Remote-Eligible Supply Chain Buyer Intern

FirstEnergy Corp.; Akron (OH); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

FirstEnergy is seeking a Supply Chain Operational Buyer Intern in Akron, OH, with some remote option on select days per policy. The program offers on‑the‑job training, mentorship, and projects spanning day‑to‑day purchasing, supplier coordination, and data analytics.

Participants will explore strategic sourcing, contract management, and process improvement while developing professional procurement skills through hands‑on assignments.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s program in Supply Chain Management or related field.
• Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.
• Must have a graduation date not earlier than May 2028.
• Authorization to work in the U.S. without current or future sponsorship.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to follow detailed processes while identifying and resolving issues.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); experience with data analysis or procurement systems is a plus.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint; exposure to data analysis, ERP, or procurement systems is a plus but not required.
• A proactive and curious mindset with a willingness to learn, ask questions, solve problems, and build professional relationships.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with team members, business partners, and suppliers.
• Ability to gather, organize, and analyze information and communicate findings clearly to others.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, follow established processes, and maintain strong attention to detail.
• Strong analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong teamwork orientation with a commitment to workplace safety.

Responsibilities

• Assist with processing purchasing requests and supplier coordination.
• Create and maintain purchase orders, including supporting PO issuance, change orders, cancellations, and other purchasing transactions in accordance with established processes and policies.
• Work directly with suppliers and internal partners to obtain information, clarify requirements, resolve purchasing issues, and support the timely delivery of materials and services.
• Support high-volume procurement activities while developing an understanding of purchasing policies, approval requirements, documentation standards, and procurement best practices.
• Assist with supplier-related issues involving purchase orders, pricing, delivery requirements, documentation, invoicing, and other transactional discrepancies.
• Utilize procurement and enterprise systems to process purchasing activities, research transactions, maintain accurate records, and support day‑to‑day Operational Buying activities.
• Review purchasing data and reports to identify open items, exceptions, trends, and opportunities to improve procurement efficiency.
• Help identify opportunities to utilize existing contracts and preferred suppliers when fulfilling business requirements, supporting compliance and procurement efficiency.
• Support process improvement initiatives focused on simplifying purchasing activities, improving data quality, reducing manual work, strengthening compliance, and improving the internal stakeholder experience.
• Gain exposure to sourcing and category management activities, including competitive bidding, supplier evaluations, bid analysis, market research, and supplier strategy.
• Support Contract Lifecycle Management activities, including contract administration, documentation management, and compliance tracking.
• Conduct business research and data analysis and developing reports, presentations, and recommendations for Supply Chain team members and leadership.
• Collaborating across Supply Chain and other business functions to better understand how procurement supports business operations and organizational objectives.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication

Analytical thinking

MS Office proficiency

Data analysis

Problem-solving

Multi-tasking

Education

Bachelor’s in Supply Chain Management or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

ERP systems

Job description

FirstEnergy is seeking a Supply Chain Operational Buyer Intern in Akron, OH, with some remote option on select days per policy. The program offers on‑the‑job training, mentorship, and projects spanning day‑to‑day purchasing, supplier coordination, and data analytics.

Participants will explore strategic sourcing, contract management, and process improvement while developing professional procurement skills through hands‑on assignments.