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Category Manager, Corporate Services & Digital/IT at NextDecade – Houston, Texas

NextDecade
Houston, Texas, 77002, United States
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About This Position

Category Manager, Corporate Services & Digital/IT

ABOUT NEXTDECADE CORPORATION
NextDecade is committed to providing the world access to reliable, lower-carbon energy. We are focused on delivering secure and cost-effective energy through the safe and efficient development and operation of natural gas liquefaction capacity at Rio Grande LNG. Through our subsidiaries, we are developing and constructing the Rio Grande LNG natural gas liquefaction and export facility near Brownsville, Texas, with approximately 48 MTPA of potential liquefaction capacity currently under construction or in development, sufficient space at the site for up to 10 liquefaction trains, and a potential carbon capture and storage project. NextDecades common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol NEXT. NextDecade is headquartered in Houston, Texas. For more information, please visit www.next-decade.com.

SUMMARY OF THE ROLE

Reporting to the Director, Supply Chain Management, the Category Manager, Corporate Services & Digital/IT is directly accountable for building, owning, and executing the end-to-end category management function for Corporate Services and Digital/IT spend. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring the incumbent to personally develop category strategies from the ground up, lead complex sourcing events, negotiate strategic agreements, and establish the foundational processes, tools, and frameworks that will define how these categories operate long-term.
This role goes well beyond oversight or administration. The Category Manager will directly shape demand management practices, build supplier governance structures, create category playbooks and contracting templates, and drive measurable value through strategic supplier partnerships. The position requires an individual who thrives in a build-and-operate environment, bringing both strategic vision and the willingness to execute at a detailed, transactional level as the function matures. The incumbent will serve as the primary commercial advisor to stakeholders across IT/Digital, Cyber, HR, Finance, HSSE, Communications, Marketing, Legal, and other corporate functions.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Category Strategy Development & Execution: Personally develop and execute the Corporate Services & Digital/IT category strategy covering IT/Digital (SaaS, infrastructure, licensing), Cybersecurity, OEM MSAs, Professional Services (consulting, staffing, managed services), Facilities, Travel, Marketing, Communications, Insurance, and related enterprise agreements. Establish category roadmaps, savings targets, and implementation timelines.
  • Hands-On Strategic Sourcing: Lead all phases of strategic sourcing events (RFIs, RFPs, RFQs) from scratch, including defining scope, developing evaluation criteria, conducting supplier assessments, building commercial models, and presenting executive-level recommendations with supporting business cases.
  • Direct Commercial Negotiation: Serve as the lead negotiator for high-value, high-complexity agreements. Personally draft, redline, and negotiate contract terms in partnership with Legal, Finance, Tax, Cyber, and Insurance to structure optimal commercial outcomes and risk allocation.
  • Stakeholder Partnership & Demand Shaping: Build and maintain trusted advisory relationships with department heads and senior stakeholders. Proactively engage in business planning, influence procurement decisions through data-driven market intelligence, and anticipate future sourcing needs to shape demand before requisitions are raised.
  • Supplier Governance & Performance Management: Design and implement supplier relationship management frameworks including performance scorecards, SLA/KPI structures, governance cadences, and continuous improvement programs. Personally conduct quarterly business reviews with strategic suppliers.
  • Contract Lifecycle Oversight: Ensure all agreements align with company risk tolerance, internal policies, and regulatory requirements. Manage contract renewals, amendments, and terminations proactively, maintaining visibility into obligation tracking, expiration management, and compliance monitoring.
  • Process & Framework Development: Author and maintain category playbooks, standard contracting templates, sourcing checklists, and evaluation matrices. Build standardized approaches that can scale as the organization grows.
  • Continuous Improvement & Analytics: Identify and implement process improvements to increase sourcing effectiveness, reduce cycle times, improve compliance, and enhance spend visibility. Develop and maintain category dashboards and reporting to track savings, pipeline, and performance metrics.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Contribute to the broader Supply Chain Management teams maturity by sharing best practices, supporting SAP S/4HANA Procure-to-Pay processes, and providing subject-matter guidance on corporate services and digital/IT procurement to colleagues across the organization.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
  • Bachelors degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or related field.
  • 10+ years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing, category management, and/or commercial contract leadership, with significant hands-on experience in Digital, IT, SaaS, and corporate services categories.
  • Demonstrated track record of personally building category strategies and sourcing frameworks from the ground up, not solely managing inherited programs.
  • Strong commercial contracting acumen including the ability to draft, redline, and negotiate complex agreements with minimal legal support.
  • Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and operate effectively within a matrixed, cross-functional organization.
  • Deep understanding of SaaS licensing models, IT infrastructure procurement, cybersecurity vendor landscapes, and professional services contracting.
  • Excellent negotiation, analytical, and written/oral communication skills.
  • Strategic thinking combined with a willingness to operate at a detailed, transactional level as needed.
  • Strong understanding of contract law and procurement principles.
  • Experience with ERP systems (SAP S/4HANA preferred) and contract lifecycle management tools.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Masters degree or MBA preferred.
  • Experience in energy, LNG, or capital-intensive project environment.
  • National Contracts Management Association (NCMA) certifications: CPCM, CCCM, CCMA, or equivalent.
  • Supply Chain Management certifications such as CPSM, CSCP, MCIPS, or equivalent.
  • Experience implementing or optimizing Procure-to-Pay processes in SAP S/4HANA RISE.
  • Familiarity with CLM platforms (e.g., Sirion, Icertis, Agiloft) and e-sourcing tools.
Work Environment
This position operates in a professional office environment with occasional work within or outside of a complex construction environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers/fax, filing cabinets, etc.This is primarily a sedentary role; however, the incumbent must be able to stand and/or sit continuously to perform all essential job functions for a full shift.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to support individuals with ADA-recognized disabilities to perform the essential functions for the job.
Ability to lift up to 20 lbs. as required in order to lift files, boxes and office equipment as necessary.
Ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bending, standing on a stool, or climbing as necessary to perform these functions.
While performing the duties of this role, the incumbent may be required to talk or hear.
The incumbent is required to stand, walk, use hands to handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
Ability to move throughout all areas of each office/site location and facilities.
Able to wear all necessary PPE equipment to perform job functions.

If you require accommodations during the application or interview process, please contact Human Resources at recruiting@next-decade.com.

Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
*In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.
NEXTDECADE VALUES
Safety We make safety a priority. Everything we do relies on the safety of our people and the communities around us.
Integrity We do the right thing, and are open, ethical, and fair. We hold ourselves to the highest standards in all that we do.
Honesty We value truth and honesty in ourselves and others. We honor our commitments and take responsibility for our actions.
Respect We listen, and respect people, the environment, and the communities in which we live and work.
Transparency Transparency builds trust. We promote open communication with our people, our customers, and all our stakeholders.
Diversity We value diversity of experiences and thoughts. It takes people with different strengths and backgrounds to make our company succeed.

NextDecade provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. NextDecade complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.

Job Location

Houston, Texas, 77002, United States

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