Summary:
The purpose of this position is to oversee the acquisition of various corporate needs and issue contracts valued up to $1 million each. The role has the authority to make award decisions for individual procurements up to $1 million without requiring further management review. Responsibilities include procuring materials and services at the best overall cost, ensuring quality and schedule compliance with user requirements. Additionally, this role supports contract management, conducts negotiations, performs market and financial analyses, and manages both customer satisfaction and supplier relationships. The position also focuses on driving continuous improvement and productivity with suppliers and customers. This is an entry-level role that operates independently with minimal to moderate guidance from senior colleagues.
Responsibilites:
- Serve as the corporate expert for assigned categories, understanding market drivers, supplier bases, emerging technologies, regulatory factors, and category spend. Manage the entire supply chain for your category from start to finish.
- Evaluate and formulate the company's stance on claims and disputes, and work with senior management to negotiate and resolve issues related to complex procurements.
- Oversee the entire supply chain process, from defining needs and issuing Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to negotiating, executing, and administering contracts. Assess suppliers, develop pricing strategies, and establish warranty and performance requirements. Select the most strategic supply chain model to maximize savings.
- Develop and implement negotiation strategies for complex, multi-million-dollar contracts, collaborating with the Office of General Counsel to ensure adequate commercial protection. Conduct negotiations to secure optimal business outcomes for the company.
- Identify and evaluate new suppliers and products/technologies. Build and maintain professional relationships with suppliers and partners, adhering to ethical business practices outlined in the Standards of Integrity and PPL's Supply Chain Policies.
- Perform market and financial analyses to assess risks associated with suppliers or contracts. Address identified risks through measures such as currency hedging, performance and payment bonds, or parental guarantees.
- Authorized to award contracts up to $3,000,000 without additional management review.
- Act as the primary liaison for suppliers within assigned categories.
- May be required to take on emergency and storm roles during storms and other crises to assist in power restoration or address other customer service issues. This may involve working outside regular hours.
- Perform other duties and projects as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Experience in Electric and Gas Utility supply chain (Distribution and/or Transmission and Substations).
- Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, supply chain, or related field or 8 years related experience.
- Minimum of 5 years of services buying experience.
- Supply Chain and market knowledge of products, equipment, and services.
- Basic knowledge of business law, commercial terms and conditions, and related legal issues.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M) or Certified Professional in Supply Management (C.P.S.M). or other Supply Chain Certification.
- Background in Lean, Six Sigma, or similar process improvement models.