Category Manager

Category Manager - Tysons, VA
Location: Tysons, VA
Build Your Future at M.C. Dean
At M.C. Dean, we transform the way complex systems are designed, delivered, and sustained—enhancing client outcomes, improving lives, and changing the world for the better. We are looking for a self-motivated and accomplished individual to join our team as a Category Manager. This role reports to the Vice President of Procurement and involves working closely with core Program/Project teams to manage high-visibility, high-value programs in the Electronic Security Systems industry.
Why join M.C. Dean?
Our people are inspired by how engineering and innovation enhance customer outcomes, improve lives, and change the world for the better. We are driven by our core values of agility, expertise, and trust.
Location: Tysons, VA (onsite)
Work Authorization: Green Card or U.S. Citizen
Work Type: Full-Time
Role Overview:
As a Category Manager supporting M.C. Dean’s growing businesses in the Electronic Security Systems industry, you will manage high-visibility, high-value programs. Key aspects of the role include:

• Procurement Planning: Lead procurement efforts during the bidding phase, ensuring all contract specifications and estimated bills of material (B0 = budget zero) are understood and addressed.
  
• Developing Procurement Plans: Outline initial Procurement Plans covering equipment, devices, subcontractors, and other procurements, with a focus on the Electronic Security Systems sector.
  
• Vendor Management: Source, identify, and prequalify 2-3 viable vendors for each procurement package, ensuring they meet scope, capacity, and contractual requirements. Focus on vendors such as Hikvision USA, Axis Communications, Tyco Integrated Security, Honeywell Security, Basch Security Systems, Anixter, ADI Global Distribution, Scansource, and WESCO International.
  
• RFP/RFQ Development: Develop comprehensive RFPs/RFQs identifying all components of best value and the total cost of acquisition.
  
• Contract Negotiation: Work with project and engineering teams to ensure completeness of scope, negotiate terms, and finalize agreements with vendors.
  
• Implementation and Monitoring: Transition the bid phase Procurement Plan to the project team in a formal hand-off, monitor all deliveries, and close out the Procurement Plan, addressing any discrepancies.
  
• Market Intelligence: Capture and communicate market intelligence, including pricing trends, lead times, best value opportunities, and compliance requirements.
  
• Management Potential: Candidates should have the potential to step up into management roles after 2 years, demonstrating leadership and people management skills.
  

Required Qualifications:

• Demonstrated leadership and people management skills.
  
• 5-7 years of experience in a relevant purchasing or category management role.
  
• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience.
  
• Proven experience in sourcing and negotiating contracts with vendors in the Electronic Security Systems industry.
  
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  
• Proficiency in computer applications, including Microsoft Office Suite, SharePoint, and Excel.
  
• Familiarity with business, finance, and accounting principles.
  

Abilities:

• Exposure to computer screens for extended periods.
  
• Ability to sit for extended periods.
  
• Ability to reach by extending hands or arms in any direction.
  
• Dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, such as using a keyboard.
  
• Ability to listen to and understand spoken information and ideas.
  
• Ability to communicate information clearly in speech.
  
• Ability to read and comprehend written information and ideas.
  
• Ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce logical answers.
  
• Ability to identify and understand speech.