Category Manager Lead

About Us

South Jersey Industries (SJI) is an energy holding company that delivers clean energy services to 700,000+ customers and businesses throughout 14 counties in New Jersey. As part of our core values, SJI is dedicated to being a community partner and developing innovative clean energy solutions to meet the needs of the future. To do this, we depend on our workforce of over 1,100+ talented, diverse employees who help us deliver safe, reliable, affordable clean energy for a better today and tomorrow.

At SJI, we believe that our employees are our most valuable asset. Whether you’re a seasoned operations technician or an early-career legal professional, our culture, inclusive workforce, and  leadership development and training programs will provide you with the tools you need to either kickstart your career or bring it to new heights.

Position Summary

Assists in leading Sourcing and Procurement initiatives by working closely with business owners and internal Procurement team members. Works closely with team to implement solutions to ensure Procurement requirements and Compliance policies are met. Performs analysis and research to identify spend data trends; convert analysis into an action plan to support procurement processes. Processes may include leading the creation of purchase requisitions and purchase orders, vendor spend analysis, RFx, financial risk assessments, tax and insurance requirement reviews, compliance initiatives or ad-hoc requests. Extensive interaction with internal business units expected, to identify problems, analyze information, and develop and implement solutions consistent with our business strategies.

Essential Duties & Functions:

• Manage respective supplier relationships (MRC Global, construction and engineering vendors) and performance, including but not limited to dispute resolution.
• Lead the effort to standardize the procurement and management of materials across all of SJI-U’s gas companies.
• Clearly, communicate project specs and requirements to potential vendors, and coordinate with them regarding project follow-up, timelines, troubleshooting, communication of terms & agreements, standards and testing requirements.
• Manage the long-term relationships with selected key strategic suppliers to form deep, mutually benefitting partner relationships and understanding.
• Facilitate communication among suppliers to ensure relationships are delivering their ongoing and intended (optimal) value; supplier diversity.
• Help drive and lead contract negotiation and management, including drafting agreements according to standard or non-standard services in conjunction with contract team; reviewing counter changes from counter party and approving or rejecting with input from Legal; and securing approval from appropriate signatories before validating and publishing.
• Updates, verifies, and publishes contract content in the Contract Management Systems (CMS) and serves as a source of knowledge regarding company contracts policy, templates, and procedures.
• Support purchasing terms compliance, including providing necessary contract guidelines.
• Develop and lead key performance measures for chosen suppliers and negotiate on multiple variables to award longer-term strategic contracts that result in significant cost reduction and improved service levels.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 8 years of relevant experience, or;
• Master’s degree with 6 years of relevant experience.
• Equivalent work experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
• Capable of managing variety of supplier relationships
• Ability to work across a cross-functional site and organization.
• Strong communication skills, oral and written.
• Excellent computer skills with ability to work in diverse applications.
• Strong Procure-to-Pay (P2P) experience; Workday preferred
• Valid Diver License
• Microsoft Office Suite Proficient – specifically Excel

Explore the Possibilities

South Jersey Industries employs a diverse range of talent – from construction contractors to environmental specialists. Regardless of the position, mentoring and networking, hands-on experience, gaining industry knowledge and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on our business and in our communities are all exciting ways that we welcome our employees at SJI. And as a company committed to creating an engaging culture built on inclusion and diversity, you’re sure to find an opportunity that makes you feel included, empowered, and ready to “bring your whole self to work” every day.

Benefits Package Overview

SJI offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees.

The SJI “Total Rewards” Benefits Package include:

• Flexible vacation, Paid Time Off, and Sick Leave package
• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Short-term and Long-term Disability Insurance
• 401(k), with generous company match
• Employee Resource Groups to encourage employee engagement, nurture professional development, and foster an inclusive environment.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

At this time, SJI is only considering applicants authorized to work in the United States currently and in the future without the need for visa sponsorship.

Compensation Range:

$96,000 - 153,600

We are committed to pay transparency and ensuring equitability compensation for all employees. The pay range for this position reflects the base salary only and does not include benefits, bonuses, or other forms of compensation that might be part of the total compensation package. The specific salary offered will be based on a candidate’s qualifications, education, and experience.