Supply Chain Manager - Contracts and Category Management
*To access Dayforce at its best, log in from the latest version of Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Edge. *Boardwalk is a limited partnership operating in the midstream portion of the natural gas and natural gas liquids industry, providing transportation and storage services for our customers. Our 14,000 miles of pipeline and storage assets provide diverse market connectivity to producers and end-users who need reliable sources of natural gas for power generation, home heating or petrochemical feedstocks. We have the experience, knowledge, and flexibility to design service offerings and create system enhancements tailored to our customers' needs throughout the 13 states in which we operate. As an organization focused on sustainability, we are committed to protecting the environment while delivering this energy source. This commitment is made to our customers, employees, and the communities in which we operate. We incorporate environmental stewardship, safety, and compliance into our day-to-day operations and seek to strengthen and support the communities we serve. Additional information about the company can be found online at www.bwpipelines.com .We are currently seeking a Manager Supply Chain Services – Contracts for our Houston, TX office.POSITION DESCRIPTION:The Supply Chain Manager – Contracts & Category Management is responsible for leading the development, execution, and governance of enterprise-wide contracting strategies and category management programs supporting Boardwalk's operations and growth objectives.This role transforms service-based and indirect spend from decentralized, transactional purchasing into structured, strategic categories with standardized contracts, competitive pricing frameworks, and strong supplier performance management.The position plays a critical role in driving commercial discipline, reducing cost variability, improving contract compliance, and delivering sustainable value through structured category strategies, advanced analytics, and executive stakeholder alignment.This role serves as a strategic advisor to senior leadership, ensuring category strategies align with enterprise priorities, financial objectives, and long-term operational needs.Key ResponsibilitiesCategory Management & Commercial StrategyDevelop, own, and continuously evolve formal category strategies aligned with enterprise objectives and business unit priorities.Build and maintain comprehensive category plans incorporating demand forecasts, market dynamics, supplier strategies, and cost optimization opportunitiesDrive demand aggregation, supplier consolidation, and standardization of scopes of work and pricing structuresAlign category strategies with Operations, Engineering, and Finance to ensure support of both operational and financial objectivesIntegrate innovative commercial models and contracting approaches to enhance long-term valueContracting Strategy GovernanceLead the development and governance of enterprise-wide contracting frameworks.Establish and standardize MSAs, SOWs, pricing schedules, and commercial terms across all service categoriesImplement governance models for contract approval, compliance, and lifecycle managementDrive transition from fragmented contracting to enterprise-wide agreements with preferred suppliersPartner with Legal to strengthen contract templates, risk allocation, and commercial protectionsEnsure contracts address key risks including pricing variability, scope ambiguity, indemnity, and performance obligationsCommercial ExecutionLead structured sourcing and negotiation strategies that deliver measurable business value.Lead RFQs/RFPs with robust evaluation frameworks and clear award criteriaDevelop negotiation strategies that deliver cost savings, improved terms, and long-term value creationImplement transparent pricing models (rate cards, unit rates, performance-based structures)Ensure sourcing activities align with category strategies and enterprise contracting frameworksSupplier Relationship & Performance Management (SRM)Develop and lead a structured supplier management program.Establish supplier segmentation and strategic partnership models for critical categoriesImplement performance management frameworks including KPIs, scorecards, and business reviewsDrive supplier accountability across safety, quality, delivery, and commercial performanceBuild long-term strategic partnerships with key suppliers to drive innovation and continuous improvementMarket Intelligence & BenchmarkingProvide forward-looking market insights to inform strategy and decision-making.Conduct ongoing analysis of market trends, cost drivers, supplier capacity, and emerging risksBenchmark pricing, supplier strategies, and commercial models against industry peersEstablish regular reporting mechanisms to share market intelligence with leadership and stakeholdersMonitor emerging technologies and innovative service delivery models impacting category performanceContract Compliance, Analytics & Continuous ImprovementDrive disciplined contract compliance and continuous improvement across categories.Implement processes to validate invoiced pricing against contracted terms and eliminate commercial leakageLead contract and category performance lookbacks to identify savings opportunities and improvement actionsDevelop analytics and reporting to track compliance, supplier performance, and financial outcomesPartner with Finance and IT to enhance visibility into spend, contract adherence, and savings realizationFinancial Integration & Business ImpactAlign category strategies with financial planning and enterprise performance.Provide category inputs into budgeting and forecasting processes, including cost drivers and savings projectionsSupport development of financial models by aligning commercial inputs with operational requirementsIdentify and deliver cost reduction opportunities that directly impact EBITDA and cash flowEnsure category strategies support working capital optimization and cost predictabilitySupply Chain Risk & Business ContinuityLead proactive risk management and resilience planning.Identify and manage risks related to supplier performance, pricing volatility, and market disruptionsDevelop mitigation strategies including supplier diversification, contract protections, and demand planningProvide leadership with insights on external risks including market, regulatory, and geopolitical factorsCross-Functional Leadership & Stakeholder EngagementServe as the primary commercial partner to the business.Engage and influence senior leadership to gain alignment and approval for category strategiesPartner with Operations, Engineering, Project Management, Finance, and Legal to ensure integrated executionDrive adoption of standardized contracting and sourcing practices across business unitsLead change management efforts as category management and contracting capabilities matureTeam Leadership & Capability DevelopmentBuild and lead a high-performing category management organization.Lead and develop category managers, contracts specialists, and sourcing professionalsDefine roles aligned with category ownership and strategic executionProvide coaching to elevate commercial, analytical, and negotiation capabilitiesFoster a community of practice to share best practices and continuously improve performanceProcess, Systems & Digital EnablementDrive modernization of contracting and category management processes.Support implementation and optimization of Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) systemsPartner with IT and data teams to develop analytics, dashboards, and reporting toolsImprove data quality, spend visibility, and supplier insights to enable better decision-makingDrive continuous improvement in procurement and contracting workflowsREQUIRED EDUCATION:10+ years of experience in a strategic procurement, sourcing, contract management role2-5 years previous supervisory experienceExcellent networking, interpersonal and collaborative skillsProven organization skills and strong attention to detailStrong computer skills including but not limited to, Oracle EBS and MS-Office SuiteAbility to handle multiple competing tasks efficiently in a fast-paced environmentExcellent problem solving, mathematical, and analytical skillsPREFERRED EDUCATION:Interstate natural gas pipeline experienceMechanical, structural or electrical knowledge, as well as understanding of natural gas pipeline system operations.ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:Boardwalk Pipelines, LP, maintains a drug-free workplace and will require pre-employment drug & substance abuse testing before hiring.Boardwalk Pipelines, LP, is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.Job DetailsJob Family Supply ChainJob Function Procurement MgmtPay Type Salary