Varite
Now Hiring: Category Leader, Expert - Professional Services | Direct Hire | Oakland, CA (Hybrid)
VARITE
is seeking a highly qualified
Category Leader, Expert
for one of our top clients - a major
investor-owned utility
providing electricity and natural gas services across the region.
What We Do
Established in 2000,
VARITE
is an award-winning Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) providing
global consulting and staffing services
to Fortune 1000 companies and government agencies. With
850+ consultants globally , we specialize in delivering top-tier talent across scientific, engineering, technical, and corporate domains.
Role Overview
Job Title: Category Leader, Expert
Location: Oakland, CA (Hybrid)
Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire (FTE)
Relocation Expenses - Yes
Salary - $140K - $170K
As a
Category Leader , you will drive strategic sourcing, supplier partnerships, and contract negotiations to optimize procurement operations for one of the nation's
largest gas and electric utilities . This role requires strong influence, analytical acumen, and leadership in supplier and stakeholder management.
Key Responsibilities Act as
subject matter expert
for assigned categories/services Develop
category plans and sourcing strategies
for medium-complexity spend Lead RFPs, RFIs, and supplier negotiations
to secure best-value agreements Draft and manage
contracts compliant with regulatory and corporate standards Build strong
supplier relationships , ensuring alignment with safety, sustainability, and performance goals Partner with cross-functional teams to drive sourcing strategies Conduct
market research and supplier risk analysis Stay ahead of
market trends, regulatory changes, and supplier landscapes Qualifications
Minimum:
Bachelor's Degree (Business, Supply Chain, or related field) 6+ years of sourcing experience Preferred:
8+ years in procurement/supply chain , ideally within
utility, energy, or infrastructure
sectors Background in
Consulting / Professional Services / Construction / Materials sourcing Strong track record in
high-value negotiations and contract development Proficient in
ARIBA, SAP, or similar procurement systems Certifications (Plus):
PMP, Six Sigma, CPSM (ISM), etc. Why Apply? • Direct Hire with a Leading Energy Utility • High-Visibility Strategic Role • Opportunity to Drive Sustainability & Supply Chain Impact
Interested? Click Easy Apply
and our team will connect with you shortly.
Know someone perfect for this role? Refer them!
If they're hired, you may qualify for our
referral bonus .
VARITE is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
We celebrate diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment for all employees.
Seniority Level
Mid-Senior level Industry Information Technology & Services
Employment Type
Contract Job Functions Supply Chain
Skills Professional Services Negotiation Procurement Request for Proposal (RFP) Strategic Sourcing
VARITE
is seeking a highly qualified
Category Leader, Expert
for one of our top clients - a major
investor-owned utility
providing electricity and natural gas services across the region.
What We Do
Established in 2000,
VARITE
is an award-winning Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) providing
global consulting and staffing services
to Fortune 1000 companies and government agencies. With
850+ consultants globally , we specialize in delivering top-tier talent across scientific, engineering, technical, and corporate domains.
Role Overview
Job Title: Category Leader, Expert
Location: Oakland, CA (Hybrid)
Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire (FTE)
Relocation Expenses - Yes
Salary - $140K - $170K
As a
Category Leader , you will drive strategic sourcing, supplier partnerships, and contract negotiations to optimize procurement operations for one of the nation's
largest gas and electric utilities . This role requires strong influence, analytical acumen, and leadership in supplier and stakeholder management.
Key Responsibilities Act as
subject matter expert
for assigned categories/services Develop
category plans and sourcing strategies
for medium-complexity spend Lead RFPs, RFIs, and supplier negotiations
to secure best-value agreements Draft and manage
contracts compliant with regulatory and corporate standards Build strong
supplier relationships , ensuring alignment with safety, sustainability, and performance goals Partner with cross-functional teams to drive sourcing strategies Conduct
market research and supplier risk analysis Stay ahead of
market trends, regulatory changes, and supplier landscapes Qualifications
Minimum:
Bachelor's Degree (Business, Supply Chain, or related field) 6+ years of sourcing experience Preferred:
8+ years in procurement/supply chain , ideally within
utility, energy, or infrastructure
sectors Background in
Consulting / Professional Services / Construction / Materials sourcing Strong track record in
high-value negotiations and contract development Proficient in
ARIBA, SAP, or similar procurement systems Certifications (Plus):
PMP, Six Sigma, CPSM (ISM), etc. Why Apply? • Direct Hire with a Leading Energy Utility • High-Visibility Strategic Role • Opportunity to Drive Sustainability & Supply Chain Impact
Interested? Click Easy Apply
and our team will connect with you shortly.
Know someone perfect for this role? Refer them!
If they're hired, you may qualify for our
referral bonus .
VARITE is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
We celebrate diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment for all employees.
Seniority Level
Mid-Senior level Industry Information Technology & Services
Employment Type
Contract Job Functions Supply Chain
Skills Professional Services Negotiation Procurement Request for Proposal (RFP) Strategic Sourcing