Senior Specialist, Electrical Distribution

Location: Houston, TX, 77002

About the Role

CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. Our vision is to become the most admired utility in the United States through the execution of our long-term growth strategy. We have an unwavering commitment to safely and reliably deliver electricity and natural gas to millions of people.

The Sourcing Specialist is responsible for the development, implementation, and management of company-wide supply chain strategies/sourcing plans for assigned commodities/services consistent with Corporate and Departmental policies and procedures. This role involves awareness of market and industry trends, corporate risk tolerance, quality and completeness of scope of work statements, market pricing, quality and delivery requirements, and other factors.

The Sourcing Specialist drives down total cost of ownership and contributes to the performance and profitability of the Company using supply chain expertise to deliver value through complete, effective market research, supplier strategy development, negotiation strategy planning, and effective contract/order writing and management.

The role requires interfacing and negotiating with vendors, internal clients, lawyers, accountants, auditors, and insurance agents to achieve total overall value for the Company. Strong communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage strategies and plans to support the supply chain process for assigned commodities/services consistent with corporate and department policies and procedures.
• Research and develop a working knowledge of the assigned commodities/services, including how they are made, rendered, specification requirements, and how they are used by the Company.
• Research and analyze inventory consumption data, inventory levels, work order requirements, outstanding delivery orders, and provide recommendations for ordering, supply chain process consideration, and/or improvement.
• Ensure end-user requirements are satisfied, develop change management activities, promote end-user adoption, provide training, and monitor end-user satisfaction and needs.
• Ensure quality, stable supply of materials/services, monitor timeliness of deliveries/performance, and identify patterns.
• Assess and implement various methods of inventory (e.g., consignment or self-inventory) and requirements forecasting (MRP).
• Work with clients to formulate and define the scope and objective of purchases.
• Provide expertise to ensure that Service Level Agreements meet the needs of the end-user client area.
• Identify and pursue opportunities to lower the total cost of goods and services to enhance total enterprise cost of ownership; provide supply planning and analysis; and conduct supplier performance and relationship management.
• Acquire and manage procurements; provide appropriate materials, supplies, and services for day-to-day requirements, as well as emergent work, overhauls, and projects; focus on strategic procurement while conducting complex negotiations under aggressive time demands.
• Monitor, prepare, and present findings on important industry trends or abnormalities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Computer Science, or other related discipline.
• In lieu of a degree, a combination of education and related experience totaling eight (8) years (each year of applicable college = 1 year, each year of applicable work experience = 0.5 year).
• Minimum of five (5) years of direct experience as a Sourcing Specialist with advanced proficiency in the essential duties/responsibilities of that role.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in a similar or related role.

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Paid training
• Benefits eligibility begins on your first day
• Transit subsidies
• Flexible work schedule, paid holidays, and paid time off
• Access to discounts at fitness clubs and an on-site wellness center at our headquarters in Houston
• Professional growth and development programs, including tuition reimbursement
• 401(k) Savings Plan featuring a company match dollar-for-dollar up to 6% and a company contribution of 3% regardless of your contribution

Schedule

Full Time