Lead Category Manager

Description

• Maintains complete knowledge of Company’s Information Classification policy and the New Technology Approval process to be able to advise proponents on how to appropriately classify and protect company information. Works with Legal and IT security to secure company data via commercial documents when it is in the possession of a vendor.
• Support complex capital projects (such as substation, gas pipe line construction, and line construction) by working with the project management team to develop the contracting strategy, project plan, identify required resources, acquire necessary equipment and services, and manage contract performance.
• Perform market analysis and financial analysis to determine business risk associated with a supplier or contract. Mitigate risk as necessary by using hedges for foreign currency, pursuing performance and payment bonds, or obtaining parental guarantees.
• Analyze and develop company position on claims and disputes, and subsequently consult with senior management to resolve/negotiate claims and disputes associated with complex procurements.
• Lead the supply chain process from specification/definition of need through contract administration and investment recovery. Evaluate sources of supply and develop optimal pricing methodology, warranty, and product/service performance requirements. Determine and utilize the most strategic supply chain model to acquire the necessary products and services at the maximum level of savings.
• Acts as primary liaison to suppliers within assigned Category. Leads contract management activities, including conducting internal end user meetings to assess vendor performance; developing vendor performance scorecards as appropriate for the good or service; conducting and leading routinely scheduled vendor performance review meetings with critical vendors.
• Develop negotiation strategies and company positions on complex (multi-million dollar) contracts, work with Office of General Counsel Legal or Risk Management Departments to identify and incorporate appropriate levels of commercial protection, and conduct negotiations to achieve the optimal business results for the company.
• 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 Standards of Integrity and PPL's Supply Chain Polices.
• Be the corporate expert for assigned Categories and know the market drivers, supplier base, emerging technologies, regulatory factors, categories spend by supplier, inventory, supplier and fill rate performance. Exhibit ownership of the entire supply chain for assigned Categories from cradle to grave.
• Analyze and evaluate the levels of inventory in support of Electric and Gas Utilities. Determine and maintain appropriate stocking levels ($$$ or # of items), and identify the necessary warehousing locations, while at the same time reducing LKE’s or PPL's inventory carrying costs.

Requirements

• Experience in Gas and/or Electric Utility supply chain (Natural Gas Facilities, Distribution and/or Transmission and Substations). Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.) or Certified Professional in Supply Management (C.P.S.M.). Background in Lean, Six Sigma, or similar process improvement models.
• Supply Chain and market knowledge of products, equipment, and services.
• Demonstrated problem assessment and problem-solving skills.
• Strong customer service focus supporting an operating company, with ability to build credibility with internal clients and external suppliers.
• Basic knowledge of business law, commercial terms and conditions, and related legal issues.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Effective written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills. Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and databases.
• Strong negotiation and analytical skills.
• Minimum of 8 years of logistics, materials, or services buying experience.

Benefits

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance