Procurement Sourcing Specialist

Talen Energy is one of the largest competitive energy and power generation companies in North America, offering employees a generous and progressive array of compensation, benefits, and growth opportunities.

About the role

This position supports Talen's fossil power plants located in Lawrenceburg, Indiana; Darby Township, Ohio; and Waterford, Ohio. The Sourcing Specialist may be based at or near one of the plants or in Columbus, Ohio, and will support all three facilities virtually with occasional day travel. The role involves managing the acquisition of a wide variety of corporate requirements and issuing contractual commitments on behalf of the company.

Responsibilities

• Work with Talen’s Legal Department to identify and incorporate appropriate levels of commercial protection and conduct negotiations to achieve optimal business results.
• Perform supply chain and logistics functions, including material procurement (standard and made-to-order parts), production planning, inventory control, outsourcing, vendor selection, and distribution.
• Analyze and develop the company’s position on claims and disputes; consult with senior management to resolve/negotiate complex procurement-related issues.
• Manage the procurement process from specification/definition of need through issuing a purchase order/contract.
• Evaluate sources of supply and develop optimal pricing methodology, warranty, and product/service performance requirements.
• Utilize strategic sourcing methods (RFP, RFQ, alliance, auction, blanket, contract, master service agreement, purchase order) to acquire products and services at maximum savings.
• Identify new sources of supply and potentially acceptable new products/technologies.
• Establish and maintain professional relationships with suppliers/partners based on ethical business practices.
• Analyze and evaluate inventory levels to determine appropriate stocking levels and warehousing locations while reducing inventory carrying costs.
• Interact with all levels of plant personnel, including plant managers and their direct staff, with strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Observe all plant and site safety rules and protocols.

Requirements

• 1 to 3 years of materials and/or services buying experience.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Must be able to interpret internal or external business issues and recommend solutions/best practices.
• Ability to solve complex problems.
• Must be able to work independently, with guidance in only the most complex situations.
• Must embody the Company’s Vision, Mission, and Values.
• Off-hour, after-hour, and weekend availability as necessary under certain circumstances.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Experience in electric utility buying (generation, substation).
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and databases.
• Strong negotiation and analytical skills.
• Effective written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated problem-assessment and problem-solving skills.
• Strong customer service focus, with ability to build credibility with internal clients and external suppliers.
• Market knowledge of products, equipment, and services.
• Basic knowledge of business law, commercial terms and conditions, and related legal issues.
• Fundamental understanding of industrial machinery and equipment, and the general maintenance required to keep them running reliably and safely.

Location

This position supports Talen's plants in Lawrenceburg, Indiana; Darby Township, Ohio; and Waterford, Ohio. The role may be based at or near one of the plants or in Columbus, Ohio, with the opportunity to work partially remote. Occasional day travel (10-25%) may be required.

Physical Requirements

• Work is primarily sedentary in nature; no special physical demands are required.
• Work is primarily performed in an office setting that is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated.

Eligibility: Must be at least 18 years of age and legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship for employment visa status now or in the future.