Senior Sourcing Specialist OR Sourcing Specialist

Duke Energy; Charlotte (NC); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Duke Energy in Charlotte, NC is seeking a Senior Sourcing Specialist to develop and implement strategic sourcing plans for assigned categories. You will lead assessments of opportunities, internal supply chain, and market conditions to drive cost savings and risk management, acting as an internal consultant across functions.

Responsibilities include category management, strategy development and execution, negotiation, and supplier relationship management.

Qualifications

• Senior Sourcing Specialist with 5+ years of related work experience.
• Bachelor's degree required; alternative with associates and more years.
• Experience in strategic sourcing and supplier negotiations.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive cost savings.
• Knowledge of total cost of ownership and risk assessment.

Responsibilities

• Category Management: analyze spend, identify risks, and opportunities.
• Strategy Development: craft regional/enterprise sourcing strategies.
• Strategy Execution: lead bidding, evaluate criteria, negotiate contracts.
• Negotiation: use data-driven approaches to secure favorable terms.
• Risk and Financial Analysis: assess financial viability and risks.
• Legal Terms and Conditions: coordinate with legal for complex issues.
• Change Management: implement sourcing strategies with cross-functional teams.
• Relationship Management: maintain strategic supplier relationships.
• Leadership: train and mentor sourcing personnel; single-position posting.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Planning & organizational

Interpersonal skills

Sourcing experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Associate's degree with 7 years experience

HS/GED with 9 years experience

Tools

PowerAdvocate

CAS

Maximo

Job description

More than a career - a chance to make a difference in people's lives. Build an exciting, rewarding career with us – help us make a difference for millions of people every day. Consider joining the Duke Energy team, where you'll find a friendly work environment, opportunities for growth and development, recognition for your work, and competitive pay and benefits.

Application deadline: 11:59 PM on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.

Depending upon the desired qualifications of the successful applicant, the hiring manager may elect to fill this position at a lower level within the job hierarchy.

Job Description

This is the third level of the Sourcing classification hierarchy. This position develops and implements strategic sourcing plans for assigned categories of spend. This role will develop and execute innovative ideas to enhance sourcing strategies and drive transformational or strategic company initiatives. The Senior Sourcing Specialist will lead the assessment of the opportunity, internal supply chain, and supply market culminating in the development, execution, and institutionalization of the sourcing strategy. This position will have a proven track record in sourcing and negotiating complex, high-value categories of spend. A successful candidate will be able to pilot strategic initiatives, leading the business unit partner to a between operations and economic thinking to drive optimal decisions and then communicate insights. This role will serve as an internal consultant for the procurement and strategic sourcing needs with the expectation of leading teams and larger project efforts to drive cost savings. Keys to success include the ability to prioritize, navigate nebulous situations, build consensus across silos, and deliver actionable results with minimal oversight. It is imperative that this individual has the enterprise mindset, skill, and capabilities to challenge the status quo, foster idea development and implement new, transformative ideas. Success requires excelling at thought leadership, challenging assumptions, and operating procedures, gaining buy-in on the approach, and developing robust processes and governance. To do all of this, the individual will need to be able to operate with little direction, work as “one team,” withstand initial pushbacks, move beyond traditional organizational boundaries, and communicate at all levels to deliver results. A strong understanding of business operations, legal concepts, and risk evaluation will enable this individual to lead the total cost of ownership approach that will assess the total economic cost to Duke Energy of procuring through different tactics and channel strategies (buy vs. lease; manage the transportation vs. delivered on site; new operational approaches, etc.). Employees at this level manage work with minimal supervision. Incumbents are expected to develop proficient skills and to have the ability to work independently, with guidance limited to unusual or complex projects or issues. They are fully competent in use of concepts and procedures. They identify problems, develop solutions, and take actions to resolve.

Responsibilities

Category Management

Develop and enhance category management through strategic analysis of assigned categories. Identify and anticipate Business Unit demand and needs, issues, and cost reduction opportunities. Create and understand SWOT analysis for each assigned category, spend identification, and total cost of ownership. Identify and assess short- and long-term risks. Ensure alignment with internal SME parties to ensure risk is controlled through collaboration with the Legal, Security, Tax, and Credit departments when necessary. Maintain knowledge of commodities, sources of supply, corporate responsibility opportunities, industry leading practices, and market conditions that may impact future procurement. Utilize procurement tool and grid/relays for documentation/retention of category plans.

Strategy Development

Alongside key Business Units partners and cross functional teams, develops sourcing strategies for complex, high value materials, equipment or services including the execution of regional and/or enterprise-wide initiatives.

Strategy Execution

Creates strategies and utilizes supply chain processes to lead competitive bidding processes, lead the objective criteria based bid evaluation with a cross-functional group, recommend award to Supply Chain and Business Unit Leadership, develop appropriate terms and conditions, negotiate strategic contracts, integrate contracts with internal systems, and manage ongoing supplier/contract management and day-to-day support when issues arise (such as mismatches billing or shipment issues).

Negotiation

Utilizes data-driven decision making to implement effective strategic sourcing strategies, thus enabling better terms with suppliers and identification of cost-saving opportunities. Develops “should cost models” that will calculate an estimated price by researching all material costs, labor costs, overhead costs and profit margins that would apply to sourced products and services. Performs analysis of historical spending patterns, pricing fluctuations, and market trends and indices. Calculates impacts to net working capital and uses outcomes to impact deal structure. Negotiates with middle, but primarily, upper-level management of suppliers and manufacturers. Demonstrates proficient understanding of Duke Energy contractual terms and conditions. Drives cost avoidance and cost savings through supplier negotiations and/or the identification and implementation of process efficiencies. Negotiates pricing, discounts, value, or other competitive differentiators.

Risk and Financial Analysis

Effectively communicates with the Business Unit and other executive leadership and committees (e.g., TRC) on risks related to the transaction and provides potential opportunities for risk mitigation. Reviews financial statements (income statement and balance sheet) to determine the financial viability of prospective suppliers. Identifies risks in contractual terms and conditions and deal structures and communicates to business unit partners appropriately.

Legal Terms and Conditions

Applies knowledge, redlines, and negotiates complex legal issues, commercial business, and sourcing expertise to lead the delivery of favorable contractual outcomes. Engages legal as necessary for advanced issues.

Change Management

Alongside business unit partners, develops change management strategies in partnership with cross-functional teams to ensure successful implementation of sourcing strategies.

Relationship Management

Manages supplier relationships at strategic level. Maintain effective interfaces with internal business partners, external customers, and suppliers. Manages post award supplier activities, settlements, claims or disputes. Performs purchase order and agreement maintenance including invoice mismatches, prices changes, amendments, change orders, etc. Collaborates with business unit partners to ensure contract terms are being met and supplier performance is appropriately monitored and measured. Resolves escalated issues between BU and Supplier, as necessary.

Leadership

Provides assistance and cross training of sourcing personnel on procurement tasks. Note: This posting is for one position.

Required/Basic Qualifications

• Senior Sourcing Specialist Bachelor's Degree AND five (5) years related work experience
• In lieu of Bachelor's Degree and five (5) years of related work experience; Associate's degree and seven (7) years of work experience OR HS/GED and nine (9) years of related work experience
• Sourcing Specialist Bachelor's Degree AND two (2) years related work experience
• In lieu of Bachelor's Degree and two (2) years of related work experience; Associate's degree and four (4) years of work experience OR HS/GED and six (6) years of related work experience

Desired Qualifications

• Certified Purchasing Manager and/or Certified Professional in Supply Management

Additional Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate Degree Finance background (work experience and/or education)
• C.P.M. (Certified Purchasing Manager), CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management) certification, or CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional)
• Executive deal briefings experience
• Demonstrated business and financial expertise.
• Excellent negotiating skills
• Contract management skills
• Strong planning/organizational skills
• Strong problem solving/analytical skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently.
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Cost and financial analysis skills
• Good business acumen
• Strong working knowledge of electric utility plant operations
• Previous sourcing & contracting experience.
• Good project management experience
• Demonstrated interpersonal, leadership and team building skills.
• Experience with e-sourcing tools (PowerAdvocate) and ERP systems (CAS, Maximo)

Working Conditions

Hybrid Mobility Classification – Work will be performed from both remote and onsite locations after the onboarding period. However, hybrid employees must live within a reasonable commute to their designated Duke Energy facility, not greater than 50 miles one way. Employees are expected to report to their assigned Duke Energy facility as required and directed by their manager, on average 3 full workdays per regular workweek. Office setting Some travel for plant and vendor visits, conferences, visits to other Duke facilities and territories #LI-BM1 #LI-Hybrid Travel Requirements 5-15% Relocation Assistance Provided (as applicable) No Represented/Union Position No Visa Sponsored Position No. This is not a Visa Sponsored Position. This role requires the ability to work lawfully in the U.S. without employment-based immigration sponsorship, now or in the future.

Diversity & Inclusion

Read about our commitment to supporting a diverse and inclusive workforce. About Duke Energy Terms of Use Brighter opportunities. Brighter futures. Duke Energy values ideas that come from a diverse and inclusive workforce, and we’re dedicated to providing a work environment where all people are valued, respected and able to reach their full potential. Duke Energy is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, including but not limited to lactation, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, medical condition, military status, or protected veteran status. Duke Energy complies with all applicable state, federal and local laws, regulations and ordinances prohibiting discrimination.