**Job Summary**Are you ready to work in a supportive, fast-moving environment where your work matters? This position supports Procurement Consultants, Procurement Specialists, and Category Managers in the execution of sourcing and contracting initiatives. In this analytical role, the Procurement Analyst/Consultant supports work including, but not limited to, contract development and administration, contract review and redlining, spend analytics, market complexity assessments, data collection, performance metrics, risk analysis, pricing evaluations, total cost of ownership analyses, demand planning, and reporting. The role assists in evaluating contract terms and conditions, identifying and mitigating contractual and commercial risks, ensuring compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements, and maintaining contract documentation and records. The Procurement Analyst/Consultant also supports sourcing strategy development, supplier evaluations, and decision-making processes. Responsibilities include coordinating stakeholder reviews, supporting contract negotiations, tracking contractual obligations, facilitating contract execution activities, and providing analytical insights to inform business decisions. The role may lead or direct less complex sourcing and contracting activities while partnering with internal stakeholders, suppliers, Legal, and Risk teams to support successful business outcomes.**Job Description****What You'll Do:*** Conducts market research and analyzes performance metrics to support strategy and decisions regarding suppliers and markets.* Conducts research and analysis on spend and prior contracts to assist with contract negotiation. Develop and utilize various models (e.g., pricing, total cost ownership).* Builds and maintains reports to streamline analysis. Supports bid analysis, as needed.* Communicates findings and recommendations of research and analysis to Supply Chain, Procurement, and Fleet Operations (SCPFO) and business partners.* Collaborates, as needed, with the Supply Chain center of excellence (COE), the Service Center, and business partners on projects and other initiatives to address recurring issues, improve efficiency, and improve satisfaction.* Draft and negotiate contract terms and conditions, analyze commercial sections of proposals and scopes of work, and interface with all disciplines, including legal, risk management, project controls, construction, engineering, finance/accounting and suppliers.* Prepare, maintain, retrieve and communicate records, reports or documents that may be required to meet corporate and Contract Administration requirements.* Provide consultative, analytical and contract administration support for commercial operations and senior management.* Protect the Company’s interest by enforcing warranties and mitigating risk.* Execute portfolio assignments as requested, perform contract risk assessments, and formulate mitigation strategies.* Develop Supplier performance criteria and service levels that align with business requirements.* Manage and oversee amendments to existing agreements using various models.* Lead the negotiation process through strategy development, issue recognition, and escalation of issues for moderate to complex negotiations.* Analyze vendor claims and lead in negotiating settlements for a broad range of issues, including impact of changes-in-law and governmental impositions.* Coordinate, prepare, and track documents to declare, close, and quantify impact of Company force majeure events.* Ensure all work activities are performed in accordance with the policies, practices, standards, and rules of the company.* Draft deal summaries for assigned contracts.* Other duties as assigned.**What We're Looking For:**Education:* Bachelor's Degree in business, accounting, finance, supply chain, or other related field; OR 4 years of relevant work experience.Experience:* In customer service and/or procurement helpful **(Procurement Analyst)*** In addition to any experience required above, 2 years of relevant work experience, including experience working with cross-functional teams is required. Supply chain category management experience, preferably within the utility, manufacturing, or construction industry preferred. **(Procurement Consultant)****Preferred Qualifications:*** Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and time management skills desired* Familiarity with Maximo and Cognos preferred* Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) desired with an ability to communicate with business partners, stakeholders, and suppliers**Other Requirements:*** Physical demand level is Sedentary* Demonstrate significant experience in a moderate range of subject categories relevant to areas of contract responsibility.* Apply problem-solving skills and use creativity in problem solving.**Where You'll Work:*** This is an On-Site role based out of Columbus, OH.**What You'll Get:*** Annual Bonus* 401(k) Match* AEP Pension* Comprehensive Benefits PackageWhere Putting the Customer First Powers Everything We Do! At AEP, we’re more than just an energy company — we’re a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. Guided by our mission to put the customer first, we strive to exceed expectations by listening, responding, and continuously improving the way we serve our communities. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact and being part of a forward-thinking organization, this is the company for you.*#LI-Onsite**#AEPCareers***Compensation Data****Compensation Grade:**SP20-006**Compensation Range:**$74,551.00 - $109,543.00The Physical Demand Level for this job is: S – Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently. (Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.