Assists in driving Sourcing and Procurement initiatives by working closely with business owners and internal Procurement team members. Works closely with team to implement solutions to ensure Procurement requirements and Compliance policies are met. Performs analysis and research to identify spend data trends; convert analysis into an action plan to support procurement processes. Processes may include assist in the creation of purchase requisitions and purchase orders, vendor spend analysis, RFx, financial risk assessments, tax and insurance requirement reviews, compliance initiatives or ad-hoc requests. Extensive interaction with internal business units expected, to identify problems, analyze information, and develop and implement solutions consistent with our business strategies.
Essential Duties & Functions:
Manage respective supplier relationships (MRC Global, construction and engineering vendors) and performance, including but not limited to dispute resolution.
Lead the effort to standardize the procurement and management of materials across all of SJI-U's gas companies.
Clearly, communicate project specs and requirements to potential vendors, and coordinate with them regarding project follow-up, timelines, troubleshooting, communication of terms & agreements, standards and testing requirements.
Manage the long-term relationships with selected key strategic suppliers to form deep, mutually benefitting partner relationships and understanding.
Facilitate communication among suppliers to ensure relationships are delivering their ongoing and intended (optimal) value; supplier diversity.
Help drive contract negotiation and management, including drafting agreements according to standard or non-standard services in conjunction with contract team; reviewing counter changes from counter party and approving or rejecting with input from Legal; and securing approval from appropriate signatories before validating and publishing.
Updates, verifies and publishes contract content in the Contract Management Systems (CMS) and serves as a source of knowledge regarding company contracts policy, templates, and procedures.
Support purchasing terms compliance, including providing necessary contract guidelines.
Develop key performance measures for chosen suppliers and negotiate on multiple variables to award longer-term strategic contracts that result in significant cost reduction and improved service levels.
Qualifications & Experience:
Bachelor's degree preferred or 8 years of supply management experience, with demonstrated leadership
Minimum 2-3 years of general experience in utilities industry preferred.
At least 3 years of experience in procurement or comparable valuable experience from other areas such as, construction and materials management.
Capable of managing variety of supplier relationships
Ability to work across a cross-functional site and organization
Strong communication skills, oral and written
Excellent computer skills with ability to work in diverse applications