<p>Kforce has a client in Tampa, FL that is seeking a Category Associate.</p> <p>Responsibilities:</p> <ul> <li>Provide sourcing leadership and direction for complex, critical sourcing categories </li><li>Partner with engineering, operations, and project management teams to plan and implement complex competitive sourcing events and other activities to advance category strategies </li><li>Develop effective negotiation strategies and negotiate commercial terms with critical suppliers to achieve objectives </li><li>Lead the development and implementation of critical enterprise-wide category strategies within assigned areas (e.g., substation equipment, electrical materials, construction services, fleet, or IT) </li><li>Conduct market analysis and benchmarking to identify cost drivers, risks, and supplier innovations within assigned categories </li><li>Organize and execute complex sourcing initiatives (RFPs/RFQs), aligned with the category strategy while providing guidance to team members </li><li>Lead contract negotiations and ensure contracts align with business needs </li><li>Review, verify, and negotiate contract changes or extra work orders </li><li>Monitor compliance across suppliers and purchasing channels, resolve contractor claims, and enforce supplier adherence to contract terms </li><li>Negotiate Alliance Agreements for strategic suppliers </li><li>Prepare and communicate contract summaries and implementation plans </li><li>Partner with internal stakeholders to forecast category demand, manage supplier performance, and ensure on-time delivery of critical materials and services </li><li>Work closely with logistics staff to put the most efficient inventory solutions into action </li><li>Drive supplier relationship management to optimize total cost of ownership, quality, and delivery </li><li>Track supplier innovations for sourcing strategies </li><li>Set KPIs, monitor and assess supplier performance, and resolve critical disputes </li><li>Contribute to process improvement initiatives in sourcing governance, data management, responsible sourcing, and ERP system enhancements* Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, or related technical/analytical field; Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered </li><li>MBA as well as Certified Professional in Supply Chain Management (CPSM) or other supply chain certification strongly preferred </li><li>A combination of 3-5 years of supply chain and industry experience, including category management, supplier relationship management, sourcing, and contract management expertise </li><li>A combination of three to five years of experience directly leading complex contact negotiations and project management </li><li>Strong negotiation, supplier relationship management, and contract development skills </li><li>Excellent analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills </li><li>Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and significant experience with purchasing and sourcing systems is required </li><li>Frequently required to attend meetings in various locations, up to 20% travel; driver's license required </li></ul> <p>Preferred Qualifications:</p> <ul> <li>Professional certification (CPM, CPSM, CIPS, or PMP) preferred </li><li>Demonstrated expertise in sourcing complex services, construction, or materials categories </li><li>Knowledge of public utility procurement regulations and contract law </li><li>ERP and eSourcing tool proficiency (SAP Ariba, Oracle, or similar) </li></ul>