Category Manager

Do you want to be a part of the clean energy movement? Are you passionate about improving our environment for this generation and those to follow? Are you ready to take on new challenges and collaborate with a future-focused team leading the way into new markets? Join Nexamp! 

This is where you can learn from industry leaders and become one yourself. It's fast-paced, mission-based work that challenges the status quo. Be on the team that's changing the world. 

What we’re looking for: 

Nexamp is looking to hire a Category Manager. In this role, you will be responsible for the strategic management of assigned categories worldwide. Working cross-functionally, you will own the supplier process and performance. You'll partner closely with other key functional representatives from Business Development, Construction, SPM, Engineering, Quality, and Logistics to ensure Nexamp's supply base is effectively serving internal and external customer needs. This role will be hybrid based out of our Boston or Chicago office. You will report to the Vice President, Supply Chain.

What you’ll do:  

Category Strategy: 

• Develop and Implement Strategy: Own the equipment category strategy, aligning with the overall business goals and objectives. 
• Sourcing Opportunities: Identify sourcing opportunities, cost-saving initiatives, and strategies to optimize supplier performance across assigned categories.
• Performance Reporting: Generate regular reports on category performance, market insights, and procurement forecasts, and assist in the annual budget preparation. Communicate these insights to senior management to inform decision-making.
• Risk Identification and Mitigation: Identify potential risks and vulnerabilities within the supply chain, develop mitigation strategies, and establish contingency plans to ensure supply chain resilience. 

 Supplier-Market Analysis: 

• Conduct Market Research: Analyze supplier capabilities, market trends, and risks. 
• Technology Roadmap: Identify new technologies within the category that could benefit the company and inform strategy.
• Policy Impact: Maintain knowledge and familiarity with current and potential upcoming policies as they pertain to their impact on the category. 
• Supplier Base Development: Work to introduce new suppliers and rationalize the supply base, focusing on the total cost of ownership.
• On-board New Suppliers: Lead RFP processes, negotiate agreements, and establish compliance monitoring of suppliers.  

Supplier Relationship Management: 

• Strategic Relationship Management: Manage supplier relationships strategically to ensure the technical, manufacturing, quality, product support, and logistics needs are met to ensure continuity of supply.
• Performance Management: Continuously manage supplier performance through supplier scorecards and quarterly business reviews, including attending supplier visits, meetings, and industry trade shows/conferences.
• Continuous improvement: Develop standard practices and processes for the category management teams 

What you’ll bring:

• University degree (Supply Chain or Engineering degrees are a plus). MBA is a plus.
• 3+ years experience in the solar industry.
• 5+ years experience in supplier management, category management, technical program management, or consulting.
• Proven ability to develop procurement and supply chain strategies, coupled with strong presentation skills to effectively communicate recommendations to senior management.
• Experience working closely with engineers and other technical teams, with a deep understanding of technical requirements and product development cycles.
• Proficient in ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and experienced in managing projects that align with strategic procurement goals.
• Experience in developing and managing KPIs and performance metrics working with complicated data sets.
• Commitment to Nexamp's mission and have a passion for solving tomorrow's climate crisis today.
• Demonstrated experience in effectively communicating information, ideas, and perspectives with people inside and beyond your organization.   
• Experience in showcasing initiative to make improvements to current work, processes, products, and services across the organization. We value accountability and an ownership mentality. 
• Ability to ask appropriate questions, analyze data, identify the root causes of problems, and present creative solutions. 
• Expertise in building strong internal and external relationships with customers and stakeholders, instilling trust and loyalty across the industry. 
• Eagerness to develop a fundamental understanding of how Nexamp operates and then apply that knowledge effectively to inform business decisions.  

If you don’t meet 100% of the above qualifications, but see yourself contributing, please submit an application. We encourage people from minority or marginalized groups to apply. 

At Nexamp, our mission is to build the future of energy so it is clean, simple, and accessible for all. We believe a diverse team brings different perspectives and experiences, thus benefiting our work. We are committed to providing a work environment free from discrimination. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against applicants on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. By encouraging a culture where ideas and decisions come from all people, we believe it will help us grow, innovate, and be a part of environmental and social change. 

You’ll love working here because:  

Not only will you get to take part in meaningful work and have the chance to change the world alongside innovative, dedicated, and motivated peers, but you will also have access to all the benefits that Nexamp offers! This includes our competitive compensation package; a 401(k) employer-match; health, dental, and vision insurance starting day one; flexible paid time off and holiday PTO; commuter benefits, cell phone reimbursement; as well as a hybrid work environment. We have headquarters in Boston, MA and Chicago, IL, in addition to growing offices nationwide. We provide healthy snacks, coffee, service days and other volunteer opportunities, company outings, and more!   

Nexamp's People team manages all aspects of recruitment and hiring within our organization. We want to inform third-party recruiters, staffing firms, and related agencies that Nexamp does not accept unsolicited resumes. Resumes will only be considered from these entities if a signed agreement is in place and the People team explicitly authorizes external recruiting assistance for a specific position. Any unsolicited resumes received will be deemed the property of Nexamp. We want to emphasize that Nexamp is not liable for any fees associated with unsolicited resumes.