Category Manager (Assoc., Intermed., Senior or Lead)
Ppl Corporation
Provider of regulated electricity and natural gas delivery with major grid modernization investments.
Manage procurement, contracts, and supplier relationships for corporate needs.
10 days ago ago
Intermediate (4-7 years)
Full Time
Allentown, PA
Hybrid
Company Size
9,657 Employees
Service Specialisms
Construction services
Engineering
Project Management
Consulting
Technical Services
Design
Turnkey
General Contractor
Sector Specialisms
Electric Distribution
Electric Transmission
Gas Distribution
Gas Transmission
Regulated Generation
Power Generation
Wholesale Energy Sales
Retail Energy Supply
Role
Description
procurement management
contract awards
category expertise
supplier liaison
claim analysis
negotiation strategy
Manage the procurement process from specification/definition of need through contract/purchase order issuance. Evaluate sources of supply and develop optimal pricing methodology and warranty protection. Utilize the most strategic sourcing method (alliance, auction, blanket, contract, master service agreement, purchase order) to acquire the necessary products and services at the maximum level of savings.
This position is authorized to award contracts up to $1,000,000 on any individual procurement before requiring additional management review.
Be the corporate expert for assigned small to mid-sized supply chain categories, and know the market drivers, supplier base, emerging technologies, and regulatory factors.
Acts as primary liaison to suppliers within assigned category.
Analyze and develop company position on supplier claims and disputes and subsequently consult with senior Sourcing management to resolve/negotiate claims and disputes associated with procurements.
Identify new sources of supply, and potentially acceptable new products/technologies. Establish/maintain professional relationships with suppliers/partners, based on the highest ethical business practices as set forth in the PPL Standards of Conduct and Integrity and PPL's Supply Chain Polices Develop negotiation strategies and company positions on routine and moderately complex (multi-million dollar) contracts, work with Office of General Counsel to identify and incorporate appropriate levels of commercial protection, and conduct negotiations to achieve the optimal business results for the company.
Requirements
bachelor's
supply chain
microsoft office
project management
c.p.m
six sigma
Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, supply chain, or related field
Supply Chain and market knowledge of products, equipment, and services.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and databases.
Proven project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Physical presence in the office/on-site to engage in face-to-face interaction and coordination of work among direct reports and co-workers.
Strong customer service focus supporting an operating company, with ability to build credibility with internal clients and external suppliers.
Minimum of 5 years of logistics, materials, or services buying experience.
Basic knowledge of business law, commercial terms and conditions, and related legal issues.
Experience in Electric and Gas Utility supply chain (Distribution and/or Transmission and Substations).
Bachelor’s degree in supply chain. business, engineering, or related field.
Background in Lean, Six Sigma, or similar process improvement models.
Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M) or Certified Professional in Supply Management (C.P.S.M). or other Supply Chain Certification.
Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, supply chain, or related field or 8 years related experience.
Effective written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
Strong negotiation and analytical skills.
Minimum of 2 years of logistics, materials, or services buying experience.
Minimum of 8 years of logistics, materials, or services buying experience.
Demonstrated problem-assessment and problem-solving skills.
Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, supply chain, or related field or 5 years related experience.
Benefits
Information not given or found
Training + Development
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Interview process
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Visa Sponsorship
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Security clearance
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Company
Overview
Founded in 1920
Year of Incorporation
The company was established in 1920 as Pennsylvania Power & Light, marking the beginning of its journey in the energy sector.
$14 billion invested
Infrastructure Investment
Over recent years, the company has invested over $14 billion to modernize its grid and strengthen infrastructure.
$7–8 billion annual revenue
Financial Performance
The company generates approximately $7–8 billion in annual revenue, reflecting its position as a large-cap utility provider.
50 J.D. Power awards
Customer Satisfaction Recognition
Its grid modernization efforts have earned national recognition, including over 50 J.D. Power awards for customer satisfaction.
Headquartered in Allentown, Pennsylvania, it operates across Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Virginia, and Rhode Island.
Structured into three regulated segments—Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island—it delivers both electricity and natural gas.
Over recent years, it has invested more than $14 billion (up to $20 billion by 2028) to modernize its grid and strengthen infrastructure.
Typical projects include transmission upgrades, smart-grid technology deployment, and large-scale infrastructure resilience enhancements.
Its grid modernization efforts have earned national recognition, including over 50 J.D. Power awards for customer satisfaction.
Notably, after spinning off non-regulated generation in 2015 and selling UK operations in 2021, it refocused on U.S. utilities and acquired Rhode Island Energy in 2022.
Culture + Values
Safety and Health: We do not compromise on safety and health.
Customer Focus: We deliver customer service that is second to none.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: We value each other and appreciate our differences.
Performance Excellence and Innovation: We get the job done right, and we are always improving.
Integrity and Openness: We do the right thing.
Corporate Citizenship: We are environmentally conscious and invested in the communities we serve.
Environment + Sustainability
Net-zero by 2050
Carbon Emissions Target
Aiming to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 through comprehensive sustainability strategies.
70% and 80% Reduction
CO2 and GHG Emissions Targets
Reduction targets for CO2 and other greenhouse gases, with 70% by 2035 and 80% by 2040 from 2010 levels.
$20B Investment
Infrastructure Modernization
Invested $20 billion over the last decade to modernize transmission and distribution infrastructure in Pennsylvania and Kentucky.
$2.4B Improvements
Infrastructure Completed 2023
Completed $2.4 billion in infrastructure improvements in 2023, on time and within budget.
Engaged in over 150 active R&D projects.
Generated $75 million in O&M savings in 2023 through technology and transformation initiatives.
Expanded use of smart grids, automation, data analytics, and AI.
Donated over $13.6 million to community improvement initiatives in 2023.
Achieved top-quartile reliability across utilities and best-in-nation generation reliability in Kentucky.
Discloses via CDP, EEI‑AGA and aligns with GRI, SASB and TCFD frameworks.
Inclusion & Diversity
Top 1 utility
ESG & workforce diversity ranking
Recognized as the top utility company by DiversityInc for its commitment to ESG and workforce diversity.
100% DEI score
Disability Equality Index
Received a perfect score on the Disability Equality Index (DEI) in 2019 and annually since 2018, earning recognition as a Best Place to Work for disability inclusion.
100+ students supported
Day-in-the-Life program
Hosts an annual program providing real-world work experience for college students on the autism spectrum and other disabilities.
Annual conference held
Diverse business partnerships
Organizes an annual supplier diversity conference focused on expanding opportunities for diverse business partnerships.
Company-wide DEI strategy focused on workforce development, inclusive culture, community support, customer engagement, and diverse supplier partnerships.
16 employee-led resource groups fostering professional development and cultural awareness.
Active REACH employee resource group addressing the needs and well-being of employees with disabilities.
Mentorship opportunities through Disability:IN’s NexGen Leaders program.