Category Manager (intermediate or senior)

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 $100 million per year. Responsible for procuring various Design-Build, construction services, engineered equipment, software, engineering services, commodities, construction project resource requirements and indirect services 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 services and material supply chain models, interfaces and communicates with technical subject matter experts and managers, manages inventory levels, 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 employees in support of high quality, timely, and cost-effective resource acquisition activities.

This position will report in office on a hybrid schedule and can be based out of PPL's offices located in either Allentown, PA or Providence, RI (preferably Allentown, PA)

This position may be hired at the Intermediate or Senior Category Manager level & will be determined based on the successful candidate's experience, education & background.

Responsibilities below reflect those of the Intermediate level. Additional or varying responsibilities may be included for different levels of the Category Manager position.

• Develop negotiation strategies and company positions on complex (multi-million dollar) contracts, work with Office of General Counsel 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.
• Manage 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 Policies.
• Support complex capital projects (such as substation 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 Operations. Determine and maintain appropriate stocking levels (dollars or number of items), and identify the necessary warehousing locations, while at the same time, reducing PPL's inventory carrying costs.
• Be the corporate expert for assigned category, and know the market drivers, supplier base, emerging technologies, regulatory factors, category spend by supplier, inventory, supplier, and fill rate performance. Exhibit ownership of the entire supply chain for assigned category from cradle to grave.
• This position is authorized to award contracts up to $3,000,000 on any individual procurement before requiring additional management review.
• Acts as primary liaison to suppliers within assigned category.
• May be assigned an 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.
• The company reserves the right to determine if this position will be assigned to work on-site, remotely, or a combination of both. Assigned work location may change. In the case of remote work, physical presence in the office/on-site may be required to engage in face-to-face interaction and coordination of work among direct reports and co-workers.
• All other duties and projects as assigned

Intermediate Category Manager - Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, supply chain, or related field or 5 years related experience.
• Minimum of 2 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.

Senior Category Manager - Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, supply chain, or related field or 8 years related experience.
• Minimum of 5 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 Electric and Gas Utility supply chain (Distribution and/or Transmission and Substations).
• Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M) or Certified Professional in Supply Management (C.P.S.M). or other Supply Chain Certification.
• 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.
• Proven project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.