Senior Procurement Specialist

The Senior Procurement Specialist manages the sourcing of goods, services, and projects while continuously identifying and implementing opportunities to lower total cost of ownership. This position performs services on high level capital and expense categories or may manage a category of goods and services spend between $100 and $175M per year. This position is expected to make a contribution to meeting company total cost of ownership reduction goals.

• Prepare bid packages, statement of work documents, and requests (RFP/RFI) according to specifications and business requirements while supporting business with all commercial needs including dispute resolution and contract interpretation .
• Build, lead, and maintain development of sourcing strategies from project identification through close-out including alternative sourcing options.
• Drive use of spend analytics and market research in order to develop profiles for assigned category(s).
• Drive collaborative relationships with business, state leadership and business operations management in order to gather feedback, understand issues, recognize opportunities, and influence category strategies
• Drive development of KPI’s for both supplier and category performance while using subject matter expertise and supplier industry knowledge to establish "should cost" models, identify opportunities, and drive supplier negotiations.
• Lead cross functional teams to develop and implement category and supplier initiatives resulting in process efficiencies, total cost of ownership (TCO) savings in line with business goals
• Build and maintain Supplier/Contractor relationships with the objective of reducing total costs, increasing productivity, and eliminating inefficiencies in the supply chain.
• Negotiate complex commercial agreements within assigned categories in partnership with internal stakeholders, including legal and risk departments.

Nimble learning

• Extensive knowledge and experience in Microsoft Office Products
• Experience analyzing industry trends and conditions to inform sourcing strategies
• CPM or CPSM preferred - Other supply chain certifications a plus
• Travel Required 10-20%
• Analytical problem-solving skills to produce best product/service at lowest total cost of ownership within required time frames.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in written presentation form.
• Experience negotiating commercial terms and conditions.
• Business acumen to analyze commercial business, procurement issues and risk management issues with continuous improvement mindset.
• Ability to work in a collaborative team environment within Supply Chain and with other internal stakeholders.
• Ability to work on multiple assignments effectively.
• Knowledge of relevant supply markets and understanding of sources of supply market intelligence.
• Minimum 4 years’ of procurement or category management experience Utility procurement experience a plus
• Active State Driver's License required with the ability to pass a motor vehicle report
• Experience working in matrixed organizations
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Finance, Engineering or related disciplines or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Understanding of Lean / Six Sigma concepts and tools
• If hired for position with oversight for capital projects, 3 years experience in capital project procurement (preferably within water/wastewater industry) required.
• Minimum 6 years’ total work experience
• Knowledge and ability to utilize e-procurement tools effectively.
• Knowledge of sourcing strategies, and methodologies related to goods and services procurement.
• Knowledge of SAP (Preferred)

People are the heart of our business. As an American Water employee, you will be offered a competitive salary and health benefits package, along with opportunities to develop, grow, and evolve your career. Our benefits packages focus on key areas such as health & wellness, emotional & well-being, and savings for current & future goals.

• Indoor Office Environment.
• Hybrid work schedule 3 days in the office 2 days offsite.