Category Manager - Construction

The Category Manager - Construction performs highly advanced and/or supervisory (senior-level) purchasing and procurement work, serves as the strategic procurement leader for construction, architectural and engineering (A/E), capital improvement, and facilities-related contracting activities. This position is responsible for planning, sourcing, awarding, and administering complex construction procurements in accordance with Texas Government Code Chapter 2269, Chapter 2254, Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Statewide Procurement Division (SPD) requirements, and agency policies. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Is considered a technical expert in the field and may work on multiple complex purchasing projects simultaneously.The position functions as the agency's subject matter expert for construction procurement and category management and is responsible for developing sourcing strategies, leading evaluations, coordinating stakeholder engagement, managing vendor performance, and ensuring procurement compliance throughout the contract lifecycle. The Category Manager partners closely with TFC’s Planning Design & Construction (PDC)Division, project managers, legal counsel, finance, and executive leadership to deliver best-value procurement outcomes while maintaining transparency, defensibility, and audit readiness.
Essential DutiesDevelop and maintain multi-year category strategies for construction, capital projects, professional A/E services, Job Order Contracts (JOC), Construction Manager-at-Risk (CMAR), and Design-Build (DB) procurements.Lead complex competitive procurement activities from project intake through contract award.Determine appropriate delivery methods and procurement strategies based on project scope, complexity, risk, and statutory requirements.Develop Requests for Qualifications (RFQ), Requests for Proposals (RFP), Invitations for Bid (IFB), and related solicitation documents.Facilitate pre-solicitation conferences, pre-bid meetings, vendor outreach events, and stakeholder workshops.Ensure compliance with all procurement posting requirements, including ESBD and applicable oversight reviews. Analyze market trends, vendor capabilities, pricing structures, labor conditions, and industry risks affecting construction procurement activities.Partner with project stakeholders to forecast procurement activity and develop annual and long-range procurement plans.Identify opportunities to standardize specifications, reduce procurement cycle times, improve competition, and mitigate project risks.Design evaluation methodologies and scoring frameworks that support best-value procurement decisions.Lead evaluation committees and provide guidance regarding scoring protocols, conflict-of-interest requirements, and procurement ethics.Conduct pricing, cost, and risk analyses to support award recommendations.Lead negotiations involving contract terms, pricing, scope clarifications, risk allocation, and performance expectations.Prepare recommendation memoranda, executive briefings, and award documentation.Support post-award contract administration activities and change management processes.Review and evaluate change orders for compliance, cost impact, and contract alignment.Monitor contractor performance and support corrective action planning when necessary.Coordinate Vendor Performance Tracking System (VPTS) reporting and contract closeout activities.Ensure complete and audit-ready contract files are maintained throughout the procurement lifecycle.Ensure compliance with: Texas Government Code Chapters 2269 and 2254; Texas Administrative Code; Statewide Procurement Division requirements; and Agency procurement policies and proceduresCoordinate with oversight entities including POD, CAT, and QAT when applicable.Ensure bonding, insurance, wage rate, HUB, safety, and statutory compliance requirements are incorporated into solicitations and contracts.Identify procurement risks and implement mitigation strategies throughout project execution.Monitor procurement performance indicators, including: Cycle time; Vendor participation; Protest activity; Change-order trends; VPTS compliance; Contract performance metricsUtilize data and analytics to identify improvement opportunities and support strategic decision-making.Support implementation and optimization of eSourcing and Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) systems.Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and procurement modernization efforts.
QualificationsEducation and Experience· Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in: Procurement and Acquisitions Management; Construction Management; Engineering; Architecture, Business Administration; Public Administration; Supply Chain Management or a related field with a focus on procurement and contracting. Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in public procurement, construction procurement, contracting, capital project delivery, or contract administration.Education and experience may be substituted for one another on a year-for-year basis.Experience leading competitive solicitations and evaluation processes.Experience soliciting procurements for construction, A/E, capital projects, or facilities-related services. Certifications · Must be certified as a Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD) and/or Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) or eligible to obtain the certifications within 6 months of hire.· Certified as a Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO) or Certified Public Purchasing Buyer( CPPB).· Construction Purchasing Certificate Preferred Qualifications: · Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD)Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM)Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO)Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB)Project Management Professional (PMP)Certified Construction Manager (CCM)Experience with Texas state government procurement.· Public Sector Experience with construction procurement, public procurement, and contracting,Experience implementing or using eSourcing and Contract Lifecycle Management systems.· Experience managing major capital construction programs exceeding $50 million.
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