frameworks.Digital & Technology Integration • Collaborate with drilling and digital teams to integrate: ○ Real‑time drilling data (WITS/WITSML, SCADA, IoT‑enabled rigs). ○ Automation technologies (auto‑drillers, remote operations, AI‑enabled optimization). ○ Predictive maintenance and performance analytics. • Ensure supplier alignment with digital interoperability and data‑sharing requirements. • Embed data‑driven insights into sourcing and performance management workflows.Performance Management & Value Delivery • Define and track KPIs such as: ○ Cost per foot / cost per well ○ Rate of penetration (ROP) ○ Non‑productive time (NPT) ○ Rig uptime & utilization • Lead continuous improvement programs with suppliers and operations teams. • Deliver measurable cost savings, cost avoidance, and performance value.Cross‑Functional Leadership • Partner closely with drilling engineering, field operations, finance, legal, and other internal stakeholders. • Ensure supply chain strategies align with operational timelines and budget requirements. • Support efficient coordination across drilling schedules and project priorities.Required Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management or a related field • 10+ years of experience in upstream oil & gas with significant exposure to drilling operations or rig contracting • Proven success negotiating and managing drilling rig contracts • Experience overseeing large‑scale drilling service categories • Strong understanding of onshore drilling operations and rig performance metrics • Experience in unconventional shale playsPreferred Qualifications • Self‑starter with a history of building and executing strategic supply chain initiatives • Strong analytical, critical thinking, negotiation, and problem‑solving abilities • Excellent communication skills, able to influence and align stakeholders • Experience managing complex, high‑impact supplier relationships