Category Manager - Electrical Substation

DEPCOM is searching for a Category Manager, Electrical Substations.

This role is responsible for the strategic sourcing, supplier management, commercial execution, and market intelligence associated with substation materials, equipment, and services supporting utility-scale solar, BESS, and EPC projects.

The selected individual will serve as DEPCOM's subject matter expert for the substation supply market, maintaining strong relationships with manufacturers, distributors, packagers, engineering firms, and specialty contractors.

The successful candidate understands market constraints, manufacturing lead times, supply chain risks, and emerging technologies, allowing DEPCOM to make informed sourcing decisions and protect project schedules.

The Category Manager owns procurement strategy from project pursuit through supplier award and works closely with Engineering, Preconstruction, Project Management, Construction, and Procurement Operations to ensure successful execution.

This position will be physically based out of our headquarters in Scottsdale, AZ.

Remote work eligibility may be considered on an individual basis.

This position is not eligible for VISA Sponsorship

What You Will Do: Responsibilities

Category Strategy & Market Intelligence



* Develop and execute category strategies for high-voltage electrical equipment and substation-related materials.


* Maintain an in-depth understanding of global and domestic supply market conditions, manufacturing capacity, lead-time trends, pricing drivers, and technology developments.


* Identify emerging risks and opportunities before they impact project execution.


* Monitor supplier capacity constraints and proactively secure production slots for critical equipment.


* Support approved vendor list (AVL) development and continuous supplier qualification efforts.


* Serve as the internal expert on substation market dynamics.


* Provide market intelligence and strategic recommendations that support informed sourcing decisions and schedule protection.

Supplier Relationship Management



* Establish and maintain executive-level relationships with key suppliers.


* Conduct regular business reviews with strategic suppliers.


* Develop supplier scorecards and performance improvement initiatives.


* Negotiate commercial agreements, pricing structures, capacity reservations, and framework agreements.


* Collaborate with suppliers on cost-reduction and schedule-improvement initiatives.


* Escalate and resolve critical supply issues when project schedules are at risk.

Project Procurement Leadership



* Lead procurement strategy during project pursuits and project handoff.


* Develop sourcing plans that balance cost, schedule, risk, and technical requirements.


* Evaluate quotations and commercial proposals.


* Lead commercial negotiations.


* Prepare procurement recommendations and award strategies.


* Assess procurement risks and de...