Global Category Manager - Utilities

Xylem is a Fortune 500 global water solutions company dedicated to advancing sustainable impact and empowering the people who make water work every day. As a leading water technology company with 23,000 employees operating in over 150 countries, Xylem is at the forefront of addressing the world's most critical water challenges. We invite passionate individuals to join our team, dedicated to exceeding customer expectations through innovative and sustainable solutions.

Job Summary :

The Global Category Manager - Utilities is responsible for developing and executing a global category strategy for utilities, including electricity, natural gas, water, and renewable energy sourcing. This role requires extensive market knowledge, strategic sourcing skills, and the ability to work across multiple regions and functions to drive cost efficiency, sustainability, and operational excellence. The Global Category Manager will collaborate with internal stakeholders, suppliers, and partners to optimize utility spending, enhance sustainability initiatives, and ensure security of supply.

Key Responsibilities :

Category Strategy Development :

Develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive global category strategy for utilities, aligning with the company’s sustainability and operational goals.

Conduct market analysis to understand industry trends, market drivers, supplier landscape, and emerging opportunities in renewable and sustainable utilities sourcing.

Supplier Relationship Management :

Establish and maintain relationships with key utility suppliers, ensuring competitive pricing, service quality, and innovation.

Negotiate global contracts, manage supplier performance, and conduct regular business reviews to ensure service alignment with company objectives.

Collaborate with suppliers to identify and drive initiatives for cost reduction, energy efficiency, and carbon footprint reduction.

Cross-Functional Collaboration :

Partner with internal stakeholders in finance, operations, legal, and sustainability to support utility planning, budgeting, and goal setting.

Collaborate with regional teams to adapt and implement the global category strategy at a local level, ensuring compliance with regulatory and market-specific requirements.

Sustainability & Compliance :

Lead efforts in renewable energy sourcing, carbon reduction, and utility efficiency improvements to meet the company’s sustainability goals.

Ensure compliance with local, regional, and international regulations and reporting standards related to utility usage, sourcing, and carbon emissions.

Risk Management :

Identify and manage risks associated with utility sourcing, including supply chain disruptions, price volatility, and regulatory changes.

Develop contingency plans to mitigate potential supply or price risks across regions.

Cost Optimization and Spend Management :

Conduct spend analysis to identify cost-saving opportunities and drive continuous improvement in total cost of ownership.

Develop, track, and report key performance metrics related to utility spend, sustainability impact, and supplier performance.

Data Management and Reporting :

Ensure accurate and timely data collection on utility usage, cost, and sustainability metrics.

Provide regular updates and reports to senior leadership on category performance, market trends, and key projects.

Requirements :

7+ years of procurement or category management experience, with at least 3 years in a utilities category management role or a similar function within a multinational company.

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Business Administration, Engineering, Environmental Science, or related field. Master’s degree or professional certification (e.g., CPSM, CIPS) is preferred.

Proven track record in global strategic sourcing, supplier management, and negotiation.

Experience with sustainability initiatives and renewable energy procurement is highly desirable.

Knowledge of utility markets, regulations, and sustainability trends.

Ability to work in a fast-paced, global environment and manage multiple priorities.

Strong analytical skills and experience in data-driven decision-making

Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to influence and collaborate with stakeholders at all levels.

Proficiency in procurement software and tools; knowledge of ERP systems such as SAP or Oracle is a plus.

Personal Attributes :

Strategic thinker with a proactive approach to problem-solving.

High degree of business acumen and an ability to align category strategy with organizational goals.

Results-driven with a focus on achieving tangible cost savings and sustainability goals.

Passionate about sustainability and innovation in utility management.

Please provide the English version of your CV.

Join the global Xylem team to be a part of innovative technology solutions transforming water usage, conservation, and re-use. Our products impact public utilities, industrial sectors, residential areas, and commercial buildings, with a commitment to providing smart metering, network technologies, and advanced analytics for water, electric, and gas utilities. Partner with us in creating a world where water challenges are met with ingenuity and dedication; where we recognize the power of inclusion and belonging in driving innovation and allowing us to compete more effectively around the world.

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