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Category Manager, Corporate Services & Digital/IT
NextDecadeUnited Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 27 Feb 2026
About the role
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. NextDecade’s 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.
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, i
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