Category Manager - EPC- Construction Services

Category Manager – Construction Services (Capital Projects)Location: Hybrid (Oakland or San Ramon, CA)Type: PermanentIndustry: UtilitiesOverviewWe are seeking a strategic Construction Services Category Manager to support sourcing and procurement initiatives for a leading gas and electric utility. This role is responsible for driving category strategy, supplier performance, cost optimization, and risk mitigation across large-scale capital projects.This is a high-impact, enterprise-level role requiring ownership of significant spend, deep experience in construction sourcing, and strong expertise supporting EPC (Engineering, Procurement & Construction) projects. You will partner with senior stakeholders across Engineering, Operations, Legal, and Finance to deliver value across complex infrastructure programs.Key ResponsibilitiesDevelop and execute category strategies for Construction Services and capital projects, ensuring cost optimization, risk mitigation, and supply continuityManage and influence large-scale spend portfolios ($500M+) tied to capital project deliveryLead end-to-end sourcing events (RFPs, RFIs, negotiations) for construction and infrastructure servicesStructure, negotiate, and manage complex construction contracts (EPC, CMAR, Design-Build, GMP, etc.)Build and maintain strategic supplier and contractor relationships; drive performance, safety, and innovationPartner with Engineering, Project Management, Legal, and Finance teams to align sourcing strategies with project goalsMonitor market trends, contractor landscape, and regulatory requirements impacting capital projectsConduct supplier risk assessments, including financial, operational, and safety evaluationsRequired Qualifications (Must-Have)Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)8+ years of sourcing/procurement experience within enterprise-level organizations5+ years of direct experience sourcing Construction Services / capital projectsProven experience supporting large-scale EPC (Engineering, Procurement & Construction) projects – REQUIREDExperience with complex contracting models: EPC, CMAR, Design-Build (DB), PDB, GMPDirect ownership or management of $500M+ spend portfoliosStable, progressive work history (no frequent short-term roles without clear advancement)Strong negotiation experience across high-value, complex construction contractsAdvanced analytical skills (cost modeling, spend analysis, procurement tools)Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)Demonstrated ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive cross-functional alignmentExperience building and managing strategic supplier/contractor partnershipsPreferred QualificationsExperience in utility, energy, or infrastructure sectors (highly preferred)Familiarity with procurement platforms (e.g., Ariba, SAP)Project management experience supporting large capital programsCertifications: PMP, CPSM, Lean Six Sigma (or similar)Master's degree (MBA or related)