Strategic Sourcing & Category Specialist — Utilities

FirstEnergy; Akron (OH); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

FirstEnergy in Akron, OH is hiring multiple Supply Chain Category Management Specialists to support high‑impact sourcing initiatives across enterprise spend categories. You will partner with cross‑functional stakeholders and suppliers to drive cost optimization, supplier performance, market intelligence, and digital procurement transformation.

This onsite role is based at the Akron, OH office or Greensburg, PA, with opportunities to collaborate across utility projects and asset management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in supply chain, business, or engineering.
• 4–7 years of relevant procurement/sourcing experience (7–10 years if no degree).
• Experience in utilities, engineering, construction, IT software/hardware is preferred.
• Knowledge of procurement policies and supplier governance.
• Experience with Coupa Sourcing is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic sourcing and category optimization initiatives.
• Develop TCO strategies and supplier strategies to reduce cost.
• Use analytics to assess spend, market trends, and supplier performance.
• Guide contracting strategy and negotiate commercial terms.
• Coordinate with stakeholders to align sourcing with business needs.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Category management

Cost optimization

Supplier performance

Spend analytics

RFP development

Negotiation

Market intelligence

Data-driven decisions

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related discipline

High school diploma with 7-10 years experience

High school diploma with 10 years experience

Tools

Coupa

Job description

FirstEnergy in Akron, OH is hiring multiple Supply Chain Category Management Specialists to support high‑impact sourcing initiatives across enterprise spend categories. You will partner with cross‑functional stakeholders and suppliers to drive cost optimization, supplier performance, market intelligence, and digital procurement transformation.

This onsite role is based at the Akron, OH office or Greensburg, PA, with opportunities to collaborate across utility projects and asset management.