Category Lead I

Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual incentive program

Medical, dental, vision

401(k)

Paid time off

Job summary

Electric Power Research Institute, Inc. is seeking a Category Lead I in Charlotte, NC to advance sourcing strategies within the Sourcing and Procurement team.

You will negotiate terms, manage strategic vendors, and develop category strategies with a focus on total cost of ownership. The role collaborates with internal clients and supports risk assessment and cost savings initiatives, with opportunities for professional growth.

Eligible for annual incentive and standard company benefits.

Qualifications

• 2+ years in supply chain, vendor admin, or contract negotiations.
• Undergraduate degree or commensurate experience in related field.
• Certified Purchasing Professional designation a plus.
• Understanding of procure-to-pay process and controls.
• Knowledge of acquisition rules, classifications, and fraud prevention.

Responsibilities

• Negotiate sourcing agreements and terms with a total-cost perspective.
• Identify strategic vendors and manage supplier relationships.
• Monitor vendor performance and address non-compliance issues.
• Develop category strategies and conduct RFX events.
• Collaborate with internal clients and manage procurement projects.
• Support risk analysis and report cost savings.

Skills

Independent worker

Communication skills

Project management

Interpersonal skills

Data analysis

Decision making

Education

Undergraduate degree in related field

Certified Purchasing Professional designation

Tools

SAP MM

SAP SRM

Job description

Job Title:Category Lead ILocation:Charlotte, NC, North Carolina Home OfficeJob Summary and Description:Key ResponsibilitiesAcquisition Terms Negotiation:Under guidance, negotiates sourcing agreements and acquisition terms with an understanding of contract risk; drafts agreement terms that ensure business needs and compliance are met while accurately reflecting the arrangement between the partiesNegotiates favorable economic value with a “total cost” perspective, and tracks and reports cost savings and avoidance; evaluates financial proposals, brings to manager’s attention sources with poor financial performanceSupports in the development of a risk analysis matrix for moderate and high-risk arrangements and presents cases for, and documents business decisionsVendor Management:Identifies strategic vendors, and assists in the development of a continuity-of-business plan with alternate sources of supplyIdentifies, and aids in the selection of, sources of supplyMonitors vendor performance; engages with strategic vendors by developing collaborative relationships and under guidance works to align EPRI-vendor objectives; conducts routine review of the account/relationshipWith guidance, works to (1) identify opportunities for consolidation of supply base, and (2) identify RFX opportunities; with manager or designee support, (a) conducts RFX events and ensures objective, documented contract awards, and (b) formulates business cases with objective information/dataResolves vendor non-compliance, brings to manager’s attention cases requiring dispute resolution, and performs agreement cancellations and terminations unrelated to performance issuesMarket Analysis:Keeps updated on trends in industries related to assigned category, remains informed about developments in other parts of the organization that have impact on acquisitions/procurementSurveys market conditions; identifies, makes recommendations and aids in the selection of, best sources of supplySpend Category Strategy Development:With guidance, develops category acquisition strategies, monitors, and reports progressHelps manage organizational change that results from implementation of category-based acquisition strategiesInternal Dynamics, Collaboration and Communication:Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with internal clients and stakeholders, is aware of category budgets, client needs and departmental strategies, understands overall company objectives (raises conflicting objectives to the attention of manager); reviews acquisition scopes for value and complianceDevelops ideas and strategies to improve operational efficiency to add value for stakeholders and the Sourcing TeamParticipates in special projects and assumes other duties which may be assigned to support the department as designated by the Manager of Sourcing and Procurement and/or the Director of the Sourcing TeamEducation and Experience2+ years of relevant experience in supply chain, vendor administration, 3rd party contract negotiations or supplier diversityUndergraduate degree or commensurate experience, preferably in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration Paralegal, or a related field. Certified Purchasing Professional Designation a plusSome understanding of, and experience negotiating commercial acquisition terms and conditions – with the ability to use/draft basic agreement proseBasic understanding of the generic procure-to-pay processOutstanding listening, and oral and written communication skillsFamiliar with applicable rules, regulations and norms as they apply to acquisitions (i.e., independent contractor status classifications, internal controls and fraud prevention, etc.)Knowledge of a category industry is a plusExperience working with an ERP system (SAP MM, SRM are desirable, but familiarity with other systems is also a plus)Ability to manage projects, prioritize and delegate workSkills and AttributesSelf-starter capable of working independently, managing deadlines and competing workloads, making informed decisions and seeking advice/decisions from others when neededDiplomatic, collaborative relationship builderStrong organizational, problem solving and interpersonal skillsExperience working with data (analysis, clean-up, presentation)The salary range for this position is $60,000 USD to $70,000 USD annually.This salary range is an estimate, and the actual salary may vary based on various factors, including without limitation applicant's education, experience, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. The salary may also be adjusted based on applicant's geographic location.This role is eligible to participate in EPRI’s annual incentive program. The amount of incentive varies and is subject to the terms and conditions of the plan.This role is eligible to participate in EPRI’s standard employee benefit programs, which currently include the following: medical, dental, vision, 401k, STD/LTD and paid family leave, life and accident insurance, paid time off (flexible vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay).EPRI participates in E-Verify, an online system operated jointly by the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration (SSA). EPRI uses the system to check the work status of new hires by comparing information from the employee's I-9 form against SSA and Department of Homeland Security databases.EPRI is an equal opportunity employer. EEO/AA/M/F/VETS/DisabledTogether . . . Shaping the Future of Energy.www.epri.com