Category Manager – Construction Materials - Austin, TX

OES Equipment, part of the DPR Family of Companies, is a fast-paced supply and rental equipment company in the construction industry. We are seeking a highly analytical Category Manager – Construction Materials to develop, own, and execute sourcing strategies across key spend categories including materials, equipment, tools, consumables, rentals, and specialty services. This role owns category strategy, supplier selection, consolidation, and commercial optimization across OES branches and DPR project teams.  

The Category Manager – Construction Materials partners closely with Operations, Procurement, Finance, Risk/Legal, and branch leadership to build scalable supplier programs that improve cost, service, quality, and operational consistency. The ideal candidate is analytical, commercially minded, and comfortable leading cross-functional initiatives that translate sourcing strategy into measurable business outcomes. Responsibilities will include but may not be limited to the following:  

Duties and Responsibilities 

• Develop and execute multi-year category strategies aligned with OES business needs, spend profiles, and growth plans. 

• Analyze spend, supplier landscapes, and market trends to identify opportunities for consolidation, standardization, and strategic partnerships. 

• Lead supplier identification, evaluation, onboarding, and performance management for assigned categories. 

• Own and execute strategic sourcing events (RFx), including bid development, evaluation, total cost analysis, and commercial negotiations in partnership with Risk and Legal. 

• Establish and manage preferred supplier programs, framework agreements, MSAs, and category pricing catalogs. 

• Partner with Operations, Procurement, and branch teams to drive program adoption, purchasing compliance, and vendor performance. 

• Monitor and report on category performance, including margins, cost savings, cost avoidance, service levels, and supplier compliance. 

• Support continuous improvement initiatives, including system enhancements (e.g., Coupa, ERP) and category playbook development. 

Required Skills and Abilities 

• Strong understanding of construction and building materials. 

• Ability to read drawings and specifications to understand technical requirements.  

• Exceptional negotiation, sourcing, and vendor-management skills. 

• Ability to conduct complex financial and market analysis. 

• Excellent communication skills with ability to influence at multiple levels. 

• Ability to balance strategic planning with tactical execution. 

• Excellent listening and communication skills.  

• Positive interpersonal skills with strong attention to detail.  

• Ability to work in both a team environment and independently.  

• Consistently provides responsive, quality service to meet and exceed customer expectations.  

• Ability to thrive in a multitasking environment.  

• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite. 

Education and Experience  

• 4–6+ years in strategic sourcing, procurement, or supply chain operations. 

• Experience in category management strongly preferred. 

• Construction or material distribution industry experience is a strong plus. 

• Experience running RFPs and negotiating large commercial agreements. 

Physical Requirements  

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.  

• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at times.