The successful candidate will have a solid understanding of the critical and influential role that procurement plays in contributing to successful business operations. Strong customer focus is essential. Demonstrated ability to lead moderately-complex procurement assignments and analyze data, interpret and apply analysis, and test alternatives. Effective in gathering and presenting key information needed by internal stakeholders to make informed procurement decisions, and in negotiating effectively with suppliers to achieve desired outcomes while mitigating legal and business risk. Excellent communication skills are essential. High-energy, and effective in multi-tasking and in operating in a fast-paced environment. Knowledge of the utilities industry and experience in technology procurement a strong plus.

The successful candidate will have responsibility to:
-facilitate all aspects of moderately-complex sourcing processes, including requirements definition, market analysis, strategy formulation, bid process execution, supplier evaluation, contract negotiation, contract award, and implementation transition;
-lead preparation and process management of RFXs for moderately-complex procurements (products and services), including facilitating definition of requirements and value engineering opportunities; soliciting, comparing and evaluating bids; and selecting suppliers;
-review/develop, negotiate, manage, and monitor contracts for moderately-to highly-complex services and materials procurements with optimal terms and conditions;
-identify, evaluate and inform business partners of business and legal risks associated with procurements, and recommend strategies to mitigate company risk exposure;
-ensure terms and conditions of active contracts are in compliance with Company policies and procedures;
-demonstrate understanding of regulatory implications associated with specific procurement events;
-analyze supply markets and supplier capabilities;
-assess spend opportunities and plan and execute sourcing events;
-identify and propose optimal contracting and procurement strategies based on knowledge of best practices to achieve appropriate balance of risk and cost, driving to the highest value available to the Company;
-manage projects, create and manage work plans, track issues and status, and prepare and deliver executive status updates;
-review supplier contracts and negotiate adjustments to protect Company interests;
-work with internal customers to understand their requirements and operating plans;
– work with internal customers to promote the engagement of diverse, small, disadvantaged business participation;
-attain high level of cost savings and cost avoidance commensurate with procurement opportunities and market conditions;
-solicit input from all stakeholders in variety of forums, asking probing, open-ended questions, listening attentively and ensuring complete understanding of all of the issues by all stakeholders, effectively calculating impact of own actions and words;
-identify, develop, sponsor and/or support the introduction of new and improved methods, products, procedures and/or technologies that improve procurement across the organization; and
-lead and/or perform other special projects as assigned, including process and systems improvements.

Minimum Requirements:
-Minimum of 5 years of progressively increasing responsibility and experience in procurement of moderately-complex services and materials.
-Bachelor’s degree in business, computer science, engineering or a related field.
-Proficient in Microsoft Office suite of products, particularly spreadsheet and word processing applications, and working knowledge of data base structures and applications.
-Experience with PeopleSoft a strong plus.
-Purchasing certification (CPSM, C.P.M., and A.P.P.) and an advanced degree (MBA) are preferred.