Lead Category Manager

The purpose of this job is to manage the supply chain for a wide variety of corporate requirements and issue contractual commitments with an estimated value of up to $200 million per year. This position will support PPL business functions in KY, PA and RI as assigned.  Responsible for procuring EPC, EPCM, construction services, engineered equipment, engineering services, commodities, software/hardware, professional services, managed services for temporary labor, industrial services and construction project resource requirements on a best evaluated total cost of ownership basis, and assuring quality and schedule compliance in accordance with the end user's requirements. This position determines contract models and strategies, determines material supply chain models, interfaces, communicates with technical subject matter experts and executives, manages inventory, administers contracts, conducts negotiations, performs market/price/financial analysis, develops supplier relationships, tracks and manages supplier performance, and drives continuous improvement and productivity with suppliers and customers. This position is an experienced professional that works independently with minimal supervision and may provide guidance and direction to other PPL or LKE employees in support of high quality, timely and cost-effective resource acquisition activities.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• May be assigned an LKE or PPL Electric Utilities emergency and storm role. This is a special assignment that comes into play during storms and other emergencies when the company needs to restore power or respond to other issues affecting customer service. This role may necessitate the need to work after-hours, outside of your normal schedule.
• 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.
• All other duties and projects as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

Education

Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, supply chain, or related field.

Required Experience:

• Minimum of 8 years of logistics, materials, or services buying experience.
• Supply Chain and market knowledge of products, equipment, and services.
• Basic knowledge of business law, commercial terms and conditions, and related legal issues.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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.
• Strong negotiation and analytical skills.
• Effective written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills. Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and databases.
• 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.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.