Analysis Skills, Business Administration, Business Law, Change Management, Communication Skills, Contract Analysis, Contract Creation, Contract Management, Contract Negotiation, Customer Relations, Interpersonal Skills, Leadership, Legal, Mentoring, Natural Gas, Negotiation Skills, Operational Strategy, Power Generation, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Problem Solving Skills, Process Improvement, Procurement Management, Procurement Strategy, Project/Program Management, Purchasing/Procurement, Risk, Risk Management, Sales, Software Licenses, Spreadsheets, Strategic Planning, Supply Chain, Time Management, Training Program, Training/Teaching, Vendor/Supplier Evaluation, Vendor/Supplier Management, Writing Skills
The procurement contract manager is responsible for the development and implementation of a robust contract creation process including negotiation, peer review, legal review, business unit review, document retention and reporting. This role is responsible to meet the operational and strategic contracting and procurement needs of Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company and its affiliates. The contract manager will also develop and present training on the contracting process.
The procurement contract manager will also have other procurement responsibilities including completing assigned, high-visibility contract events, helping facilitate cross company aggregation efforts, assisting business unit customers in resolving contractual supplier issues, and other assigned special projects. This includes analysis of current contract terms and conditions, supplier contract performance, contract negotiations and timely contract completion of the contracting process and cycle.
This position will ensure value is being obtained from vendor contracts as assigned and that the completed contracts are negotiated to the fullest advantage given the companys size and bargaining position and use. This position will also ensure that risk exposure is minimized throughout the contract period.
MidAmerican Energy Company, a Midwest utility, provides regulated electric and natural gas service to more than 1.6 million customers in Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota. The company owns and operates a portfolio of power-generating assets, approximately 61% of which is wind generation.
Requirements
Bachelors degree in business administration, law, or related field or equivalent experience. (Typically four years of related, progressive work experience would be needed for candidates applying for this position who do not possess a bachelors degree.) Law background preferred.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage the review and approval of supply chain staff contracts by administering the peer review process.
- Create and manage a contract training program including the training of new procurement and contract specialists and periodic refresher sessions for new or updated contract processes. (30%)
- Serve as the principal resource to lead, mentor, and improve the contract acumen and operational excellence of the department through development and enhancement of the contracting process including policies, and procedures, that support the supply chain, compliance, and risk mitigation needs of the company business units. Collaborate with legal in the development and maintenance of contract language. (25%)
- Coordinate and/or lead assigned high-level contract events. Collaborate with business units to enhance the communication on expiring contracts and develop strategies focusing on setting strategy collaboratively with the business unit. (25%)
- Coordinate the supplier contract management process with internal supply chain personnel, business units, and suppliers. Responsible for document storage, updating contract templates, communication on contract process changes and supplier performance concerns. (15%)
- Communicate with senior management and business units to assure that commodity and service contracts are updated, improved, and replaced as required. (5%)
- Perform additional responsibilities as requested or assigned. (0%-5%)
Skills and Qualifications
- Strong knowledge of basic contract legal terminology and negotiation tactics.
- Preference for knowledge in utility terms, technology contracts (software licensing, SaSS, etc.), material term standards, and PII risk.
- Strong influencing skills to negotiate and persuade; to sell and lead opinion and to effectively drive and manage change.
- Advanced leadership skills to lead and guide individuals toward accomplishment of goals.
- Well-developed critical thinking, analytical, problem-solving, decision-making, and project management skills to optimize resources and achieve consistent, high-quality results.
- Strong knowledge of contracting methodologies, utility company assets, equipment, systems, functions, and major vendors.
- Strong negotiation skills.
- Software skills to create electronic spreadsheets, documents, and databases.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, including presentation skills.
- Effective interpersonal skills and customer relationship skills.
- Effective analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
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Berkshire Hathaway Energy Co